A book full of beautiful lyrical descriptions of life in the early 1900s America.

I found the storyline to be quite slow, and the writing style almost tedious at times, but there’s no other book out there that shows insight into Gershwin the way this book does. It’s well worth a read.

In 1920's New York City, Kay Swift, a classically trained pianist plays at the parties for New York's elite.  At one of these parties she catches the eye of James Warburg, the son of a wealthy banker.  Soon, Kay is at the top of New York's social ladder but has not forgotten her dream of playing music.  After seeing George Gershwin perform Rhapsody in Blue, Kay becomes mesmerized with his style of music and the man himself.  Kay refocuses on her musical career with George and finds herself enamored with George as well.  With her music finally making its mark, Kay is pulled between her family and George while trying to carve out her own place in the world. 

Rhapsody is written in a style much like Gershwin's music, familiar yet new with different pushes and pulls to show you what you already knew was there.  Everyone knows the name of George Gershwin, but many people do not know Kay Swift.  Kay was the first woman to write the complete score to a Broadway musical though many only know her for her involvement with Gershwin. Rhapsody entwines the stories of Kay, James and George to create a rounded view on how this odd trio helped to define an era of American music.  Using many historical accuracies, the story of how their music evolved is written in a way that managed to bring the music to life on the page.  I was amazed at Gershwin's abilities as well as his commitment to the communities that he found inspiration from.  Kay's life was double sided as she faced the dilemma of many women, being a wife, mother and having a career.  It was very interesting to see Kay's relationship with her children and husband and her choices to focus on her music and happiness instead.  Along with Kay and George, I also learned about James Warburg.  I had no idea that he also wrote lyrics for Kay's songs.  While Kay's life with Gershwin may have been complicated at best, Rhapsody unravels some of the mysteries surrounding this time of Kay Swift's life. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

I’ve always liked Gershwin’s music and songs. I didn’t really know too much about him before this book. It was informative, and parts were really interesting. I thought it dragged a bit and at times I didn’t really care about the three main characters. I wanted to shake them.
I still enjoyed the book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Things that draw you into this novel; its historical details, captivating characters, and whirlwind romance.

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. The characters are mesmerizing and larger than life. Katherine, George, and Jimmy stand out in their roles, and I loved the way their stories all blended together.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan is a brilliant and devastating look into the affair between two Jazz Age luminosities: Katherine Swift and George Gershwin. The story follows the growing relationship between the two musicians, in spite of Kat's married state. While this book is at times romantic, at others heartbreaking, I admired it most for its depictions of Roaring Twenties celebrities, such as fellow composers Stravinsky and Rachmaninoff. This book pairs best with lots of music, and it was very fun to compile a playlist of the songs mentioned. I highly recommend Rhapsody to all fans of Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris as well as Loving Frank or The Paris Wife.

George Gershwin has been such an important figure in the musical history of the U. S., that it is hard to believe that he died at the age of 38 in the 1930's. Many of his songs, symphonies, and especially his opera, are still very much alive today.
While Mr. Gershwin is not the central character of this novel, he and his music do "control" the narrative. For without George Gershwin, there would have been no Kay Swift. And without Kay Swift, there would have been no story. For this novel is told through the eyes of the woman who was his partner, companion, and lover. Kay never did receive the notoriety of a Gershwin but she did help Radio City Music Hall become the international success it was destined to be.
"Rhapsody", is a beautifully written story. Mr. Kaplan does name drop quite a bit, but that only adds to the book's charm. For to get a clearer picture of the music scene of Gershwin's time, one needs to meet those people who influenced his musical growth and success. I, for one, found it more interesting that way, rather than if there was a cast of unknown characters introduced to further the narrative. Especially since this is an historical novel.
I loved, "Rhapsody", and highly recommend it.

