The Unexpected Diva

A Novel

De: Tiffany L. Warren

Narrado por: Robin Miles

"Beautifully crafted and captivating.This triumphant tale is sure to be an instant classic."--Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Personal Librarian

"How do we not all know the name of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield? The story of this brilliant singer—a Black woman born enslaved who performed both sides of the Atlantic in the years before and during the Civil War—is finally given its just due." --Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The First Ladies

Before 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 listeners.

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.

©2025 Tiffany Warren (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Her knowledge of her purpose and her presence in society

I liked the black swans stance on things she had a grace that didn’t show weakness. She knew what and who she wanted and stood her ground. Her respect toward others who work for her. I could hear her sing through the story. Excellent story.

AMAZING

This historical master piece was well written and very informative even though it is a work of fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I would love to hear more from this author especially the story of Willam Dubois’ daughter. Thanks Ms. Warren. 👏🏽

Thoughtful

Great read. The voice overs were perfect. Would have loved to hear more about the racism encountered and hardships endured.

cultural groundbreakers

I found this book to be not only entertaining but informative. I knew nothing about the actual person the book was based on. This book introduced me to her and I'm always pleased to learn more about groundbreakers in the culture.

Beautiful Story

A comprehensive historical fiction account of a real life lady who was gifted musically. It you enjoy historical fiction this is the book for you.

Interesting Story

I knew absolutely nothing about the Black Swan until listening to this audiobook and now that I’ve finished it, I sincerely feel like I’m so much more aware of who she was and all that she had to endure based on the environment in which she lived. She definitely held her own, and did not tolerate ignorance nor racism. She was an independent thinker who made her mark on the world and would not accept adversity. I love the narrator Robin Miles and have also enjoyed her performance of Harlem Rhapsody, along with several other books I’ve purchased. Definitely listen to this one! 🥰👍🏼👍🏼

Remarkable Women Largely Forgotten

I appreciate the author for bringing this remarkable woman to life! The story of how a Black woman existed in these times is largely unimaginable. The author admirably Incorporated the available research to imagine and create Eliza’s character.

We know that many if not most noteworthy women have been forgotten. This invisible history is especially true for Black Women. Now more than ever, we need their stories.

The narrator has a lovely voice. The story about Eliza‘s voice requires a stellar narrator like this one.

Thank you for enlarging my world! Eliza joins my coterie of.Goddesses.

Fearless

She commanded any room that she stepped foot in. Classy, honest, true to self. Every woman should wish to have the courage that Eliza has.

I listened abd read at the same time so to have voice to the Black Swan made it all the best! Felt like I was there!

Loved the story and am a huge fan of historical fiction so this was such a delight to listen and sometimes read along!

Such a well written book. I could not stop listening to it.

I have never heard of the main character and her story captured my attention right away. I also really enjoyed the narrator. Her voice was very appropriate throughout the whole entire story. This is by far one of my favorite books.