Though I am no pianist, nor a talented musician - It was not hard to relate to the main character, even though I had fear I would find it difficult. Katherine is shown to be smartt and talented, not constantly described as smart and talented - which I LOVE. A lot of authors fall into the trap of telling you what a character is supposed to be, without any basis to prove it, and it’s lazy and boring. Katherine was definitely not.

It deals with important topics like sexism and expectations of women. It definitely is written for a more mature audience. But does not lose its appeal or importance if someone younger was reading it. It’s enjoyable, but can be limiting for some readers. I definitely found it hard to follow at times - but liked it.

I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC!

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

I love biographical fiction. It was a gateway for me into my favorite genre: historical fiction. So Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan was right up my alley.

The protagonist, Katherine Faulkner Swift, is an extraordinarily talented, classically trained pianist, who lives for her music. She does not come from wealth, but she moves in wealthy circles, primarily as a performer, providing background music for social events. It is at one such event that she meets James Warburg. The twenty-year-old son of a fabulously wealthy banker, “Jimmy” is a sensitive-seeming, handsome, ambitious charmer. Before long, they are an item. Despite his family’s objections, they marry.

Life as a society wife and mother is not satisfying for Katherine. She never wanted to be a mother. She misses performing. And worst of all, Jimmy is unfaithful. Repeatedly. He feeds her the tired excuse that it’s what men do, and none of the women mean anything to him. He even gives her permission to cheat, too.

Still, she isn’t looking to take a lover. Until she hears George Gershwin perform Rhapsody in Blue. She meets him. She falls hard. Her marriage (and children) become an encumbrance. If Jimmy has regrets, and it seems he does, too bad for him. She loves Gershwin with all her heart.

The book traces the course of Katherine’s life and her trials as Warburg’s wife and Gershwin’s lover. More than just lovers, they work together. They help one another reach greater musical heights. They inspire one another. However, there is always the sense that Katherine is more invested in the relationship than Gershwin. He, too, is unfaithful. Repeatedly and publicly. He claims he can’t commit because she’s married, but it’s pretty clear he’s glad she’s married so he has an excuse.

Katherine wants to compose music, and with George’s encouragement and connections, her career takes off. Along the way, she discovers that her husband has a talent for writing lyrics. They begin a musical collaboration as well. Because it wouldn’t do for James Warburg the banker and financial whiz to be known as a pop-song writer, they go by the pseudonyms Paul James and Kay Swift. (It is as Kay Swift that she is mostly known today.)

The novel is steeped in the music. I found myself jumping to youtube to listen to songs that are mentioned along the way. It is also steeped in early twentieth-century entertainment culture. Famous names are sprinkled throughout, grounding the story in its larger-than-life setting.

Despite the celebrity, the talent, the success, the extreme wealth, and the elaborate partying, the main characters, people who “have it all,” are fundamentally unhappy. The poignancy is that they recognize their selfishness but wallow in it rather than attempting to change. And, in the deft hand of this author, the novel succeeds because, despite their flaws, these are multi-dimensional, likeable characters.

You don’t have to be knowledgeable about early twentieth-century music to enjoy this novel. I certainly am not. But I found I was familiar with more of the tunes than I expected and the little bursts of recognition enhanced the reading experience.

If you enjoy Rhapsody, look for Kaplan’s previous novels, Into the Unbounded Night and By Fire, By Water.

This historical fiction piece, for me, was lyrical. Mitchell James Kaplan did a marvelous job painting a picture of 1920's jazzed out New York. As well as the affair between Kay Swift and George Gershwin. This tumultuous love story is something you'll want to read!

This is an entertaining piece of historical fiction about the elusive, musical genius George Gershwin and his ten year love affair with married socialite and mother of three, Katherine Swift. A relationship that endured until the untimely death of Gershwin at age thirty eight.
The year is 1924. Katherine a classically trained pianist and composer attends a concert by George Gershwin. As he plays ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ she is transformed, transfixed and amazed with his brilliance, the way he wears his songs and realizes that nothing will be the same. Her husband James Warburg is a womanizer and although loyal she longs to be with Gershwin.
The Upper West Side Katherine is known simply as Kay to the Lower East Side Gershwin. With his spark and zest for life, they will traverse the sights, sounds, streets and clubs of New York City. From Harlem rent parties to the Cotton Club, they are surrounded by a vast array of Jazz Age intellectuals and musicians; Ellington, Jolson, Hughes and Waller. Theirs is a story of love, attraction and always music.
Pardon the expression but the author does not miss a beat in this thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying novel. His prose sparkle and create an atmosphere that warrants a listen to Gershwin and provides a snapshot of the man his music and the woman behind it all.
Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with an interesting twist will be intrigued by this story of music and love. Set in the Jazz Age New York City, the book explores the brilliant yet doomed relationship between Kay Swift and George Gershwin. Although readers and music lovers no doubt have heard about George Gershwin, they may not be acquainted with Kay Swift, his lover and fellow musician. This book reveals an intriguing look at their troubled lives.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

It is 1924 and Kay Swift attends George Gershwin's concert and it changes the trajectory of her life. Even though she is married she finds it impossible to resist George's charm and charisma. They start an affair that lasts for ten years... through all the ups and downs of their music careers and her open marriage to her husband.

I enjoyed reading Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan - especially for the music scenes. Set in the Jazz Age, Rhapsody showcases music at its best and the lives of two well known lovers throughout their relationship.

#Rhapsody #NetGalley

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
This was very generic in its storyline and I couldn't connect with any of the characters involved.

Rhapsody was another great historical fiction book that I really knew next to nothing about the people involved. Of course, I have heard of George Gershwin, but I didn’t really know much about his life and hadn’t even heard of Kay Swift.

