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Ann H. (Boulder, CO)
Harlem Rhapsody
Reading this book, reminded me of race relations in the 1920's and role women played. Women were capable, often overlooked, under-appreciated as shown in this story of Jesse and her work/dedication to W. E. B. DuBois. In Jesse's case she wanted love and a career while both were out of her reach it seemed. The author did a great job of bringing main characters to life. I would recommend this book to everyone and especially book clubs. The book would encourage some lively conversation. I enjoyed reading it. I learned about people that made a difference in promoting racial equality. Great read, in my opinion.
Deborah C. (Highland Park, NJ)
Bringing to Life a Forgotten Black Feminist
Thank you to Book Browse, Berkley and NetGalley for an advance readers copy of this book.
This inspiring, evocative novel joins several others by the same author about important but forgotten Black women in the first half of 20th century America.
Born in 1882, Jessie Redmon Fauset was a Black feminist who, in 1919, became the first literary editor of "The Crisis," the premier Negro periodical of its time. With impeccable academic credentials (BA from Cornell, Phi Beta Kappa; MA from University of Pennsylvania), Fauset was dedicated to changing the racist world. In her role at "The Crisis," she discovered and
…more nurtured young Negro poets and writers, and eventually became a celebrated novelist herself.
Fauset also was devoted to WEB Du Bois, the founder and editor of "The Crisis," with whom she apparently had a long-time affair. This affair provides the framework for the book, as she comes to Harlem because WEB made her literary editor, and she constantly has to choose between work and love, and the knowledge that her great love is morally objectionable to her family, and must be hidden from her friends.
With vivid character portrayals, the author introduces a panoply of writers and thinkers from the Harlem Renaissance, populating the book with others whose stories invite further reading.
The book also raises a philosophical question: in the Author's Note Murray says that there is clear evidence of this affair between Fauset and Du Bois. However, it was hidden, if rumored, and I am not sure why the author chose to build the story of a remarkable woman, of any time or race, around something that she was so secretive and, presumably, uncomfortable about being known.
It does make for engrossing reading, but as with other novels based so heavily on a real person's life, it raises questions about the choices to fictionalize private, protected areas of that life – and will add to the many ways this novel makes for good book group discussions.
This was the term favored at that time by the Black community. (less)Victoria Christopher Murray's Harlem Rhapsody is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that beautifully weaves together history, passion, and social activism. Set in the heart of Harlem, the book takes readers on a journey through the lives of two remarkable figures, W.E.B. DuBois and Jessie Redmon Fauset, whose real-life contributions to African-American history are celebrated in the pages of this inspiring novel.
While the novel primarily follows the story of Fauset's contributions to the African-American movement in the arts, W.E.B. DuBois is also a central figure. Murray does a wonderful job of delving
…more into their personal struggles and triumphs. W.E.B. DuBois, known for his groundbreaking work as an intellectual and civil rights leader, is portrayed with a deep respect for his complex, and at times contradictory, character and his profound impact on African-American thought and our impressions of the African-American community. Fauset, though lesser-known, is equally significant in her role as a passionate advocate for the community and their expression through the arts. Murray’s exploration of both Fauset's personal and professional life adds depth to the story, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in history.
The author’s rich prose is filled with historical detail, yet accessible enough for readers who may not be familiar with the time period or the individuals themselves (like me!). Murray masterfully captures the spirit of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance, infusing the novel with the cultural vibrancy of the era, and introducing other historical characters like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Countee Cullen who entered the human consciousness during the Harlem Renaissance.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to highlight the emotional complexities of both DuBois and Fauset’s lives. Their internal struggles, their relationships, and their drive to shape a better future for African-Americans resonates deeply. Their personal stories are presented as a powerful reflection of the larger societal battles they were part of.
Harlem Rhapsody is a celebration of resilience, passion, and the unyielding fight for equality. Murray’s portrayal of these real-life characters offers a heartfelt tribute to their legacies. Whether you’re a historical fiction enthusiast, a lover of richly drawn characters, or simply someone who enjoys a well-crafted, thought-provoking novel, Harlem Rhapsody is a must-read that will linger and encourage you to learn more about the subjects even after you've closed the book. (less)If you enjoy strong female characters, a rich Roaring Twenties backdrop emphasizing the Harlem Renaissance, and literary history, this book is for you.
