Ella

A Novel

By: Diane Richards

Narrated by: Alexandra Grey

In the vein of The Paris Wife and The Personal Librarian comes this debut novel, a magnificent work of “biographical fiction” that reimagines the turbulent and triumphant early years of Ella Fitzgerald, arguably the greatest singer of the twentieth century.

When fifteen-year-old Ella Fitzgerald’s mother dies at the height of the Depression in 1932, the teenager goes to work for the mob to support herself and her family. When the law finally catches up, the “ungovernable” adolescent is incarcerated in the New York Training School for Girls in upstate New York—a wicked prison infamous for its harsh treatment of inmates, especially Black ones. Determined to be free, Ella escapes and makes her way back to Harlem, where she is forced to dance for pennies on the street.

Looking for a break into show business, Ella draws straws to appear at the Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night on November 21, 1934. Rather than perform a dance routine directly after “The World Famous Edwards Sisters” number, the homeless Ella, wearing men’s galoshes a size too big, risks everything when she decides to sing Judy instead. Four years later, at barely twenty-one, Ella Fitzgerald has become the bestselling female vocalist in America.

Diane Richards’ Ella Fitzgerald is inspiring and intriguing—an emotionally rich, psychologically complex character, a flawed mother and wife who struggles with deep emotional scars and trauma and battles racism, sexism, and colorism as she learns to find her voice on the stage. Ella takes us from the brothels, speakeasys, and streets of Depression-era New York City to the grand hotel suites where Ella, now older and wiser, looks back on her life and finally confronts the demons from childhood that torment her.

Compelling and rich in historical detail, Ella is a remarkable debut novel about an extraordinary woman.

©2024 Diane Richards (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

1930s in the US

This woman had to endure so much to get where she wanted go in life. Her story of being sent to "The Training School for Women" brought tears. So shameful how they treated her & other black girls.
She worked hard & pushed herself to become a great performer.

Compelling listen

Although a novel, provides great insight into the early life of the worlds, greatest female singer of the past century. Truly inspiring.

Heart wrenching, and beautiful

I had no idea how heart wrenching Ella Fitzgerald‘s story was. At times it was hard to listen to you because it was so heavy, but it was so beautifully written and her story is so inspirational to know that she came through all of those hard times.

Heartbreaking story with wonderful vocals

Heartbreaking! The narration and singing made this audio book come to life! The story was full of heartbreaking times in Ella's life. I found some passages difficult to listento. I longed for some success and kept listening even when it got slow. I liked the epiogue where she so lovingly met with a woman of her own kind who was so proud of Ella.

stunning

this book in the gorgeous narrative performance absolutely blew me away. whoever you are and wherever you come from, don't miss it!!!

Fact or fiction, or both?

I found this book to be interesting. It held my attention but even as I finished reading it I continue to question what parts are fact and what are fiction.

okay

This is an interesting take on Ella's life. I would have liked to know how her family made out.
The reader needs a little more practice.