Harlem Rhapsody

by Victoria Christopher Murray

Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR!

“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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, African American, Romance, Book Club

400 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2025

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

Reviews

[Kezia Duah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Jessie Redmon Fauset, the woman that you are🤩! Yes, you have your faults, but I am beyond ecstatic to have read about your immense contributions to the Harlem Renaissance.

My favorite thing about great historical fiction is when the author puts in the work, OKAY 👌🏾👏🏾💯?! It was so much fun looking up so many of the characters and events just to distinguish what was real and what wasn’t. Of course, this is fiction, so I wouldn’t be shocked if plenty of things were made up, but it was still exciting to do that mini research! I found this book to be incredibly deliberate in maintaining historical accuracy, which only made it even more impactful beyond just reading it.

This book felt like a roller coaster because Murray didn’t hold back—every flaw of the characters and the struggles of telling the Black experience in America were laid bare. Let me tell you, I was appalled at how much I had to keep reading about Jessie’s and Will’s ummm… “activities.” And deep down, I think that’s the real reason I couldn’t quite give it a full five stars! A part of me felt like we didn’t need to delve into that aspect so much, especially since it became such a major part of the book. But listen, I’m not saying Murray should have left it out entirely.IN FACT, if she had, the book might have suffered for it, because Jessie’s relationship with Will played such a crucial role in how she stepped into her own power. And boy, did she do something with her role. She was fearless, ambitious, and brilliant—fighting to bring new black voices and stories into the spotlight. I couldn’t get enough of her dedication to this cause, and knowing she was instrumental in getting so many stories out into the world? I’m in absolute awe🥺.

Jessie’s struggle with her choices throughout the book was incredibly powerful too. There were so many moments where she and her support system forced her to really reflect on what she was doing, and I felt so connected to her internal battle. When a character has flaws, I always try to understand why they do what they do. As a Black woman at the time, she didn’t have many people who truly believed in her. And like so many of us, when we find even the smallest bit of belief from someone else, we hold onto it—even if it doesn’t always come from the best place. That’s another reason why Jessie and Will’s storyline was so important, even though I still think some of that space could have been used to show more of Jessie working with new writers who needed that same boost of confidence and support.

Now, Dr. Du Bois—the man himself. I did know about him before reading this book, and honestly, I don’t really care much about his personal life. But oh, what the hell—it was the early 1900s, wasn’t every man having an affair? Sigh. But aside from that, I’ve always known about his remarkable contributions to civil rights activism, and I really appreciated seeing him through this lens.

And that ending? Absolutely beautiful 🙌🏾. When I finished this book, all I felt was pure gratitude—gratitude for Fauset, and gratitude for Murray for bringing us a story that was so clearly written with the utmost care.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story but I wish it had been a bit more centered on the times and a bit less on the affair of W.E.B and Jessie. I felt like the romance was the main plot and I had hoped to learn even more about period of time that they lived and worked. Overall though it is a solid story and I will definitely read this writer again

Thank you to NetGalley for an early reverse in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5
- Learned so much while reading this story and I really feel like this would make a great movie! Love the writing style from this author. It’s the second book that I’ve read of theirs and I will definitely continue to read more.
- Wish that we didn’t get so much of the affair and we got other aspects of her life during that time. I think going into this I expected to read about their love story, but not nearly as much as what was actually included in the book.
- There was a lot of history in this story and I wish it were a bit shorter, but I can totally see true historical fiction lovers eating this up!

[Darriona · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨ This was my first read from Victoria Christopher Murray and I really enjoyed it! I really loved learning about the unsung hero of the Harlem Renaissance, Jessie Redmon Fauset. This story is about Faucet's role as the first literary editor of The Crisis and her alleged love affair with Dr. W.E.B. Dubois. The story of her relationship with Du Bois and the impact on her work was interesting and, although at times I felt we were placing too much focus on the relationship rather than her endeavors (I wanted to learn more about her), I understood why for the purpose of the story that these decisions were made. The relationship had a major impact in the grand scheme of things.

