The Diva's Daughter

Thank you NetGalley and The Book Guild for this eCopy to review. I’m always drawn to historical fiction that mixes music, politics, and personal growth and The Diva’s Daughter is a deeply moving tale set against the cultural and political upheaval of 1930s Europe. 🎶 Plot Summary In 1932 Munich and Vienna, eighteen-year-old Angelika Eder aspires to follow in her world-famous mother’s footsteps as an opera singer. But after her mother’s tragic death and a scandal that rocks their family, Angelika is forced to relocate from Vienna to Munich amidst rising Nazi influence. When she earns a place at a prestigious Viennese music school, she sees a path back to her dreams. Yet the Nazis pressure her to lend her voice to their propaganda, putting her artistic ambitions and moral convictions in direct conflict. Angelika must choose: stay silent and safe, or risk everything to stand for her beliefs. 🎼What I Loved Most Rich historical backdrop: The juxtaposition of Vienna’s cultural vibrancy with Munich’s growing political tension is beautifully drawn. Compelling protagonist: Angelika’s journey from grief to courage is beautifully portrayed. Moral complexity: The moral dilemmas over art, politics, and sanctity of one’s voice feel deeply real and gripping. Atmospheric detail: The opera scenes and music-school life transport you into the heart of 1930s Europe. 🎹 Final Thoughts: The Diva’s Daughter is ideal for fans of Kate Quinn, Paula McLain, and Anna Castel, particularly those drawn to stories about artists standing up to oppression. It’s a powerful, evocative tale of legacy, courage, and the cost of remaining true to one’s art and self.

Angelika is an aspiring opera singer, but it’s also 1930s Munich and the threat of the Nazis is ever present. I enjoyed that this was more a story of her personal journey, of how one might go about their training in both Munich and Vienna at the time, with the shadow of Hitler looming but not the sole focus of the story. Although it does of course loom quite darkly in many places! I’d be interested to read on, if in fact there is a sequel to this, as it felt like a lot of seeds were being sown for the future. It was also interesting to read a book set in the early 30s where a lot of people were just trying to go about their lives (eg. Lotte) as per usual whilst ignoring all the politics going on. If it didn’t affect you then it was very easy in those early days to turn a blind eye! My only gripe was the over abundance of the word “sweetheart”! You know when a kid learns a new word and uses it at every possible opportunity? That’s what that started to feel like. Sounds like a small gripe but it really started to grate on me before even halfway!

The Diva’s Daughter by Heather Walrath is a debut historical fiction novel that transports readers to the tumultuous 1930s Vienna & Munich where the political world is fraught with the rising power of the Nazis under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. The novel is a coming of age story in a way that follows an aspiring opera singer who wants to continue to honour her late mother’s legacy but is constantly hounded by the unrelenting pull of the Nazis, who want to use her voice as a propaganda weapon to fuel their political agenda. The Diva’s Daughter reminds readers that our voices are the most powerful weapon we have to repel the unwantedness in the world. Thank you to the author & their publisher The Book Guild via NetGalley for an opportunity to read this as an eARC in advance. Novel was released November 28, 2025. All opinions are my own.

gorgeous book with some fantastic plotting and impeccable vibes. the protagonist is such an effective character too. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Great read! I liked how the opera storyline was woven into the 1930s Germany setting, where everyone in the story was affected by the rise of Hitler.