This is an in-depth look at the life of Kay Swift, an immensely talented woman who married well, had three daughters, and a career on Broadway. She was a Classically trained pianist, and thus is put on the path to meet George Gershwin.
This read is full of name drops and through the author we rub shoulder with some very famous people.
What a dynamic pair Kay and George become and the world was blessed because of their union.
The fact that Kay was married at the time of there affair didn’t seem to bother anyone, although this story takes place during the 1920’s and ’30’s, their morals were not the greatest!
I found it interesting that James Warburg, Kay’s husband and a very successful banker, wrote a lot of the lyrics for Kay’s music, and with their money are able to finance Broadway musicals.
What I did love about this book is all the historical facts that are provided, from the depression to the beginning of the evil rising in Europe. From the streets of New York City to Reno Nevada, and trips to Europe.
Happy and very sad happenings, these will keep you page turning, and be sure to author’s notes!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gallery Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan is the brilliant, unconventional story of George Gershwin and Katharine Swift. It is also a story about musical history and culture during the 1920’s.

The author has created a wonderful story that gives the reader insight into Katharine Swift. Katharine Swift was a musical phenomenon. She was schooled at what later would become Julliard. She was a women who had perfect pitch and played the piano like it was an extension of herself. She was so gifted that she could write down notes as someone was playing, no easy feat. We learn of Kay’s upbringing, her family, her marriage to a financial titan and the birth and growth of their three daughters. Katharine Swift was all consumed with her music and her husband James Warburg was consumed with his family business and studying the world’s financial markets. Not necessarily the makings of a good marriage and attentive parents.

The story begins in earnest when Katharine Swift goes out to a concert one night and hears George Gershwin play Rhapsody in Blue. She is shocked and intrigued by this ‘new’ music. Certainly not the music of a pianist who was schooled at Julliard. Hence begins the story and the next ten years of George Gershwin and Kay Swift. (He never called her Katharine). What draws them together is music. Their all consuming love for music and crafting unforgettable songs and lyrics. Their passion, their emotion and their desire to write memorable songs. They are both brilliant artists in their own right and when they come together the magic happens. George and Kay’s relationship is most unconventional especially for the time period. The world in which they ultimately dwell is full of musicians, composers, singers and dancers. The likes of Fred & Adele Astair, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Roger and Hart, George Ballenchine to name a few.

Mr. Kaplan captures the era wonderfully. You can picture fancy NYC homes contrasted by smoke filled clubs where the Jazz age began. George Gershwin compiled a body of work that will forever be unmatched in musical history. Kay Swift loved George Gershwin with all her heart but she knew George Gershwin belonged to the world. I so enjoyed having a glimpse into Kay and George’s relationship and their fascinating lives. Mr. Kaplan did an outstanding job. A brilliant historical novel will give one an intriguing narrative but it will also give the reader the desire to delve into something and inspires them to learn more. This novel has done just that. I was very happy to have read this book and can’t wait to see what Mr. Kaplan has in store for next. Well done.

I would like to thank Gallery Books. Mr. Kaplan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received a free electronic ARC of this historical novel from Netgalley, Mitchell James Kaplan, and Gallery Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read 'Rhapsody' of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Mitchell James Kaplan doesn't disappoint - he is an author I can depend on to transport me to another world. I am pleased to recommend him to friends and family.

We go straight to NYC in the mid-1920s. We see a world peopled with frantically gay people, driven by Jazz and 'modern' art and building rising over 60 stories high. Motor cars and washing machines, radios and telephones and airplanes and moving pictures. As the years unfold, Europe is beginning to see fears in the eyes of their politicians and signs of coming disruption, and the confidence that came with the end of the Great War is beginning to fade, to be overshadowed by political rumblings in Spain and Germany, faltering stock markets worldwide, and international banks on the brink of failure.