Jessie Redmon Faucet was such a force even in this fictional portrayal of her. She was also very human! I was not familiar with her prior to this book and her legacy, but I'm hopeful that stories like this one encourages people to learn more about her. I'm actually really excited to read her novels and do my own research.

I also really appreciated the authors note included at the end. I'm always interested in why the story is told and what research went in for it. I was actually very curious since this was historical fiction novel with very real people at the center of the story, which was new for me! I'm used to the main characters being very fictional with mentions of real people on the side, lol. I would describe this as a mixture of both non-fiction and fiction. I appreciate the clarification of creative liberties that were taken for this story.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the free book! #Berkley #BerkleyPartner

[Annie J (The History Solarium Book Club) · Rating 2 out of 5]

While my rating is low, it is purely based on my tastes. I believe Harlem Rhapsody will engage a wide audience, but it wasn’t for me. The topic, Jessie Fauset, the “literary midwife” of the 1920s, was phenomenal and I commend the author for her in depth research of the period and the people. I was, however, left wanting. I wanted to know so much more about how Fauset was involved with so many icons- Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Alain Locke, Nella Larsen, etc. These relationships were largely overshadowed by her love affair with W.E.B. Du Bois. Unfortunately, I just had no interest in their relationship and this apparently strong, women of “firsts” seemed to be unable to make any decision without thinking about how it related to Du Bois. With very little knowledge of Fauset, this may have been true and is possibly supported by the sources. But, her inner turmoil over the twists and turns of their interactions repetitively wore on took away from her significant literary accomplishments that I was excited to learn more about. I am not someone who enjoys romance novels and this falls very close to that genre. For readers who enjoy romance with some historical fiction mixed in, this will be a well-loved book!

I am grateful to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Victoria Christopher Murray’s Harlem Rhapsody.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie stressed me out the ENTIREEEEEEE book. Although her contributions to literature.. more importantly BLACK LITERATURE is absolutely brilliant …. Her personal affairs were quite.. DUMB. But the mess kept me enthralled throughout the entire book.

[AlexTRBG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Harlem Rhapsody was so good! Okay, I see 2025 historical fiction coming out the gate crazyyyyyy 😭👏🏽. Victoria Christopher Murray really captured the pure magic of the Harlem Renaissance in a way that felt immersive and alive. Reading this felt like being a fly on the wall in the homes and offices of the figures we don’t always hear about. Like I was getting the inside scoop on Black history in real-time.

And let’s talk about the tea because whew 😮‍💨 This book really came with the drama and historical facts! There was never a dull moment fr. And I loved how seamlessly Victoria blended real history with deeply human and relatable moments. She really made these historical figures feel like real people. Jessie was such a great protagonist, and seeing her interact with Black legends I’ve only ever known from an academic lens was so fascinating.

Also, let’s be for real… I ate up the whole affair between Jessie and W.E.B. 😭 Like, that was such a bold plot point, but Victoria executed it flawlessly. The buildup, the tension, the inevitable mess? It was giving peak drama. And honestly, by the end, even as the reader, I was over the BS between Jessie and Will 😂 Like girl, pack it up.

Now that I’ve read this, I can’t wait to dive into more Black classics like the ones referenced in the book. I actually just picked up a collection of Langston Hughes' short stories, and I’m so excited to get into it!

If you love historical fiction that’s rich in both history and drama, this one is definitely worth picking up!

[BookmarkedByAlia]

Ok so I had to DNF this one🫣
It’s not bad AT ALL. But I feel like I’m getting a history lesson about so many people during the Harlem Renaissance. I love this era so much, but I went in thinking I would get an actual storyline as opposed to just A LOT of information. It started off great but started to drag and by the 60% mark I just couldn’t do it anymore.
I love learning how people that we’ve spent our entire lives learning about got their start and seeing it all play out, but a lot of this book was just too much information dumping for me. It jumps between feeling like a story, to just feeling like a biography.
I think I wanted more W.E.B. and Jesse’s story (as trifling as it might be) but…🤷🏽‍♀️
The “good parts” might have been coming but my patience is thin and I have a million other books fighting for my attention right now LOL
Maybe I’ll finish this at a later date.

[HotOffTheShelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick thoughts: Unfortunately, I found this book to be slightly underwhelming. I didn’t feel connected and invested in the characters and their stories, even though I felt I would love Jessie after reading the summary. There was something missing from the overall telling of the story, I got the main points of what she did and the people of the time but I didn’t feel connected to the characters and I didn’t feel myself rooting for them or otherwise.
This story is based on Jessie Redmon Fauset who moves to NYC to become the literary editor of The Crisis a well-known black magazine in the early 1900’s. The magazine is spearheaded by W.E.B DuBois, well known civil rights activist of the time. DuBois creates the role at the crisis for Jessie because of her talent for writing but also because they are having an affair.
Unfortunately, because the book only tells the story of her life during her time at The Crisis with DuBois, I feel like her life is minimized to this one point in her life when she was having an affair with a married man. I didn’t get to see her character evolve beyond her entanglement with DuBois and I didn’t get to see it beforehand either. The timing of the book felt centered around this theme of “will she or won’t she stay” regarding the affair. Because the scenes got repetitive and somewhat tedious after a while. There were numerous scenes of her family expressing their disapproval of her relationship with him and then multiple scenes of her wrestling with either leaving or defending her decision. I know the book spans five years, but it felt like Jessie was stagnant, I didn’t get a lot of growth until the last few chapters.
**spoilers**
One of the big reasons Jessie was content with being a mistress and not having a husband of her own is because she felt like the responsibilities of being a wife would take away from her literary ambitions. But at the same time, it felt like so much of her time was consumed by DuBois and his ambitions and their relationship which seemed contradictory to her personality. Whereas her accomplishments felt like they were splashed in here and there with the chapters. She spent so much time on the Brownie Book magazine and even found a way to cut costs, but we never saw her mention the cost cut again or see her fight for the Brownie Book. Then at some point Jessie realizes her ambition is to have DuBois step down and her become editor of The Crisis. In multiple chapters she speaks to close friends and family about it and she even concocts a plan to schmooze the NAACP board to have them warm up to the idea. But then, she never follows through with the plan and eventually tells DuBois she must leave. I understand her resignation at the end as it does make the most sense, but she took so many steps only to give up and not try? That’s how I felt about much of the conflict in the book, something would seem to me like a buildup to some big point of contention only for it to end in a very underwhelming way. I do understand that since most of these characters were real people it was important to not tarnish their reputations all for the sake of entertainment, but even with that understanding something was missing from the story. During my reading and after my reading I felt very indifferent to what was happening in the story.

[Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I opened Harlem Rhapsody expecting a deep dive into the life and legacy of Jessie Redmon Fauset, but what I got instead was a front-row seat to her very unexpected situationship with W.E.B. Du Bois.

I live for a good historical deep dive, and I was ready to be inspired by Jessie’s contributions to the Harlem Renaissance. But instead of being fully immersed in her literary and editorial genius, I found myself way too invested in the tea surrounding her and Du Bois. This book lowkey had me spiraling, not over Jessie’s achievements (which deserved way more shine), but over Du Bois and his very complicated love life.

At the end of the day, if the goal was to educate me on Fauset’s impact, I have to say it missed the mark. But if the goal was to have me side-eyeing W.E.B. Du Bois like he’s the main character of a messy reality show, then mission accomplished.

[Creolecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a five star read if the author hadn't spent so much time on Jessie's "relationship " with W.E.B. DuBois. It was just too much.

[Laurie Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, this is one of the best books I have reviewed in the many years I have been a member of Book Browse! Not only is the story, plot line, and characters mesmerizing, but the historical education of the Harlem Renaissance was spellbounding. There is so much we don't know until reading such a well-documented novel as this. I am motivated to read more and cannot wait until Victoria Christopher Murray's next book! P.S. I am thrilled she collaborates with one of my favorite historical fiction authors - Marie Benedict.

[Cheryl James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I never heard of Jessie Redmon Fausett. What an honor to read her story and many accomplishments.

I'm not a fan of her affair with W.E.B. Du Bois. It appears her life was lost within her love for him and his life.

