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

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.

Untold story

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. So much of this historical fiction was unknown to me. Jessie in particular I had no knowledge of. The other writers mentioned, I was familiar with their work. Glad I had a chance to know something about Jessie Redmon Faucet. Good read.

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.

Wonderful story.

I enjoy this book. The book had history and was a great listen. I had no idea W. E DuBose was a player 🤣

A Powerful Portrait of Growth and Purpose

Harlem Rhapsody is a moving and masterfully written novel that captures one woman’s journey of self-discovery against the vibrant backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance. The main character’s growth is both inspiring and deeply human—she evolves from uncertainty to unwavering self-confidence, gaining the wisdom to walk away from what no longer serves her. In doing so, she rediscovers her voice, purpose, and power, choosing to uplift and support Negro writers in their fight for representation and truth. Her transformation is not just personal—it’s a call to action, a tribute to legacy, and a beautiful reminder of the strength found in choosing oneself.

Outstanding

Strong character development. Clear imagery. Bravo for bringing JRF into the light! Story shows the author’s fastidious research.