How long can we hide in the Jazz Age? Quite a while, it seems. Katharine “Kay” Swift is the wife of a wealthy banker, mother of three, and a pianist and composer of distinction. Katherine is restless, feeling trapped in domesticity and her 'open' marriage and sure she is missing a natural mother gene. She has trained her whole life to be a concert pianist. That is her measure of success - her heart pouring out of piano keys. She needs recognition for her work. And then she meets George Gershwin. A man compelled to make music, a man whose talent and soul belong to the world. A man she can make music with. Despite all they have in common, can that be enough?
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I am super thankful for a print ARC to read this book, as I tend to read print books much easier than ebooks. I think the cover is fun, and Mitchell is a good author. Historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre, and Kaplan touches on some interesting pieces of history. This book would also be of interest to those who enjoy music, as it references the age of Gershwin and compositions.

However, for some odd reason, I tend to not enjoy a female POV with a male author. I mean no ill will or unkind words, but I find the female HF writers tend to get deep into the female protagonist's head/emotions/POV, and this book seemed a little more rushed with less developed characters. On the flipside, his writing (and the skimming of details) did allow for a faster paced read compared to the detailed HF books I typically read.

3.5 stars rounded up.

I was lured into this book by the title, by the setting in historic New York City and the time, the Jazz age . Taking the reader to that place and time is the strength of the novel and that’s what captivated me throughout . I didn’t know a thing about Katharine Faulkner Swift, called Kay by her lover George Gershwin. She was a pianist, a composer in her own right and was married to a very rich banker. While I knew of George Gershwin’s musical talent and fame and even love listening to those old songs, I knew nothing of his personal life and his ten year affair with Kay Swift. I really didn’t like any of them, Kay, or her husband or George . They felt somewhat shallow, took their relationships too lightly for me to care about them, that is, until close to the end when I could see their love for each other and the collaboration of their talents was lovely to learn about.

Of course, I looked at a few biographical articles about them and I was pleased that Kaplan portrayed them as history saw them. Their passion for their music, the mention of the songs moved me more than the characters. “Someone to Watch Over Me” - I’m still singing it in my head . There are tones of antisemitism and racism of the time here as well. I loved that Gershwin orders that “Porgy and Bess” would only ever be played by a black cast, never in black face . I found this to be a great diversion on two snowy pandemic afternoons. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy those that portray historic New York City.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley.

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.

I was really intrigued by the description of this book: the time period, the music and relationships sounded so fascinating. Unfortunately, the book just fell a little flat for me. Kay, the main character did not feel likeable or relatable to me and I was unable to really immerse myself into the story because of that. Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for the ARC.

Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan

I never knew much about musical genius George Gershwin but now I know he was a womanizer with a talented mistress that loved him. The mistress was Katharine Swift, the society wife of wealthy banker James Warburg and a serious pianist and a talented composer of popular and classical music. Early in their marriage, Kay realized that her husband was a philanderer and he told her that it's his nature to philander and that she is free to do so herself. Kay didn't join another man's bed until she met Gershwin, who she soon knew she loved. Sadly, she thought Gershwin would be devoted to her in a way her husband was not, but instead, Gershwin was very much like her husband in the matter of philandering.

Throughout the book we meet many famous people of all types. But mostly the book revolves around Kay's need to have either her husband or Gershwin in her life. She knew, after a time, that she didn't love her husband (and her three children with him seemed to be bothersome distractions) but Gershwin didn't need her the way she needed him. All three of these talented people were patients of psychoanalyst Gregory Zilboorg although that experience adds another measure of unhappiness to Kay's life . No one seems to be very happy in this story, everyone seems to be very self centered and that makes this a hard book to enjoy. 

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

I received a free e-ARC through Netgalley.
This book had a plot and drama, but I really didn't feel a connection with it at all. The relationships are depressing rather than endearing. I did have to look up 2 words that I've never heard before (related to music and dance) so it was educational in that aspect. If you're into music then perhaps you will feel a greater connection to the characters in this book than I did.

A good historical fiction book makes the reader want to dig deeper into the subject matter of the book. So it is critical for authors to make sure that their creative contributions do not relay inaccurate information. The years of events that are well known, or able to be looked up online need to be correct. And if they are writing about real people then the facts about their lives need to be correct as well.
I was interested in the story of these well-known figures and their relationship. And after reading the first six chapters or so I began looking up Kay and her husband’s family to see if what I was reading was reasonably true. I found some things to be true, but many other fact-based things to not be. This rabbit hole of internet researching started with a date that didn’t quite sound accurate, which it wasn’t, and then I fell into the black hole to see what else was misstated.
As an academic, facts are important to me.
Sadly, I couldn’t get past these discrepancies enough to finish the book.

