I really wanted to fall deliciously deep into Rhapsody, but this book ended up being a DNF for me.
I feel extra bad about saying this, too, since author Mitchell James Kaplan sent a personalized note on lovely, thick, cream-colored stationary along with the ARC. But, I’m all about the honest reviews, so….here goes.
Rhapsody is the story of composer George Gershwin’s love affair with Kay Swift, an accomplished musician in her own right, set in Jazz Age NYC. Having played countless Gershwin medleys during my clarinet concert years, I’m no stranger to good ol’ George and his mesmerizing yet frustratingly complex compositions. I was immediately intrigued by the premise of Rhapsody and couldn’t wait to dive in.
Let’s start with the good: Kaplan is a talented author. The book is well-written and was meticulously researched. If you’re looking for richly detailed historical fiction or an encyclopedia of music terminology, Rhapsody is the book for you.
However…a lot of the novel is just that: facts. Terms. Research laid bare on the page. There was nothing drawing me into the story itself — no emotion, no connection with main character Kay, or even with the side characters you briefly meet within the first few chapters.
As a result, I felt like I was being told the story rather than immersed in the world Kaplan painstakingly tries to create. I trudged my way through the beginning of Rhapsody, intent on fulfilling my 50-page rule, all the while battling excruciatingly unnecessary amounts of detail and factoids.
And name-dropping. OMG, the name-dropping. Think of every single actor, musician, composer, Broadway star, artist, philosopher, and political leader who lived between 1920-1940, and dump them into (at least) the first 50 pages of Rhapsody. After awhile, reading this book felt like sitting next to That Person at a dinner party who’s desperately trying to convince you of how important he is by mentioning every celebrity he’s ever brushed past.
Well, Kaplan… if you’re reading this (which I hope you’re not), I’m sorry I didn’t love your book, which you were so kind to send me. If you are reading this, just remember that I’m a writer who’s trying to become published, and you’re an award-winning author of multiple novels. What the hell do I know?
And, Tartlets, as I said earlier: if you like music, musical composition, Jazz Age NYC, and ill-fated love affairs, feel free to disregard my review and give Rhapsody a whirl. There’s every chance the story takes off after page 51. And, if you think I’m completely wrong in my viewpoint, definitely let me know in the comments below!
Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan will be available for sale on March 2, 2021 from Gallery Books. Although I received a complimentary advance copy of this book, all opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
I love your honesty. And I regret causing you so much pain. Be well. Mitchell
PS — I love your site and in my view you do a service for readers. If you did not have the right to respond honestly to what you read, that service would be valueless.
Mitchell, your comment is far kinder than I could have expected after that review — and, far kinder than I deserve. Thank you so much. I still wish you hadn’t read this post, but I’m honored that you did. You’re a class act. I wish you all the success in the world with this new book.