Angel of Harlem

By: Kuwanna Haulsey

Narrated by: Brenda Pressley

Inspired by the extraordinary events of Dr. May Chinn’s life, Angel of Harlem is a deeply affecting story of love and transcendence. Weaving seamlessly scenes from the battlefields of the Civil War, during which her father escaped from slavery, to the Harlem living rooms and kitchen tables where May is sometimes forced to operate on her patients, this fascinating novel lays bare the heart of a woman who changed the face of medicine.

A gifted, beautiful young woman in the 1920s, May Edward Chinn dreams only of music. For years she accompanies the famed singer Paul Robeson. However, a racist professor ends her hopes of becoming a concert pianist. But from one dashed dream blooms another: May would become a doctor instead–-the first black female physician in all of New York.Giddy with the wonder of the Harlem Renaissance and fueled by firebrand friends like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, May doggedly pursues her ambitions while striving to overcome the pains of her past: the death of a fiancé, a lost child, and a distant father ravished by the legacy of slavery. With every grief she encounters, a resilient piece of herself locks into place. At times risking her life–attending to men stabbed in their homes and women left to die in filthy alleys–May struggles to carve out a place for herself within a medical world that still teaches that a “Negro” brain is not anatomically wired for higher thinking. Yet against the odds, she achieves her goal, starts her own practice, and becomes one of the first cancer specialists in the city.

Alive with the pulse of black unrest in 1920s New York, this beautifully textured novel moves with fearlessness and grace through a history that is by turns ugly and sublime. With Angel of Harlem, critically acclaimed author Kuwana Haulsey gives poetic voice to the story of a remarkable woman who had the courage to dream and live beyond her era’s limitations.

©2004 Kuwana Haulsey (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

absolutely wonderful!

One of the best books that I have read in a long time. The writing was absolutely gorgeous and the narrator made you feel as if you were living in those moments. I highly recommend it

Really Enjoyed!

Well written and engaging. I loved the story and the narration was terrific! Highly recommend!

Outstanding

One of the best books I’ve ever listened to in a long time!
I love the book and Dr Chin!

Untold story of trailblazer

Character development and historical context brought story to life. The level of effort to achieve was exhausting and costly to her.

love it

I love this book so much couldn't stop listening until it was finish,couldn't get enough of the story.

Exceptional Story Chock full of History

Loved it! Beautifully written and the narrator kept me intrigued! I hung on to every word! I will forever be grateful for this amazing story of the first African American Cancer research doctor!

Very good read

I enjoyed this book. Especially hearing some of the historic names of Harlem’s royals.

A very easy listen, kept me engaged.