I reviewed a different type of book this week. A biography of sorts and a definite stretch for me. While I was more interested in the love story aspect, I was introduced to the birth of Jazz, a wealth of music greats, and their impact on our music today.
Set in NYC from 1917 to 1937, this book is a love story of sorts, but not one you would expect. Read on my my thoughts.
Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan
Publisher : Gallery Books (March 2, 2021)
ISBN-13 : 978-1982104009
ABOUT:
When Katharine “Kay” Swift—the restless but loyal society wife of wealthy banker James Warburg and a serious pianist who longs for recognition—attends a performance of Rhapsody in Blue by a brilliant, elusive young musical genius named George Gershwin, her world is turned upside down. Transfixed, she’s helpless to resist the magnetic pull of George’s talent, charm, and swagger. Their ten-year love affair, complicated by her conflicted loyalty to her husband and the twists and turns of her own musical career, ends only with George’s death from a brain tumor at the age of thirty-eight.
Set in Jazz Age New York City, this stunning work of fiction explores the timeless bond between two brilliant, strong-willed artists. George Gershwin left behind not just a body of work unmatched in popular musical history, but a woman who loved him with all her heart, knowing all the while that he belonged not to her, but to the world.
Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan Review
This book is not what I was expecting at all but it is one that grabbed my interest and kept me engaged. This is a story of love – a love of music and what your passions can do to you and for you.
The first part of this story is humorous and fun. I loved Katharine and Jimmy with their light-hearted, wise banter and discovery of life together. But soon they changed. Kathleen was focused on her music and Jimmy focused on his career that often had him travelling for months at a time. They grew apart for a time and when they met George Gershwin, their lives were changed completely.
A brilliant force in New York City, Gershwin shaped Broadway and the music scene in such a way the ripple effect is still recognizable today. Katharine became enamored by him as he affected not only her soul but her music as well. She became Kay and she became the woman behind the man.
The song writing collaborations between Kay and Jimmy in the earlier years, and Kay along with George later on will have you singing along as you recognize the music they made famous and the people that made an impact in music, in Hollywood, and on Broadway. Packed with names yet to be made famous in this rising star story, it is filled with behind the scenes history along with a bit of literary license.
While Kay changed and became another woman I did not really care for, she was definitely someone that needed to be showcased for her talents and impact. Kay’s dedication and love for Gershwin cost her greatly. Kaplan has given her the Broadway stars that she did not receive in her lifetime.
A toe-tapping read that sweeps you to another time and enamors you with glitter and glitz of the up and coming Jazz Age in the 1920’s. Kaplan writes in such a manner that you cannot help but raise a toast.
4 STARS
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.
2 thoughts on “Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan: Review”
I almost never comment on readers’ reviews, but yours is highly intelligent and sensitive and I want to applaud you. I’m sorry you didn’t find in Rhapsody the story you were looking for. You’re right, though: it is not a typical feel-good love story. Which is not to say, I hope, that it is not a love story or that it lacks passion. My two cents: life is complex.
Thank you, Sir. I appreciate the comments. I agree. Life is complex and your storytelling showcases one who’s story needed to be told and it is a story that shows her passion. As we all know, love is not always a feel good story! Thank you for this book. While it wasn’t what I expected but still enjoyed, (selfish of me…. Authors don’t write just for me…), it is one that that millions of others will embrace! Kudos to you and best of luck with your publication!