Harlem Rhapsody

De: Victoria Christopher Murray

Narrado por: Robin Miles

“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.

©2025 Victoria Christopher Murray (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Murray's meticulous research brings this exciting period in American literary and artistic history into the spotlight and sheds a welcome light on an important and intriguing figure whose influence often goes unmentioned.”
—Booklist (starred review)

“A winning portrait of Harlem Renaissance figure Jessie Redmon Fauset... Historical fiction fans will want to snatch this up.”
—Publishers Weekly

"If you like to learn something while lost in a gripping narrative, don't miss this historical fiction about the woman who kicked off the Harlem Renaissance. Jessie Redmon Fauset was the first Black woman to helm the Black literary powerhouse The Crisis, and was also founder W. E. B. Du Bois' lover. She's responsible for launching names like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and others, even as her success (and theirs) comes at a cost."
—People

Epic and Thoughtful

This book had me in a complete chokehold for the entirety of my reading session. I absolutely loved this story, the beautiful intricacies of Jessie’s relationships, and I made a list of all the books mentioned within the pages.

It truly took me on a fabulous journey of history and an empowered woman forging ahead. This book was worth the wait and the read!

Entertaining & Educational

At first I thought this was just another sad romance novel where an amazing, dynamic woman falls for the wrong, unavailable man but NO, this book is so much more than that.
As I listened on Audible it seemed like this story had to be true, there were things even the best authors couldn’t make up. A quick google search & I discovered this book was more than entertaining, it was completely educational too! During women’s history month, Jessie Redmon Fauset is a woman everyone should discover! Her role as the first literary editor of The Crisis, & The Brownies Book was groundbreaking in a time women, (let alone women of color,) did not hold those types of positions. She discovered, mentored & published iconic black poets like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen & Jean Tomer. Plus she published 4 novels portraying realistic & positive lives of Black Americans. Long story short, Victoria Christopher Murray’s historical fiction portrayal of Jessie’s life is worth the listen/read. The narrator, Robin Miles, has the perfect storytelling voice & keeps the listener engaged.

Captivating writing style of this historical fiction

Loved the historical exposure. It inspired me to delve into the literary works of the characters in the book.

Sonorous History of Dreams Deferred

Truly impressed by the beauty of the 1920’s and the unsung talent of a woman who “birthed” and recognized the artistry of the writers who banded together to give us the shimmering dreams of the Harlem Renaissance.

Wonderful look at a person, a time, and a place

This historical fiction biography of Jessie Raymond Fauset is a very interesting look at her life during the Harlem Renaissance, which she was instrumental in starting. She was the Literary Editor of the NAACP's magazine The Crisis from 1919 until 1925, and discovered and mentored such literary giants as Jean Toomer, Nella Larsen, Countee Cullen, George McKay and Langston Hughes. All of these writers and many more considered her the midwife of the 1920s New Negro literary movement that eventually was known as part of the Harlem Renaissance. Fauset was also a prolific writer and produced a novel in 1924 that was a literary sensation.

Fauset came to New York at the behest of W.E.B. Du Bois, The Crisis' editor, to work at the magazine. The main reason he created a position for her was so she'd be closer to him so they could continue the affair they started some years before. But she ran with the position and created a safe and nurturing harbor for young Black writers of the time that was truly unique. The often contentious affair is handled sensitively, but the reader can't help but feel like her friends and her mother did -- Du Bois manipulated and exploited Fauset.

The research into this book and the writing are top-notch. You feel you are in Harlem in the 1920s and getting to know people like Hughes, Larsen, and Toomer personally, as well as Fauset and Du Bois. The feeling of excitement and progress is palpable. Robin Miles provides her usual superb narration (and does a mean Mamie Smith when the occasion calls for it!). Highly recommended.

FYI, Fauset's 1924 novel 'There Is Confusion' is available on Audible. I've purchased it and will read it soon.

Enjoyable Read

Loved the historical aspects and delightful story of great accomplishments of these great writers, and poets. Thank you for the explanations and author’s indulgences to make this story so wonderful.

Bravo!!!!!

This is by far the best piece of literary work that I’ve read of Victoria Christopher Murray. I’ve learned so much about the history of how some of the most prolific black writers became known through the guidance of Jessie Fauset Redmon. Jessie was an unsung hero and literary trailblazer who worked alongside the great W.E.B. DuBois during the Harlem Renaissance. The details of her life as an editor and writer together with her personal life which included her complexed relationship with W.E.B. DuBois are masterfully written in this historical book that will forever remain in the minds of readers who appreciate the contributions to black history.

Great read!

I loved the way the author presented all of the historical figures, their accomplishments, and the complexities of their lives. Great story!

Outstanding book!

The author and narrator are both excellent at their jobs and in my top audio book list. I’m becoming a lover of historical fiction because of them. Their skill and expertise are superb.

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.