Debussy's Slippers

By: Steve Exeter

Narrated by: Jack Wynters

George Gershwin thinks he could do better, better than Broadway.

Ira Gershwin disagrees, why get funny ideas about writing po-faced piano concertos that no one hears, when you’re already getting much respect and much money (and much female attention) from writing hit shows? But what George wants George gets, and soon the brothers are travelling to Europe to meet French maestro Maurice Ravel - you know, a real composer.

Despite dreading this American invasion on his artistic privacy, the haughty Ravel warms to George, the two men share musical ideas and beaucoup du vin. It all turns sour when George returns to New York, unintentionally carrying in his luggage Ravel’s most treasured possession: a pair of slippers that belonged to Ravel’s musical forefather, the French national hero - Claude Debussy.

Now, Debussy’s slippers may reek, they may look slightly ridiculous, but their inspirational power is undeniable. Once George feels their effect, he’s loath to return them, and sets about stalling an increasingly irate Ravel. Things come to a head when Ravel unexpectedly returns Gershwin’s visit.

©2020 Steve Exeter (P)2021 Steve Exeter

A Delightful Surprise

Equal parts witty, touching, and magical, it’s a story that blends whimsy with a fantastical edge. The tone shifts effortlessly between humor and emotion, making it both entertaining and quietly thoughtful. It’s a fun, light read overall, and I especially enjoyed the clever little opening notes before each chapter—they added a unique charm. Jack Wynters does a great job with the narration, capturing the mood and bringing the characters to life.

"Twenty hot numbers and an overture."

Although Gershwin and his brother, Ira, had achieved popular fame with their musical scores, George wanted .more: to be taken seriously by the musical world. He trave!s to Paris, meets the irascible Ravel and, briefly, tours with him before returning to New York and, later, L.A. This delightfully amusing book tells the fanciful story of the relationship of the two men and those people surrounding tbsm, and of a smelly old pair of slippers which had once belonged to Debussy.

Beautifully written and with a song and dance intro, this is such a fun book of futility. It is superbly read by Jack Winters, who clearly delineates the characters speaking in the novel overflowing with conversation, bringing the characters and their personality foibles alive to the reader. He even
is mostly able to successfully sing an occasional stanza in character. A fine performance interspersed with snippets of between chapter piano music, predominantly from Rapsody in Blue..

I loved this book, witty and wicked and funny and sad, with a touch of wistful fantasy. My deep thanks to the rights holder who has made this delicious audio freely available to download on Audiobooks Unleashed, upon request. Recommended to all who have ever enjoyed the show music of the Gershwins, or Bolero by Ravel. Or anyone who is just looking for a different take on obsessive personalities.Wonderful

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Well Done

An era of history that comes alive with the likes of Gershwin, Porky Bess, Kitty Carlisle to Jazz. A memorable tale, with excellent narration to capture one completely. To a time when the sounds we heard was of this music, well done. Given audio for my voluntary review

Fantastic Book!

Outstanding story by a very talented writer. Great story, even with some esoteric and fantasy elements – it all works beautifully, wonderfully. I don’t often gush at books in any genre. I’m gushing.
Stupendously talented voice talent. Bravo.