Release: March 2nd 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Indiebound
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“Mitchell James Kaplan [brings] his impressive knowledge of history, composition, and the heart’s whims to bear on this shining rendition of Swift and Gershwin’s star-crossed love.” —Therese Anne Fowler, New York Timesbestselling author of Z and A Good Neighborhood
One evening in 1924, Katharine “Kay” Swift—the restless but loyal society wife of wealthy banker James Warburg and a serious pianist who longs for recognition—attends a concert. The piece: Rhapsody in Blue. The composer: a brilliant, elusive young musical genius named George Gershwin.
Kay is transfixed, 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, for fans of The Paris Wife and Loving Frank, 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.
About the Author:
Mitchell James Kaplan graduated with honors from Yale University, where he won the Paine Memorial Prize for Best Long-Form Senior Essay submitted to the English Department. His first mentor was the author William Styron.
After college, Kaplan lived in Paris, France, where he worked as a translator, then in Southern California, where he worked as a screenwriter and in film production.
He lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with his family and two cats.
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Rhapsody Review:
I loved “Rhapsody” for its historical details, captivating characters, and whirlwind romance.
Firstly, I applaud the author for the number of details added. As a fan of the golden age of cinema, I LOVED all the references the author makes to pop culture during that time. There were so many beautiful moments of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Alfred A. Knoph, Dick Rodgers, and many more. I felt like I was reliving the era with the characters. Moreover, the author seamlessly blends the details into the storyline, which made this a memorable experience. Furthermore, I didn’t even know about Kay Swift (the real-life person) until I read this story, which made me enjoy it even more.
The characters are mesmerizing and larger than life. Katherine, George, and Jimmy stand out in their roles, and I love something about each of them. Katherine was the most complex because my feelings for her gravitated. At times, I loved her aspirations and ambitions. Sometimes, I felt terrible for how her relationships failed, but at other times, I got frustrated for her going back into the same loop. Jimmy and George have contrasting personalities but share similar traits when it comes to Katherine. However, I did root for Jimmy because he seemed to become a better person once he found out about Kay and George.
Moreover, the author provides a few shocking twists, like the scenes with Dr. Zilbooy or how her daughter April gets angry at Kay. Also, the author adds exciting discussions about slavery, war, and racism. These gave the story a personal touch with exciting perspectives on how people perceived it back in the day.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “Rhapsody” and feel it is one of the best contemporary historical novels surrounding the music industry.
Giveaway:
We have 2 paperback copies of Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan up for grabs!
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
Great review, Rajiv! Thank you so much for hosting Mitchell’s tour!
Amy
HF Virtual Book Tours