The book spoke more on the affair and not enough of who she really was and what she really stood for. But with that being said, I loved the read, and I learned much about the Harlem Renaissance writers, authors, and poets.

Kudos to the author for keeping these stories alive. The research put into this book is epic, and I look forward to the next read!!

[Kristine]

📚 Loved , The Personal Librarian and , The First Ladies both Co-Written by Victoria Christopher Murray and Marie Benedict. Think this is going to be a very good read.

It is about Jessie Redmon Fauset who was the Editor of The Crisis. This is the magazine for up and coming black talent. Always, love to learn about new people and the impact they had on the culture. She starts nurturing talented literary black writers including Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Nella Larsen. She also writes her first novel and submits passages each month in The Crisis. She is a Tour de Force for certain. She has confidence and believes is striving to be her best and assisting other Negros doing the same.

Jessie is also involved with W.E.B. DuBois, but he is married and she is aware and accepts this, yet he gives some pretty lame reasons why he is always cheating on his wife. Well, that’s her personal life and she wants to be taken seriously and deserves this. It is painful reading some of the passages between Will, as she calls him and Jessie. He just doesn’t treat her right. Everything is about how a relationship fits into his life only. She starts to fall in love with him and finds he has other women friends that he refuses to discuss. Although, his accomplishments can not be denied and shouldn’t, the author does show his misogyny and elitism.

Victoria Christopher Murray writes excellent Author Notes. I had both the book and the Audio and found this book fascinating. She co-wrote The Personal Librarian with Marie Benedict and always thought she deserved more credit for that book. Yet, we find out Marie Benedict helped edit this book and was helpful in getting it out there. So, glad to read that. Last, both authors are collaborating on a 3rd Book. I can’t wait for it to come out.

This was an Excellent Book and Highly Recommend It. Learn so much history about the Harlem Renaissance happening in 1920’s Harlem and Jessie Redmon Fauset is finally getting some well deserved credit. I loved her character development by the author. ❤️

[AsToldByKenya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing story about such a phenomenal woman, Jessie Faucet. She was one of the ones we don’t get to hear much about but I was glad we got to learn more about her contribution in the literary world during the Harlem Renaissance. I do kind of feel as if her relationship with Du Bois kind over overshadowed her literary talents and impact. The storytelling was intriguing and well done. I also appreciated the authors note at the end. This was a great historical fiction about real people during a real time in our history that I would recommend for everyone to read. I look forward to reading Jessie’s work and doing more research on her life.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll preface this by admitting that Harlem Rhapsody didn't initially appeal to me based on the synopsis alone. However, after seeing its high ratings on Goodreads and its recognition as one of Amazon's Best Books of February 2025, I decided to give it a chance. Now, I wish I had followed my gut.

This historical fiction novel follows Jessie Redmon Fauset’s time working for The Crisis, a Black magazine that helped launch the careers of many Harlem Renaissance writers and poets. The reader is transported to 1920s Harlem, where discussions about identity, representation, and the role of Black artists in modern America weave throughout the novel. Jessie crosses paths with many cultural icons we recognize today, though their appearances often feel more like surface-level cameos with nods to their literary works rather than meaningful interactions. While I appreciated learning about a woman’s contributions to one of America’s greatest cultural movements and the important conversations being had during this period, I think I would have preferred something less direct and more thought-provoking.

Additionally, much of the novel focuses on Jessie's affair with W.E.B. DuBois, her mentor and boss. Unfortunately, this was my least favorite part of the book. Even setting aside the ethical issues, I felt no chemistry between them. Their relationship is already established at the start of the novel, leaving no build-up, and I never felt invested in them as a couple. The repetitive break-up/make-up dynamic quickly became exhausting, turning the reading experience into a slog. Girl, he's not even worth it!

Overall, while I'm glad that this book highlighted an often-overlooked historical figure, I ultimately didn’t enjoy reading it. At least it counts toward one of my Goodreads Community Favorites Challenge badges, so my time wasn't completely wasted.

