Harlem's Awakening

by Peppur Chambers

At eighteen, Harlem Markeson sets out to start a new life in the city for which she’s named. Propelled by the violent deaths of her wealthy parents, Harlem takes the first bus out of Greensboro, North Carolina and heads to New York City. There, she’s thrown into the clandestine world of an underground speakeasy. Lured by Sisters Ruth and Mary into Lady Magdalena’s Manor, a brothel for beautiful dancing girls, Harlem must learn to trust: but who? Harlem’s Awakening is a compelling story set in the 1940’s about a young woman who must journey through hell to become the strong person she is meant to be.

“Author Peppur Chambers brings to life 1940’s America with her debut novel, Harlem’s Awakening, following the unsettling journey of eighteen-year old Harlem Markeson as she desperately tries to reinvent herself in New York. With believable characters such as the conniving Sisters Ruth and Mary, the ruthless Lady Magdalena, and the mysterious Brown Betties, Peppur has created a seedy underworld where each character fights to unburden their deepest secrets. Harlem’s Awakening marks a strong debut and an irresistible read.”

–Lilliam Rivera, Editor

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 26, 2013

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reliable Narrator. The early scene that Harlem has with her lawyer leads me to believe that she’s not a reliable narrator and either sees things that aren’t there or believes things that aren’t true. I feel putting the conversation with the lawyer and his supposed marriage proposal gives us this insight. Also, the idea that her father’s (Roy) abuse never made it into the trial also gives me pause on whether or not any of that occurred. Viewing the events of the book through that lens gives a much different conclusion to its events.

Harlem’s Development. It seems like the story takes place over the course of maybe a month however the early book version of Harlem is much different than the late book version. Her exiting the lawyer’s office she seems quite shy, awkward and trying to avoid everyone. Even when she’s on the bus, she seems to do everything possible to avoid conversation. However, upon entering Magdalena’s Manor she seems quite engaging and inquisitive. Not sure what happened or if it was intentional.

Sobering Ending. I really expected Harlem to escape and use her money for a new life/adventure/journey but that obviously never transpired. There were a lot of loose ends including whatever happened to Jonas, what would Tilda do with the cash (and how much was it?), where did Honey go and who was Lucinda/Otto? The early book connections were very interesting so I was expecting to see some common denominators between the crew at Magdalena’s but that never happened.

“As she reached the cold tile of the bathroom and pulled herself up to the tub, she wished she’d been smart, like her mother.”

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I´m still undecided whether or not I liked this book. I obviously liked it enough to finish it. And the fast pace was great. But I guess it was the pace that left it lacking something, something more. The blurb from the editor gives you and image of something more whole than this book achieves.

[Babs Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read! I liked the development of the characters. I’ll read the next book of Harlems life: Harlems Last Dance. My sister’s book club invited Ms. Chambers to speak in February! Looking forward to that!!

[John Mroz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing, and a haunting story. Great read.

[Rosálie Černá · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Moe Zwelling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peppur Chamber’s writing transports you into the 1940s era. There isn’t a detail missed! You know when you’re reading the first chapter and something major happens that it’s going to be a good book! You quickly fall in love with the characters and want to continue reading. Harlem, the FMC, has had some difficult moments and she is trying to be more than those moments. You’re taken on a coming of age journey as she is navigating horrible situations. This book is a novella that introduces key characters and elements for Harlem’s Last Dance. It also sets you up perfectly for the second book with a major cliff hanger. There are so many important life messages that are woven into the story without it being blatantly spelled out. And that is my favorite part.

Read this if you like:
➜ found family
➜ coming of age
➜ historical fiction
➜burlesque/vintage vibes

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always say that good books can be read quickly. I read Harlem's Awakening in less than a week and I was impressed by it.
It starts off with a bang and it then moves into a rich character driven novella. Strong storytelling that kept me wanting to see what happened next.
I recommend highly.

[Elizabeth Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and how the characters slowly developed. The ending surprised me as well. It was an easy read and perfect to read during a long bus or train trip.