𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠📗
𝟺⭐️
Publication Date: 2/4/24

@victoriachristophermurray didn’t miss with this wonderful historical fiction read. She told the story of Jessie Fauset a young woman whose was literally ahead of her time in a male driven world. One she was black and she also did her job better then the men in her life, no question about it. Her dream job comes when she is the first literary editor of the Crisis magazine. Her dream job also puts her in direct contact with her love WEB Dubois the founder of the same magazine. I thought the author did a good job with the contours developing plot. While the historical education of the Harlem renaissance was present, she also gave you the thrill of this love affair.

I buddy read this one and happy we were able to have converse as we did. Also thank you to @hearourvoicestours for including me in this book tour. @berkleypub

🏷️#booklover #bookstagram #bookcommunity #booksofinstagram #readingtime #ilovebooks #bookblogger #bookblog #booknerdigans #bookishfeatures #bookphotography #yalit #yabooks #currentlyreading #igreads #instaread #bookworm #booknerd #bookdragons #drbookreads #blackauthors #webdubois #lit #harlem #love

Thank you NetGalley and author Victoria Christopher Murphy for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this novel we follow Jessie Fauset during her years with the NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis, as its first Literary Editor. Through the pages of this novel we learn about Ms Fauset’s struggles as an educated woman making her way in the workplace as well as writer in the 1920’s. Ms Faucet was also the “right hand woman” to W.E.B. Du Bois, Editor of The Crisis, civil rights activist, and alleged love interest.
We learn what an integral part Jessie was in many young writers’ lives- not only did she mentor and publish their works in The Crisis but she continued their friendships for years as well
I was not aware of Ms Faucet prior to reading this but will take the time to learn more about her and the Harlem Renaissance she was such a big part of.
I give this work 4 stars.

This is a lovely novel that documents Jessie Redmon Fauset’s journey through a world that is finally starting to allow black people to have a voice in a very whitewashed America. Her journey is filled with ups and downs, but her persistence to show people that African’s have a voice, a valid point of view, and they are more then what previously had only ever been presented is powerful and beautiful. Her journey is one that needs to be told, and I am so glad she is finally getting a narrative that can present her to a new audience. I am very much looking forward to recommending this book to fellow readers.
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

🌈 Rainbow Ratings:
Representation: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Intrigue: 9
Narrative: 7
Build-up: 8
Originality: 7
Wow Factor: 7

Victoria Christopher Murray’s Harlem Rhapsody is a captivating novelization of Jessie Redmon Fauset’s life—the woman behind the literary rise of the Harlem Renaissance. As the editor of The Crisis, Fauset nurtured the voices of Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Nella Larsen, yet her own ambitions and complex relationship with W.E.B. Du Bois threatened to overshadow her legacy. Balancing love, power, and the weight of expectation, Fauset’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and sacrifice.

I would be lying if I said this story didn’t give me pause. When I first picked it up, I worried it would focus solely on W.E.B. Du Bois rather than the midwife of the literary New Negro movement herself. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how Murray wove these narratives together. Not only do we gain insight into the reality of their “coupling,” but we also see the intricate ways Fauset was intertwined with so many key figures of the movement.

This book made me think deeply about the complexities of my favorite writers and literary heroes, introduced me to new leaders to research, and kept me fully engaged throughout. I’m appreciative of this story in an entirely unique way.

Thank you to Hear Our Voices and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A stunning stellar novel.
First, the cover is exquisite and captures the heart of Harlem and really stands out.
I had never heard of Jessie Redmon Fauset until reading this novel. I also never knew DuBois’ penchant for extracurricular attention from women.
Murray deals with their affair, while a major theme of the book, is running in the background, with grace and sensitivity.
I love that Fauset nurtured many luminaries through her editorial job, but she was so much more.
Murray provides historical perspective and context and explains changes she made in her notes.
The prose and cadence of her words still resonate and this book is sure to be one of the hits of 2025

Jessie Redman Faust is truly the godmother of the Harlem Renaissance, and I never heard of her before this very informative novel. Victoria Christopher Murray sheds light on yet another woman who has been lost to history. As happens in so many of these books, many men of the era are mentioned, and I recognize most of their names, while Jessie Redman Faust, who should have been even more well known, never received lasting recognition. Harlem is a character all its own in this book and truly comes alive through the characters in the story.

While I enjoyed this story very much, I wish more time was spent on Jessie mentoring other authors and less time on her affair with W.E.B. DuBois. How the affair shaped her life and decisions was important to the story, but it was all encompassing in the story and I would have loved to learn more about this woman who helped shape so many authors. Also, since so little information is actually known about the relationship between Faust and DuBois, it is important to remember that this book is fiction, although historical fiction.

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for an advance ecopy. My opinion is my own.

Harlem Rhapsody is definitely in my top 5 for the year and it's still January! This is my 1st book from Victoria Christopher DuBois but it will not be my last. Even though this is historical fiction the people mentioned in the book are very real. I love being able to go back and research and dig deeper into parts of a book and the people mentioned.

Summary:
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.

Thank you Berkley Publicity and Netgally for this ARC
#berkleypublicity

Author Victoria Christopher Murray is notable for her ability to bring lesser-known women in history who have made major impacts. She weaves the stories of complicated figures that can introduce the reader to an unlikable character who undoubtedly made a historical impact. Harlem Rhapsody is just that. The aspects of this book that I most enjoyed was reading about the Harlem Renaissance and the early lives of what became some of literature's powerhouses and names that grace the buildings on university campuses. I learned a lot and found myself wanting to dig deeper. The part that was challenging was how much of this story is based on an affair between Jessie Redmon and W.E.B Dubois. However, that is a part of this author's style and the premise of the book. For me, it made those characters very unlikable. Thank you Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of this book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.