Jessie Redmon Fauset is an African American writer who becomes the literary editor of The Crisis, an NAACP magazine led by W. E. B. Dubois. Jessie discovers and publishes such names as Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes, deftly navigates the ultra-fine line between cultivating the literary gems of The Crisis and functioning as W. E. B.'s lover, and she immerses herself in the higher social circles of the times. The struggle between her conscience, her desires, and
…more her career are almost always at odds with one another as she painstakingly paves the way for other African American people to share their talents with the world.
I found this book to be a propulsive read for me. The author was very descriptive in her character portrayal, and I could feel the vibrant, colorful, jazz atmosphere of the time. I highly recommend it. (less)Ms. Murray has done excellent research in discovering and enhancing the story of Jessie Fauset's eight years as the literary editor of a magazine called The Crisis which was sponsored by the NAACP. Ms. Fauset was also a well known novelist and educator during the 1920s and 30s. Ms. Murray has developed the relationship between Jessie and W.E.B. DuBois who is more famous as a civil rights activist but was also the editor of the magazine and hired Jessie. There is no indication in historical accounts that Jessie and W.E.B were lovers but Ms. Murray uncovered some material that strongly suggests the relationship
…more was intimate. The historical novel focuses primarily on Jessie's years as the literary editor and how she discovered and supported many black poets and writers during a time called the Harlem Renaissance. We must thank Ms. Murray for bringing the story of this ambitious and talented black woman who did so much to promote the rights of blacks and women of all races. It was certainly an eye-opening story with much to learn about this time in our history and the trials and tribulations of black intellectuals and their struggle for recognition. Many of the women she discusses as friends of Jessie's were very well educated but could not find employment. She also delves into the struggle for women's right to vote in this novel. Victoria Murray has done an excellent job with her first historical fiction presentation on her own. I will hope to see many more historical novels coming from her in the future. (less)
Wendy F. (Kalamazoo, MI)
Beautiful prose
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the life of Jessie Redmon Fauset. I was not aware of her or her amazing impact on the Harlem Renaissance. Her wisdom and groundbreaking work led to so many great works of literature including her own. It was also eye opening to get a different perspective of W.E.B. DuBois. Their professional and personal relationship made them both strong advocates for the black community and literary works. Thank you to Victoria Christopher Murray for her beautiful prose. Learning about a little known historical figure was so meaningful.
Celia P. (Melbourne, FL)
An Eye Opener
I have read The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois. I thought it was excellent. When the opportunity to participate in an early reading of Harlem Rhapsody was presented, I jumped at the chance. This book describes the work of Jessie Fauset as poet, literary editor of The Crisis magazine, and paramour of Du Bois. Until reading this book, I had not heard of Fauset and her contributions to The Crisis. I certainly did not think that Du Bois was having an affair with her. In the limited reading I have done about them, I can find no evidence of this liaison. Despite this 'eye opener', I did enjoy the writing and
…more flow of the story and especially Fauset's understanding of Du Bois's 'Souls'.
4 stars (less)Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray is an historical fiction novel. This captivating story centers around Jessie Redmond Faucet who becomes the literary editor at The Crisis magazine. The author eloquently portrays Ms. Fauset's role in discovering and nurturing Black writers, but also her challenges in a male-dominated society.
The story setting is 1919 Harlem. The novel vividly depicts the cultural and artistic explosion of the era. Kudos to the author for her meticulous and in-depth research of this time period. The author does a fantastic job of weaving the relationship of Jesse with her boss W.E.B.
…more duBois and how this "affair" influences her life.
Ms. Murray's writing takes on race, gender issues and ambition. The characters are well-developed. The reader can actually feel the emotions and turmoil the characters experienced.
Harlem Rhapsody is a compelling read that captures the spirit of an iconic era. Definitely a must read for anyone interested in the Harlem Renaissance.
I would like to thank BookBrowse for giving me the opportunity for reading about a great era I knew next to nothing about. Powerful story!! (less)