The novel covers the years (1920’s - 1930’s) of Gershwin’s life when he was paired with Kay (Katherine) Swift.

Kay is married to wealthy banker James Warburg, but they have grown apart, with James having dalliances on the side. She is a classically trained pianist, who becomes transfixed while listening to George Gershwin’s Rhapsody.

The collaboration between Kay and George is electric (both musically and romantically.)
I really do wish I wish that I had more musical knowledge. The description of what they were doing with the notes, the phrases the melodies, was all basically lost on me. But I understood enough to realize that what George was doing was something unique.

There was a lot going on in this novel. Between the music being played in Harlem, to the classical music to the love story between George and Kay. You get caught up in the whirlwind that was Kay’s life.

I received a free electronic version of this historical novel from Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book. This book was so interesting and exceeded my expectations. I am a fan of historical fiction; however, I am not necessarily a big fan of classical music or music composition and was a bit worried this book would seem dull. However, the author does a remarkable job of moving the story along and putting you right in the midst of NYC in the 20s and 30s. I did not know much about Gershwin going into this book and had not heard of Kay Swift or James Warburg. Their story, coupled with NYC jazz age, was fascinating. The story follows Kay and a background of her childhood through the 20s and 30s and her marriage to Jimmy Warburg and subsequent affair with Gershwin.

Courtesy of NetGalley I received the ARC of Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan. This beautifully written novel is both historical and lyrical in relating the story of the creative genius of George Gershwin and his complicated relationship with the talented composer Kay Swift. It was both fascinating and compelling to learn the history behind Gershwin's innovative compositions, I found myself tapping out the rhythms as I read.,even stopping to access and listen to recordings of the music.

Mitchell James Kaplan's Rhapsody transports us back to the 1920's to follow Kay Swift's life and love affair with George Gershwin. Kaplan brings the Jazz Era, Broadway, and New York City to life. I especially enjoyed Kay's encounters with other famous musicians many of whom shaped our history. It is clear that the author spent time researching the lives of the characters and events that took place in this historical fiction. I was drawn into Rhapsody from page one with the author's ability to send the reader back in time through his beautiful writing and storyline. I was anxious to see what Kay would do next. While I was disappointed in some of her choices, I enjoyed the story and the journey the author takes us on. This was the first book I read by Mitchell James Kaplan. I recommend this book and want to look into his other works. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC.

This was a great book. If you love the history of the jazz age, then this will entertain you. It follows the lives and careers of George Gershwin and Kay Swift, who was a composer and song writer of that era. Despite being married and having a family, she was totally devoted to George and described him as the “love of her life”.
Kay and her wealthy banker husband Jimmy Warburg have an open marriage, but while Jimmy has casual affairs, hers is a deep love and commitment to Gershwin.
Mitchell James Kaplan takes us into a new world of music, away from the European flavor of classical music, highlighting Gershwin’s brilliance, putting some excitement and adventure into his music. After seeing him perform Rhapsody, Kay begins to incorporate his techniques into her own compositions, becoming well known as well, in the music world.
The author’s research of George Gershwin and the cast of characters, just results in a very enjoyable read. Five stars isn’t enough!
My thanks to Goodreads, NetGalley and Galley Books for the ARC. ALL Opinions are my own.

Set in the Jazz Age in New York City, Kay Swift is a restless society wife and serious pianist. Her life changes when she hears George Gershwin play Rhapsody in Blue. Well–worth reading, especially if you like historical fiction and are interested in music. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have listened to George Gershwin’s music for quite some time but all that I really knew about him was that he had a brother named Ira. I now have a much deeper understanding of him and of his relationship with Katherine “Kay” Swift. Their relationship is brought to glowing life in this fine historical novel.

Spend time in jazz age New York with George and Kay. Each was a genuine musical talent and individual in their own right. Readers will be interested to watch their relationship evolve. What led Kay to George, despite her being married? How did their relationship unfurl?

Fans of historical fiction and of music will enjoy this novel. Give it a read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Note that I both listened to and read this book. The narration enhance my enjoyment of the novel.

"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.

I'm a huge fan of historical fiction - this book is no exception. While I thought I knew George Gershwin - I had no idea who Kay Swift was. After reading this book - I had to do more research and have enjoyed learning more about them both.

Great writing and storyline.

Too much description, not enough story - for me. Perhaps I needed more historical reference? I was impressed that people used to go listen to these artists just the same way kids go to rock concerts.

An enjoyable historic novel about composer #kayswift and her ongoing affair with #georgegershwin. The #roaring20s are brought to life amid a soundtrack of Gershwin’s #greatesthits. I found myself listening to #rhapsodyinblue on repeat. I was more interested in learning about Gershwin’s life than Swift’s, but it was interesting to discover this under appreciated pianist and composer. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ novel for those who love reading fictional takes on history that are well researched and make an effort not to overdramatize. 📚📚📚 #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreads #rhapsody #bookstagram #booklover

This historical fiction book is about Katharine ( Kay) Swift and her relationship with George Gershwin along with her husband ,James Warburg. I knew nothing about Kay Swift at all; not even familiar with the name. I found the book to be difficult to follow and all the named people was very confusing. Not being familiar with jazz or that time period also made it difficult to follow the story line. Although the book was well written I just found it very tedious to read.

This book was a step back in time to the 1920’s Jazz age in New York City. It is the captivating story of Kathrine Swift and her love affair with the famous musician and composer George Gershwin. The romance, politics, and the changing atmosphere of NYC at this time are intertwined with music, creating a unique and memorable story. I didn’t know much about Katherine (Kay) or George before reading this book, but I really enjoyed their story and seeing how they inspired each other’s musical careers. If you are a fan of historical fiction or music, I would highly recommend this book to you!