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this book. A woman in history that I have never heard of before, W.E.B. Du Bois, the Harlem Renaissance. I could not sign up quick enough. The only problem was I could not get into the first 60% of the book. It dragged on and was mostly focused on Jessie and Will's affair. I wish there was something more to hook me. More in-depth details on what was going on in Harlem at that time. The characters did not blossom for me until the latter half of the book. When Jessie began to step away from Will and become a more independent woman, who began to dream for herself.

Jessie Redmon Fauset is a name in history that we should know. The first black woman to graduate from Cornell University, the literary editor of Du Bois' magazine The Crisis, known as the "Midwife of the Harlem Renaissance", teacher, and author. During her time at The Crisis, she helped bring Langston Hughes to the masses. Jessie was determined to make the magazine a success and she gave it her heart and soul. She also gave her entire self to Du Bois for the first five years she was in New York. There were so many times she walked away and kept returning. No matter what she learned about the man's extracurricular activities. At the end she had the confidence to step into her life and make it her own. Doing what she loved, writing, and teaching.

I wanted to know Jessie and Will on a deeper level. I know the amount of research that goes into this type of book and am beyond excited that I have been introduced to this astonishing woman. She paved the way for countless writers, helped black authors become published, including herself. Thank you to Victoria Christopher Murray and Berkley Publishing for my gifted finished copy.

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whewww talking about scandal and more scandal! I never imagine the tea about this relationship would be aired out like this. All I know is I don’t have anything for the man… WEB because he wrecked my nerves the entire book. All I can say is that this made me want to dig more into the characters and literary icons! Read this! ❤️❤️❤️

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Murray took prominent to personal and highlighted the hidden in historical. I’ve already become keen to her writing from The Personal Librarian, and I love how her writing style is detailed yet conversational. You are able to be transported in time, yet not feel overwhelmed and underwhelmed with historical facts. The use of banter and emotion, literally, brings the past to life and focuses on the relatability (which transcends any time period). I am familiar with some musical and literary men from the Harlem Renaissance, but was ignorant of Jessie Faucet’s prominence. Now I’m glad that’s no longer the case, and I know that Jessie was a profound, talented, and imperfect human woman worth knowing.

https://pin.it/SIXKHXLrf

[Candice Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌸 🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 🌺

✨Thanks, @berkleypub and @prhaudio, for the free copies for my immersive reading.✨

Victoria Christopher Murray’s 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗥𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗱𝘆 re-centers Jessie Redmon Fauset as the mind and force behind a movement. I’m not just talking about shiny Harlem salons and uptown jazz rhythms but also about how one person created this effort of gatekeeping, editing, and insisting that Black art be recognized as art. From the first chapters, Murray frames literature as action rather than ornament. As DuBuis declares, “This is the time for the new Negro, and literature must play its role. At its best, literature is a useful form of propaganda” (5). The novel shows us what that looks like on the ground: building a pipeline of writers, shaping The Crisis, and refusing to make Black excellence palatable for white comfort.

What stayed with me is how Murray threads legacy through care. Fauset understands that cultural survival starts at home: “We must imbue our children with messages that override what they’re being told by America” (21). That conviction powers the book’s most electric scenes—mentorship, editorial battles, and the calculated risks women take to move a whole people forward.

Murray also engages DuBois’s double consciousness without turning Jessie into a footnote. “We are left to live two lives… and two souls” (p. 34) becomes more than theory as Jessie navigates love, labor, and the tax of being brilliant and Black in public. The line “you’ll be judged doubly” (40–41) isn’t a thesis meant to instruct; it’s a bruise the novel presses until we feel it.

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗥𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗱𝘆 shines because it restores authorship to a woman too often sidelined. If you come for the romance and Renaissance glamour (and the gossip), you’ll stay for the editorial audacity, the historical texture, and the hard-won clarity about what it costs to build a canon that holds us tenderly.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🏷 #HarlemRhapsody #VictoriaChristopherMurray #JessieRedmonFauset #HistoricalFiction #BlackFiction #HarlemRenaissance #CandiceReads #CandiceReviews #HaleYeahBooks #Bookstagram #BookReview #WellReadBlackGirl

[laurel [the suspected bibliophile] · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novelized depiction of the life of the very real Jessie Redmon Fauset, the literary editor of The Crisis and the midwife of the Harlem Renaissance.

