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!

What a story

Wow, just wow. Although this was a historical fiction, the author’s note points out some areas of truth. This story is meant to highlight the birth of Harlem Renaissance, but to me got lost in the two main characters love affair. There were some highlights and cross sections where we are introduced to highly noticeable writers such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and others, but felt at times they were a footnote. I rated this 5 stars because it is well written and kept me engaged throughout. I also found myself wanting to know more about some of the name drops such as James Van Der Zee. Well worth the read.

Perfection!!!

Everything about this audiobook is wonderful, from the actual story to Robin Miles performance… I loved it all and could not get enough! There are few audiobooks that manage to deliver in both areas, so I tend to dislike most of what I listen to, but with Harlem Rhapsody, the novel flowed beautifully and the narration was like music to my ears. I learned a lot about that period of time, and about several of the writers and poets from then as well… W.e.b. Du Bois and Jessie Redmon Fauset’s work and personal relationship. Please take the chance and see for yourself. Also, Personal Librarian is fabulous too!!! 👍🏼👍🏼

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.

This story needed to be told!

I knew nothing about Ms. Jessie R. Fauset before Victoria Christopher Murray's novel. This story sat me in the middle of the 1920's Harlem and didn't let me go. I loved seeing historical black women in all their humanity. Hats off to Ms. Fauset for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and bravo to Ms. Victoria Christopher Murray for honoring her legacy.

Well done!

Character development is fully fleshed out. The time period is strongly integrated with the characters making a fascinating story feel real.

Historical fiction at its best!

What a beautiful way to honor Jessie Redmond Fauset and all she did for Black writers. I did not know of her before but she certainly deserves the acclaim, affair and all. We’re all human.

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.

MUST READ

This is such a great read and I felt like I was a part of the Harlem Renaissance. Great insight to history.