Gershwin's Bess
A Novel
by Lisa K. Winkler
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Pub Date Jun 09 2026 | Archive Date Jun 30 2026
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Description
From Baltimore to New York City, soprano Anne Wiggins Brown refuses to be silenced. Encouraged by her mother and undeterred by a father who insists on “sensible” ambitions, Anne pursues her passion for opera amid heartbreak, prejudice, and the trials of the world in the late 1920s–1930s.
In Gershwin’s Bess, Anne perseveres and navigates the competitive world of Juilliard, a failed marriage, and the racism that denies her access to traditional stages. George Gershwin’s plans to write an opera starring all “Negroes” present an opportunity she can’t afford to lose. From her first audition to opening night two years later, she becomes an integral part in the creative process, singing melodies and lyrics as Gershwin writes them. When Anne lands the role as the first “Bess,” she challenges the famous composer to see her vision for the character—a daring act that reshapes the story itself.
Gershwin’s Bess is a vivid portrait of ambition, resilience, and artistry. It is the story of a woman who dares to dream, whose voice invokes history, and whose passion helps define an American masterpiece, Porgy and Bess.
A Note From the Publisher
She wrote On the Trail of the Ancestors: A Black Cowboy’s Ride Across America. She’s also written plays, poetry, children’s books, and many newspaper and magazine articles and compiles interviews for OperaWire.
Advance Praise
"Readers may come for Gershwin, but they’ll stay for Anne Brown’s remarkable story." - Kirkus Reviews
"Winkler’s deeply felt love for the musical arts radiates off of every page. The scenes devoted to Anne’s collaboration with George Gershwin during the creation of Porgy and Bess pulse with energy: the gruelling rehearsals, the creative tensions, and the quiet labor behind every performance. Through this, Winkler shows us that music, for Anne and those around her, was not only art but survival and deep expression of the soul." - Independent Book Review
"I didn't expect such a high level of detail regarding Anne's creative influence on Gershwin’s work, which was a welcome addition to the story․ Her interactions with Gershwin are the best parts, showing a woman who knows her worth even when the world is trying to keep her silent. Gershwin’s Bess is a great choice for anyone who enjoys seeing a bit of behind-the-scenes history mixed with a lot of heart." - Reader's Favorite
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Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798901741979 |
| PRICE | $21.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 320 |
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