I haven't read much about the Harlem Renaissance—a movement of Black writers in Harlem, NYC (and elsewhere, but the heartbeat was Harlem) in the post-war years of the roaring 20s. An explosion of Black talent: jazz, dancing and incredible Black writers, and Fauset found and mentored many of the preeminent writers of the time, including Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and Nella Larsen.

Fauset was also the main mistress of the prominent WEB Du Bois, and this is as much as biopic of her as it is him, taking a look at a Great Man through the eyes of someone who saw all of his flaws (and often excused them).

Fauset was one of the leading writers of the Harlem Renaissance, although she faded into the background as others took center stage (Langston Hughes being one of the most prominent Black writers who has endured through the time), mainly due to misogynoir and the fact that Fauset wrote about upper class Black women and not what mainstream white America wanted to read (the downtrodden sadness and suffering).

Anywho, while the writing and I didn't jive a whole lot of the time (I often struggle with fictional biopics for this reason because I keep asking REALLY), I really enjoyed this book. And I've added Fauset's works to my (ridiculously long) tbr.

[Gabriella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually much funnier than I thought it would be—definitely reminds me of Bridgerton on Netflix (I have not read the books.) For all the classical language and 1920s propriety, these characters are engaged in a level of mess one would easily find on Love and Marriage Huntsville (2019—present.) We’ll get to the adultery in a moment, but before then, I loved how Victoria Christopher Murray’s highlighted Jessie Redmon Fauset’s role as the “midwife” of the Harlem Renaissance. Jessie truly brings her gift as a teacher into her work as an editor, following up her knack at discovering talent with a long-honed skill for instructing and refining that talent. Some of my favorite parts in this story came when Jessie was tutoring and encouraging fellow writers, including in their early years as artists. While the book especially shows her nurturing new talents like Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes, she is just as instrumental in the literary development of older adults like Nella Larsen and W.E.B. DuBois.

Speaking of the devil…I truly respect Murray for celebrating this less-remembered figure, AND honestly portraying that figure’s complicated personal life with a very well-known figure. From the first few pages (as well as the afterword), it’s clear that Victoria Christopher Murray has a deep admiration for Jessie Redmon Fauset. Initially, I was worried that this meant she might try to sanitize Jessie’s story, and leave out some of the more salacious rumors. Reader, I could not be further from wrong!!!! Murray is true but fair, and our protagonist still comes out as admirable in every aspect except her romantic life. That man, on the other hand?!?!?! Just despicable.
I already kinda hated DuBois after reading about his hypocritical elitism in Saidiya Hartman’s Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments. As someone who graduated from an Urban Studies program in Philadelphia, DuBois’ sociological research in the Seventh Ward is often discussed in detail. However, it wasn’t until reading Wayward Lives that it became glaringly obvious how much this acclaimed researcher made moral judgments about his subjects that HE HIMSELF would’ve been judged for, if he too had the misfortune of being a research subject. In many ways, this man’s double standards and unreasonable expectations show that we are truly dealing with the same old shit, 100 years later. Philandering men with paper thin egos is nothing new for the 2020s—it was well and alive in 1920s Harlem. In many places (136, 254) you could’ve swapped “Will” for Jonathan Majors ranting about needing his Coretta Scott King, and I would’ve believed it. You could say that this all is because someone from our modern time is writing her interpretation of the past, but I don’t know if it’s that simple. Abusive scripts are informed by the systems of oppression that have been around for centuries, so I really could believe this was how these conversations went down.