Much of this book was written for a piano aficionado, but no matter because those parts help to develop the story’s mood of “pensive longing.” 1924, Katherine Swift was married to James Warburg, a scion of the Warburg banking Dynasty. He is Jewish, mostly unacknowledged. She, of another faith, is a classically trained pianist. He is a banker of course, but also a poet of sorts. They move in a rarefied social circle of classical musicians, financiers and politicians. She doesn’t care for popular music thinking it “predictable and trite, boring really” until one night in the winter of 1924 when they attend a musical event to hear a piano concerto.

A tall man walks onto the stage, lowers himself to the Steinway piano, shoves the tails of his tuxedo behind the bench and proceeds to mesmerize all in attendance with “Rhapsody in Blue”. Katherine forgets how to breathe as she listens to each confident note of the man “pouring his heart out to the world.” She is caught in the sadness and the beauty of Gershwin’s music - she is drifting in a rowboat. This is the moment she realizes her marriage is lacking and her future lies with someone else. A heartbeat later she is no longer Katherine but Kay Swift.

He’s from the lower East Side breaking rules as he grew up. Her background is the Upper West Side, a student at the forerunner of Juilliard. Other than their love of music their upbringing couldn’t have been more different. While both are skilled pianists, she is a mechanic and it takes Gershwin to teach her the importance of finding the spark of life in the heart of the music.

Gershwin and Kay Swift danced their crazy and dizzy relationship across the country and ocean. They attended rent parties in Harlem, hung out at the Cotton Club, glad-handing musicians wherever they went. The aspiring composers and musicians put their music and relationship before everything. Drawn in stark counterpoint are the supposed morals of money, social standing and marriage against the ever present infidelity, revelry and drunkenness. It was the roaring 20’s. It was the era of Igor Stravinsky, George and Ira Gershwin, Jascha Heifetz, Dottie Parker, Sergei Rachmaninov, Harpo Marx, Al Jolson, Fats Waller, Mayor Jimmy Walker.

As a brief aside, despite his genius, Gershwin was never able to raise the funding necessary to put Porgy into his vision of the production. It was not to be a success until many decades later. In 1990 the Metropolitan Opera would see it grace their stage and on September 23, 2019 its revival would be the opening Opera of the Season. Sold out, extra performances added, sold out!

There is so much more to this book. Loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a copy. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and unfortunately my words will never be enough to convey how wonderful this book is.

Rhapsody was an okay read. I’m.not a huge music fan so I was more intrigued by the love story between Kay and Gershwin. I loved the settings in the novel: New York City and Paris in the 1920s-1930s. I did not really care for the main characters of Jimmy, Kay, and George. I thought they were all self-absorbed and selfish. Although I understand it’s historical fiction, it was based on real people’s lives, which didn’t make me like,them any better. I felt sorry for the daughters of Kay and Jimmy since they were usually ignored by both parents in pursuit of their own lust. I took a chance reading the book, but it didn’t pay off since it was not for me.

Interesting and unique look at the life of George Gershwin and Kay Swift as they impact Broadway and music world. Kay’s dedication and love for him cost her greatly. 3.5 STARS
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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.

Kaplan does a great job of describing the music-- so well that you can hear it in your head. This book, set in New York City during the Jazz-age, covers a period in history chockfull of well-known men and women who had influence on the music of that time. The focus is on the affair between Kay Swift and George Gershwin but includes so many other historical notes. If you love jazz, blues, classical music, or Broadway, you will learn a bit about each presented in the way I like to learn history-- as a story. The book had a slow start for me with chunks of history being presented but then it crescendoed into a beautiful story of two people that challenged the rules and made interesting and beautiful music.