Author: Lisa K. Winkler
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Book Release Date: June 9, 2026
Pages: 328
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: 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.
My Review: Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess is one of America’s most beloved operas. In Gershwin’s Bess, it tells the story of African American opera Anne Brown, who originated the role of Bess. Anne Brown has a talent for singing and is a fan of opera. She was rejected at Peabody Institute because of her race. However, Anne got accepted into Juilliard. Anne accepts and decides to pursue her career as an opera singer. While she trains, Anne enters into a failed marriage. However, her hardships do not deter Anne, and she continues to pursue her career. However, auditions for Gershwin’s all African American cast opera is still in a working progress. Gershwin is impressed and she becomes his inspiration for the opera. When she finally plays Bess in Porgy and Bess, will Anne Brown’s operatic career take off?
I am a huge fan of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. I love the songs “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So”. I always cried at the end because of the tragic ending between Porgy and Bess. However, I did not know anything about the woman who originated the role of Bess. I found Anne Brown to be a fascinating person. She had an incredible gift of singing opera. She studied hard at Juilliard. Singing was her passion. I was so intrigued by Anne Brown’s story. I wanted to know if her career ever took off. I also wanted to know how playing Bess impacted her singing career.
Overall, this book is about racism, ambition, and pursuing one’s passion. I found all the characters to be well-developed. I liked the cameos in the novel like Thurgood Marshall, Todd Duncan, and Avon Long. I liked the setting of New York during the 1930s. As an opera fan I loved the opera references that were sprinkled throughout the novel! Reading Gershwin’s Bess was a treat! I was enthralled by the novel from the first page, and I did not want it to end! Gershwin’s Bess is a feast for both historical and opera fans alike! It is a must read for fans of Diva, Prima Donna, and Jackie and Maria! Gershwin’s Bess is a book that you don’t want to miss!
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