Finally, I did struggle with a few elements of this book. First, Jessie’s white stepmom constantly lecturing her on decorum is a choice, to say the least. 💀 Speaking of white women, DuBois was not the only one getting around—according to Hartman, Mary White Ovington was another floozy! I kept thinking Murray would’ve had a scene or two to show how Ms. Ovington didn’t have a strong leg to stand on in her judgment of Jessie’s sexual behavior. This brings me to the main thing I felt was absent in Harlem Rhapsody—a real attention to the issues impacting the majority of Black women in Harlem. In this novel, we are supposed to take Jessie as this incredibly informed woman who is very serious about politics and the advancement of Black women. However, we know from Hartman’s work about the same time period that many Black women and girls were being tortured and indefinitely detained in reformatories, fighting off rampant sexual assault, and being forced into enslavement as domestic workers for white families—ALL IN HARLEM. I thought it was a great loss that none of these real-time political issues were discussed, as they certainly would’ve been right on Jessie’s doorstep. Don’t worry though, there’s lots of talk about who went to which college and how many Black women have earned their doctorates!!!

To close, I would recommend Harlem Rhapsody for a fun, slightly educational time. I think I’m coming down a bit hard on Murray’s avoidance of the more dire situations in 1920s Harlem, because of a general annoyance I have with Black media. Ever since Insecure, I’ve hated when people compliment certain art by saying how glad they are that it isn’t “trauma porn.” In reality, political realities are never far from our lives—even when are lives are relatively privileged. For instance, while people often talk about Insecure as a show that doesn’t focus on “the struggle”, many of the characters are actually struggling with financial insecurity and the pressures of gentrification. It benefits every show when we can have a good time without ignoring the real challenges of the world, because these challenges often impact our ability to enjoy life. It benefits no one when we avoid honest portrayals of “less glamorous” Black people—be that in 2025, 1925, or 1825. I certainly get people’s annoyance at out-of-nowhere police violence subplots, or thoughtless depictions of our enslaved ancestors. However, I think there’s a wide range of possibility between tactless inclusion of oppression in media, and complete avoidance of anything but a good time. Our world is getting worse and worse, and so I think it’s important to learn how to enjoy things without escaping reality. Probably ranting for too long about a book I mostly enjoyed, but that’s the truth of where I’m at! Until next time…

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Eye Opener
I have read The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois. I thought it was excellent. When the opportunity to participate in an early reading of Harlem Rhapsody was presented, I jumped at the chance. This book describes the work of Jessie Fauset as poet, literary editor of The Crisis magazine, and paramour of Du Bois. Until reading this book, I had not heard of Fauset and her contributions to The Crisis. I certainly did not think that Du Bois was having an affair with her. In the limited reading I have done about them, I can find no evidence of this liaison. Despite this 'eye opener', I did enjoy the writing and flow of the story and especially Fauset's understanding of Du Bois's 'Souls'.

4 stars

On a second reading of this fine book, I decided to concentrate on reviewing the Harlem Renaissance authors mentioned in this book and add those to my TBR who I have not yet read. I have added a shelf entitled harlem-ren-authors with 8 entries. As of this writing I have read 4 of them. I especially thank the author for helping me add a treasure trove of additional reading to which I look forward.

Book now rated 5 stars

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books entertain, some educate, and others ignite something inside you—BABYYYYYYY—Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray does all three.

Murray brings Jessie Redmon Fauset to life in a way that shines a spotlight and puts a microscope on her life. She protects the legacies of both Fauset and W.E.B. DuBois while keeping them authentic—flawed and brilliant that is. The Harlem Renaissance sways and two-steps in this book, and Murray ensures we feel every beat. If you enjoy the Harlem Renaissance, this book may be for you.

This story makes me reflect on my own writing journey but also it makes me want to explore Fauset’s work. How is it that a woman who influenced Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen isn’t a household name? Make it make sense. But Harlem Rhapsody forces us to come correct bringing Fauset and her influence to the forefront, where they belong.

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars Thanks to BookBrowse for allowing me to read and review this book. Published Feb 4, 2025

I felt this book was just a bit dry. It is fiction, based on the real lives of many of the included characters. But for me it bogged down as many times as it educated or mused me. However I will give it credit - it covered a lot of history - from the lives of W.E.B. Du Bois, Jessie Fauset, Langston Hughes, Nella Larson to the beginning of the NAACP. So there was a lot covered in this book. Thanks to Jessie Fauset there are a lot of black authors that are grateful for her tutoring and exposition of their work. It also covered the extraordinary career of Fauset - her work in the Civil Rights movement, her editorial expertise, and her place in the NAACP, thanks to Du Bois.

