Harlem Rhapsody

By: Victoria Christopher Murray

Narrated by: Robin Miles

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.

Exhausting

I am on chapter 27 and I am powering through a book about a hellaciously BORING woman having an affair with a childish man. The BEST thing about this book is its historical notes. For example, I had no idea about the Harlem Hellfighters! I find myself taking people or the events the author mentions in this well researched book and going on side quests to investigate their lives or adventures. Now, that’s satisfying.

Harlem Renaissance

Harlem Rhapsody captured my attention the moment I began to listen to the novel. Although fiction, it reminded me of the importance of having mentors especially during a time of overt racism. I was amazed to learn the impact Jessie Redmon Fauset had on so many famous writers.

Discovery of Harlem history

Great research and engrossing narrative. Highly recommend. You will discover literary geniuses of the Harlem Renaissance…and their real lives.

Historical Fiction Favorite

Takes me back to the Harlem Renaissance as if I lived it! Wonderfully written book.

Amazing and informative

The writing was superb! The story so thoughtfully told! This should be a must read for everyone!