Harlem Rhapsody
Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR!
“A gripping narrative, don't miss this historical fiction about the woman who kicked off the Harlem Renaissance.”—People Magazine
“A page turner and history lesson at once, Harlem Rhapsody reminds us that our stories are our generational wealth.”—Tayari Jones, New York Times bestselling author of An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club Pick)
She found the literary voices that would inspire the world…. The extraordinary story of the woman who ignited the Harlem Renaissance, written by Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Personal Librarian.
In 1919, a high school teacher from Washington, D.C arrives in Harlem excited to realize her lifelong dream. Jessie Redmon Fauset has been named the literary editor of The Crisis. The first Black woman to hold this position at a preeminent Negro magazine, Jessie is poised to achieve literary greatness. But she holds a secret that jeopardizes it all.
W. E. B. Du Bois, the founder of The Crisis, is not only Jessie’s boss, he’s her lover. And neither his wife, nor their fourteen-year-age difference can keep the two apart. Amidst rumors of their tumultuous affair, Jessie is determined to prove herself. She attacks the challenge of discovering young writers with fervor, finding sixteen-year-old Countee Cullen, seventeen-year-old Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen, who becomes one of her best friends. Under Jessie’s leadership, The Crisis thrives…every African American writer in the country wants their work published there.
When her first novel is released to great acclaim, it’s clear that Jessie is at the heart of a renaissance in Black music, theater, and the arts. She has shaped a generation of literary legends, but as she strives to preserve her legacy, she’ll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success.
“A gripping narrative, don't miss this historical fiction about the woman who kicked off the Harlem Renaissance.”—People Magazine
“A page turner and history lesson at once, Harlem Rhapsody reminds us that our stories are our generational wealth.”—Tayari Jones, New York Times bestselling author of An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club Pick)
She found the literary voices that would inspire the world…. The extraordinary story of the woman who ignited the Harlem Renaissance, written by Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Personal Librarian.
In 1919, a high school teacher from Washington, D.C arrives in Harlem excited to realize her lifelong dream. Jessie Redmon Fauset has been named the literary editor of The Crisis. The first Black woman to hold this position at a preeminent Negro magazine, Jessie is poised to achieve literary greatness. But she holds a secret that jeopardizes it all.
W. E. B. Du Bois, the founder of The Crisis, is not only Jessie’s boss, he’s her lover. And neither his wife, nor their fourteen-year-age difference can keep the two apart. Amidst rumors of their tumultuous affair, Jessie is determined to prove herself. She attacks the challenge of discovering young writers with fervor, finding sixteen-year-old Countee Cullen, seventeen-year-old Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen, who becomes one of her best friends. Under Jessie’s leadership, The Crisis thrives…every African American writer in the country wants their work published there.
When her first novel is released to great acclaim, it’s clear that Jessie is at the heart of a renaissance in Black music, theater, and the arts. She has shaped a generation of literary legends, but as she strives to preserve her legacy, she’ll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success.
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Readers say *Harlem Rhapsody* is a well-written, vividly immersive historical fiction that enlightens readers about Jessie Redmon Fauset’s pivotal rol...
Y’all, I really wanted to love this book. There was so much positive energy around it (and I can see why). As someone who enjoys historical fiction, I was excited to read a story set during the Harlem Renaissance. It’s such a rich and important time in history, full of creativity, culture, and powerful voices. Unfortunately, while I appreciated the history, the story itself didn’t quite work for me.
For me, many of the character interactions and connections felt a little forced. I know that historically many writers, artists, and intellectuals during the Harlem Renaissance knew each other and moved in the same circles, but in the story it sometimes felt like those connections were being inserted rather than unfolding naturally. Instead of feeling fully immersed in the world, I occasionally felt like I was being shown the author’s research.
Interestingly, the part I enjoyed the most was actually the historical context at the end of the book. I found myself more engaged with the background information about the era and the real historical influences than I was with the fictional storyline. It almost made me wish the book had leaned more toward biography or narrative nonfiction, because the real history is already so fascinating.
One thing I did really appreciate, though, was seeing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. highlighted in the story. It meant a lot to see the presence and contributions of these women acknowledged during such an important cultural moment. Of course, I’m always going to root for my Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc..
I was also really happy to learn more about Jessie Redmon Fauset, since I didn’t know much about her before, which is unfortunate considering her contributions to the literary world. Discovering more about her life and just how influential she was ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of reading the book. She was such an important literary figure, and I’m glad the book helped shine a light on this amazing woman. It definitely made me want to learn even more about her.
Overall, I appreciate the research and the effort to highlight such an important period in history. I just wish the storytelling had pulled me in a little more. For me, the history behind the story ended up being more compelling than the story itself.
A beautiful story that you will never forget.
In 2022, I read Victoria Christopher Murray 's book, The Personal Librarian, which she co-wrote with Marie Benedict, and fell in love with the story. Harlem Rhapsody was the first solo book by the author I read, and from the moment I began it, I wanted to recommend it to my friends. Jessie’s story captured my attention from the beginning until almost the end. The middle of the book had a few sections that were slow. I loved how realistic the story felt and how the vivid descriptions of the setting transported me to New York City in the 1920s. Jessie Fauset is someone I will not forget. She fascinated me so much that I did my own research after finishing the book.
From the moment I started reading this book, I could tell how much research went into it. I had never heard of Jessie Fauset until I started reading Harlem Rhapsody, and I felt as if I learned so much; she was an amazing woman. I had mixed feelings about Jessie and WEB DuBois’ relationship. I could tell how much Jessie cared about WEB, but there were times when I questioned WEB’s feelings. On the other hand, there were moments when I could see how much he adored her. I was curious to see where their relationship would go. I admired Jessie's commitment to her work; no matter what happened or how difficult the situation became; she never gave up.
I enjoyed learning about Jessie's journey and her impact on others. I am curious to learn more about her. I had previously read black history historical fiction, but none hit me like Harlem Rhapsody; I'm still going through the emotions. I loved the author's historical note at the end of the novel, which sparked my interest in Jessie Fauset. I believe this is one of those works that should be read at least once. I would highly recommend to any historical fiction fans. Now I can't wait to see what she has planned for us next!
Yet another well written book by Victoria Christopher Murray. No spoilers. This book is historical fiction but teaches us about the real life of Jessie Redmon Fauset who is the original curator and founder of the Harlem Renaissance as we know it, as well as being the only literary editor of The Crisis. After reading you will wonder why is she not mentioned in the written history of that crucial time.
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