[Bria Celest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a compelling look at a remarkable Black woman history has largely overlooked, & all set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance. I loved seeing Jessie’s ambition take center stage as she navigated the world of journalism and carved out space in a male-dominated field while also finding her place in a White society and pushing against the grain. The exploration of her alleged affair with W.E.B. Du Bois was intriguing, especially in how it highlighted the power dynamics—his age, his influence, and their positions at the newspaper—but at times, it felt too prominent, overshadowing other aspects of her life and career that I wished had been explored more deeply. The affair was definitely integral to them and the movement as a whole because who knows what would’ve happened without it. Still, this was a fascinating dive into a lesser-known figure of Black history, full of historical richness and insight, making it a must-read for those who love stories of powerful women and the Harlem Renaissance.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Jessie’s story, seeing her become the new literary editor for The Crisis in 1919. All of her work as an editor, finding and uplifting so many Black voices and artists (Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen). I loved how dedicated to her work she was and strived for her own career. The parts of the story I wasn’t as invested in was her back and forth relationship with Will for years. I get it was a part of her character and work relationship too, but I just wasn’t as invested in the messiness, back and forth of that. Her work was so interesting!

[Shelby (allthebooksalltheways) · Rating 5 out of 5]

HARLEM RHAPSODY by Victoria Christopher Murray

Thank you @berkleypub & @prhaudio for my #gifted copies #berkleyig #berkleypartner #penguinrandomhousepartner

📖 Harlem Rhapsody is a vibrant work of historical fiction that tells the story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the "Literary Midwife" of the Harlem Renaissance. The story explores her work for the The Crisis magazine, nurturing and championing young Black writers, as well as her relationship with W.E.B. DuBois.

💭 This was SO incredibly well done! Meticulously researched and thoughtfully told, Christopher Murray took great care in telling this story — which I'm certain was no easy task. While it's fiction, it is based closely on the real lives of real people, and was handled with the utmost respect given the complexities involved. I loved learning about the trailblazing Jessie Redmon Fauset, and the other wonderful cast of characters, including a young Langston Hughes. I can't say enough good things about this book. Just read it, and thank me later. 🧡

🎧 When I saw Robin Miles as the narrator of this book, I knew I'd be reading and listening in tandem. I've long adored her voice and have sought out books she's narrated, as she elevates everything she touches. A 5-star performance to go with a 5-star book!

📌 Available tomorrow!

📌 This is the @diversespines February Books Club pick!

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the description of Harlem Rhapsody, I expected tea ☕️ and history—and that’s exactly what I got. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I love the Harlem Renaissance. As both a setting and an era, its creative energy is absolutely mesmerizing to read about and impossible to ignore.

This was my first read by Victoria Christopher Murray, and I truly appreciate how she highlights the force that was Jessie Redmon Fauset. As someone already familiar with Fauset’s work and impact, it was fascinating to see this adaptation of her life as one of the “most prolific and most forgotten” writers of the Harlem Renaissance. For many readers, I know this will be an enticing introduction to her legacy.

Fauset was so many things—and often the best at those things. She dedicated her life to exploring language, literature, social justice, and education, all while championing the Black voices of the Harlem Renaissance that we celebrate today. In Harlem Rhapsody, I really enjoyed seeing her relationships with other writers and how she navigated carving out a space for herself while investing in others. I hope this book inspires readers to seek out her works and truly understand the breadth of her influence.

I can see some readers feeling frustrated by the way her relationship with W.E.B. Du Bois casts such a wide shadow over her literary impact. But I also felt this was intentional and an honest reflection of the times. The sad reality is that many women writers were overshadowed by their male counterparts, and this book doesn’t shy away from that truth. We see how her relationship with Du Bois puts her in difficult positions—not just in her personal life, but also in shaping the future she envisioned for herself.

That said, I’m sure plenty of readers will enjoy the mess of it all, following where Ms. Fauset’s decisions lead her in the end.

3.5 Rounded up. Thank you to Hear Our Voices Book Tours for this read!