"We artists are powerless against our passions."
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I've played piano since I was a child and hold multiple degrees in the subject. I've always had a soft spot for the works of George Gershwin, a composer and performer who bridged the gap between classical and popular music at the start of the 20th century. His ability to mix elements of jazz within the more traditional sounds of an orchestra allowed his works to transcend time and place. His famous Rhapsody in Blue is still played in concert halls today. I'd bet that even if you've never heard of the composer or his music, you'd recognize the shrill exuberance of the opening clarinet solo from that piece in an instant. When author Mitchell James Kaplan offered me a copy of his latest novel Rhapsody, I was excited to read this historical fiction based upon one of my favorite subjects.
The novel is centered around Kay Swift, a renowned composer and pianist in her own right. We meet her just as she's heard George Gershwin's new piece Rhapsody in Blue for the first time. The raucous performance is quite the departure from the sounds her classically trained ears are tuned to admire, but she can't deny the appeal of the music. Days later, Kay finds herself still thinking about the piece, even using her perfect pitch to play the bits of the piano part that she remembers. The exhilaration she finds in this music allows her mind to wander a bit from the doldrums of being a woman of high society. Kay studied music at the college that would one day become known as Julliard and played in a trio that gained quite the acclaim among the New York social circle. These days, her musical endeavors are somewhat of an afterthought. Kay dutifully supports her husband and attends the very parties she used to entertain.
Kay's relationship with her husband has always been one built from expectation rather than love. She married the man from a prominent family and set off on fulfilling the life that was expected of her. Kay knows her husband strays from their marriage when he travels. In fact, the couple has agreed it is in their best interest to seek the lust of others. Kay doesn't act on this arrangement until she catches the attention of Gershwin. What starts as an infatuation over music soon turns into a full-on affair. For Kay, this relationship is the chance at the kind of happiness she's only dreamed of having, a bond that intertwines passion for the arts with devotion to each other. But George sees things a bit differently. He's still a prominent man in an age where parties and excess are the norms. Kay's sense of loyalty wavers between two men, both of who seem keen on not returning the fidelity.
In Rhapsody Mitchell James Kaplan draws on the rich musical and cultural history of the Jazz Age to inform his brilliant fiction. He sticks mostly to the facts, only turning to fiction to imagine the dialogue between characters and slightly alter dates to keep the narrative flowing. From the opening chapter, I was drawn in by the rich descriptions of the music. Kaplan's ability to express the sounds of the time through written words helps to place the reader directly into the same rooms as the characters. We are enveloped by the sights and sounds. Once placed into this point in history, it is the characters who propel us through the story. The complex relationship between Kay Swift and her lover George Gershwin is brought to life through Kaplan's carefully drawn narrative, paving the way for an emotional connection to a story that until now has only lived in the history books. I was completely captivated by Rhapsody. Kaplan has written a radiant homage to a bygone era, a love letter to music and the people who create it.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2021, 10)
I love Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue! But I've never read a book about him, or anyone connected to his life. I'm trying to read more historical fiction this year, and I think you just added a book to my list. :D
ReplyDeleteThis one is definitely worth a read!
DeleteThat sounds like an interesting book. Probably not one for me though.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think I enjoyed it because of my background in music.
DeleteI love Rhapsody in Blue and can even remember the first time I heard it as a child. Even so, I think I would be more drawn the the relationships in this one rather than the musical aspect. (Even though the relationship are complicated and not necessarily fulfilling.) I can see how your musical knowledge/background would make this one particularly interesting to you.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd really enjoy the complexities in this relationship, especially since you have a fond connection to the music that surrounds it!
DeleteI love that you are a musician! This really does sound like a great book. This is a really interesting time period and a very different kind of story.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the setting really adds something extra to this story!
DeleteThis is fiction but based on real life? I'm kind of feeling sad for Kay though lol
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
Yes, both Gershwin and Kay are real people who had a very real affair. This is just a fictionalized account of their relationship. It does draw heavily on actual documented events.
DeleteI love the concept for this book! My son has been playing piano for about two years now, and my daughter is about to start violin. My other daughter is still undecided, although my father-in-law suggested cello. I had no idea you were so musically inclined! :)
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
It sounds like you've got quite the ensemble forming in your family!
DeleteThis sounds a really interesting book, I think I’d need a playlist to go with it!
ReplyDeleteThat's actually a great idea!
DeleteThat's really cool that the author stuck as close to the facts as he could. Also, how awesome you're such a musical person!! I wish I could play an instrument or something - but ah well, I'll just appreciate from afar.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
There's nothing wrong with just being a listener haha
DeleteI wish I knew more about Gershwin -- this sounds just lovely!
ReplyDeleteHis music is definitely worth a listen if you aren't familiar with it!
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