e-Audio, 15:15:10
Narrated by: Robin Miles
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Published by: Harper Audio
Read from: January 31- February 4, 2025
Stand-alone
Source: Netgalley (I received a copy of this e-ALC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a just and honest review.)
Content Warning: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Cancer
For Readers Interested In: Historical Fiction, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Black History, Romance, Audio, Family Diversity, AdultBefore the Civil War, Black opera singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield reigned supreme on Northern stages—even performing at Buckingham Palace. Novelist Tiffany L Warren brings this remarkable but forgotten diva’s remarkable story to life for modern readers.
Born into slavery on a Mississippi plantation, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield has been raised in the safety of Philadelphia’s Quaker community by a wealthy adoptive mother. Sheltered and educated, Eliza’s happy childhood always included music lessons to nurture her unique gift: a glorious three octave singing voice that leaves listeners in awe. But on the eve of her twenty-fourth birthday, young Eliza’s world is thrown into a tailspin when her mother dies.
Eliza’s inheritance is contested by her mother’s white cousins, leaving her few options. She can marry her longtime beau, Lucien, though she has no desire to be a wife and mother. Or she can work as a tutor for rich families. Her mother’s dying wish was for Eliza to pursue her talent and become a professional singer, but that grand vision now seems out of reach.
When a chance performance on a steamboat to Buffalo, New York, leads to a surprising opportunity, fearless Eliza seizes her moment. Within a year she is touring America, singing to packed houses, and igniting controversy wherever she goes. In a country captivated by “the Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind, Eliza is billed by tour promoters as “the Black Swan.” An unlikely diva, Eliza is tall, dark-skinned, and robust of figure compared to the petite European prima donna, but even the harshest critics can’t deny Eliza’s extraordinary gift. Menaced by racist crowds, threatened by slave-catchers who kidnap free Black people, Eliza lives a public life full of risk, but one which also holds the promise of great riches, and the freedoms those buy.
From the churches of Philadelphia to Queen Victoria’s salon in Buckingham Palace, Eliza Greenfield will blaze her own path—with a voice that no listener will ever forget.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I have to say, no one was more shocked than me when I started this year only wanting to read historical fiction. Usually I am not one to go for that genre, but this year I’ve found some Black heroes that I’ve never heard of and I guess that’s all I’ve needed. It’s been so enlightening to find out about these heroes and heroines that I’ve only just found out about.
Ok so this heroine was a Black opera singer. I first found out about her in Harlem Rhapsody. There is a music company called the Black Swan which is what Elizabeth Greenfield’s nickname was. I remember when I read it, I went back and Googled her to find out more about her. And then when I Googled her I found out she had her own book. I immediately put it on hold from the library. And I got it just in time. So now that I’ve finished it, I’m left wondering how many other Black heroes and heroines have I not met yet?
The fact that I’ve never learned about The Black Swan upset me a little bit. Because what do you mean she was an Opera singer? And BEFORE THE CIVIL WAR?! That’s just crazy. I was so sad to hear that there weren’t any more recordings of her voice anywhere. I can’t help but to think that was on purpose. Anyway, I was really impressed by everything she did. So many people told her she couldn’t do something and to me that makes me want to do it more. I imagine it was the same for her because everyone in this book that didn’t think she could make it? Yeah she dropped them like a bad habit lmao And the fact that she started in Philadelphia and traveled all the way to Queen Victoria’s Buckingham Palace was just amazing. I just keep thinking about how she did all of this while Black. I know she was a free Black person, but it was still cool to see.
The thing I love about historical fiction tho is the stuff you learn about the people/places/things in the background. Like the whole P.T. Barnum thing and the Harriet Beecher Stowe thing. And I really would like to know if the way she got in touch with the people to be able to sing in front of Queen Elizabeth was actually true. It was so strange but also pretty cool.
Another thing I look for in historical fiction is the author’s voice. I loved Warren’s voice. She hadn’t heard her voice, but still was able to describe it and what it sounded like when she sang. And the drive and tenacity that she had to go against not only her family and loved ones, but also all the white people that didn’t want to see Black people do well.
This was a lot of fun to read. Not only did I learn something but I also just plain enjoyed it. I know this isn’t a name that everyone seems to know, but I hope you pick up this at least once during this Black History Month. Not only was it entertaining, but there is a lot to learn.
Overall, I give this