Victoria Christopher Murray- I LOVE YOUR WORK! I loved both of her previous novels and read the personal librarian in a book club I used to host (obvs a 5 star read). I love learning more about the Harlem renaissance and I felt this book taught me so much I never knew, especially about the upcoming voices of the time which were uplifted and discovered by our FMC, who is amazing! Am I grossed out by WEB Du Bois for going after younger women? Yeah, but he's a literary phenomenon and it was interesting learning more about him.

Fans of the Harlem Renaissance and the iconic poets it birthed, this book is for you. In Victoria Christopher Murray’s latest novel, she shines a spotlight on a literary giant who has sadly been overlooked by history: Jessie Redmon Fauset, often referred to as the “midwife of the Harlem Renaissance.”

While I’ve read plenty about figures like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and my favorite, Zora Neale Hurston, I had never heard of Jessie or her incredible contributions to their success. I also didn’t know about her relationship with W.E.B. Du Bois or her influential roles at The Crisis and The Brownies’ Book.

Victoria Christopher Murray’s meticulous research and lush writing transported me right back to Harlem during this vibrant new age of Black literature. I loved how she wove historical and fictional elements together to bring Jessie’s story to life, tackling important issues like sexism and racism along the way.

Read this book if you’re a fan of Black poetry, the Harlem Renaissance, badass Black women, and Black history. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 rounded up to 5. Harlem Rhapsody was both entertaining and well written, and showcases how historical fiction can teach us so much about the past/origin stories, while not being dull or boring.

Jessie Redmon Fauset is a name that has been almost erased from the pages of history, not because she wasn't a prolific writer and editor, the "first" of many things, including black women graduate from Cornell University and literary editor of The Crisis magazine, but because she was always in the shadow of a man. That man, WEB Dubois, is of course a very famous and well-renouned black activist. Despite being all these things, he always was a philanderer and had a decade long affair with many women, to include Jessie.

The romantic drama is a prevalent theme in this book, and there were times I wanted to scream at Jessie, but also what comes through is her passion for education, for civil rights, and discovering and nurturing new talented black writers. She was the one to first discover and publish the great American poet Langston Hughes, for example. And yet, no one knows her name!

I really enjoyed this story, and the audio narration was really well done in bringing this story to life. I highly recommend giving this one a try -- publishing on Feb 4.

I love reading books about women taking over in spaces that they typically wouldn’t, and this is exactly what this book was about! Reading about Jessie making such a big name for herself and helping others along the way was amazing! I do wish that we would have had a little less about their affair. However, I did enjoy the book!

Victoria Christopher Murray's Harlem Rhapsody is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that beautifully weaves together history, passion, and social activism. Set in the heart of Harlem, the book takes readers on a journey through the lives of two remarkable figures, W.E.B. DuBois and Jessie Redmon Fauset, whose real-life contributions to African-American history are celebrated in the pages of this inspiring novel.

While the novel primarily follows the story of Fauset's contributions to the African-American movement in the arts, W.E.B. DuBois is also a central figure. Murray does a wonderful job of delving into their personal struggles and triumphs. W.E.B. DuBois, known for his groundbreaking work as an intellectual and civil rights leader, is portrayed with a deep respect for his complex, and at times contradictory, character and his profound impact on African-American thought and our impressions of the African-American community. Fauset, though lesser-known, is equally significant in her role as a passionate advocate for the community and their expression through the arts. Murray’s exploration of both Fauset's personal and professional life adds depth to the story, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in history.

The author’s rich prose is filled with historical detail, yet accessible enough for readers who may not be familiar with the time period or the individuals themselves (like me!). Murray masterfully captures the spirit of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance, infusing the novel with the cultural vibrancy of the era, and introducing other historical characters like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Countee Cullen who entered the human consciousness during the Harlem Renaissance.

Harlem Rhapsody is a celebration of resilience, passion, and the unyielding fight for equality. Murray’s portrayal of these real-life characters offers a heartfelt tribute to their legacies. Whether you’re a historical fiction enthusiast, a lover of richly drawn characters, or simply someone who enjoys a well-crafted, thought-provoking novel, Harlem Rhapsody is a must-read that will linger even after the last page is turned.

This historical fiction novel is a truly exceptional read. The author's vivid prose transports the reader to the vibrant Harlem Renaissance, painting a sensory-rich picture of the era and its inhabitants.

Unlike many historical fiction novels that focus solely on fictional characters within a historical backdrop, this book centers on real figures, including renowned writers of the Harlem Renaissance. This approach provides a unique perspective, offering a glimpse into the lives and creative journeys of these literary luminaries.

Jessie, the protagonist, is a captivating figure. Her unwavering dedication to her writing and her tireless efforts to amplify Black voices during a time of significant social and political change are both inspiring and poignant. While the romance subplot adds an intriguing layer of conflict to the narrative, it did occasionally frustrate this reader. However, the author's insightful note at the end of the book provided valuable context and helped to reframe certain aspects of the story.
Whether you're a devoted historical fiction enthusiast or simply appreciate a well-crafted and engaging narrative, this book is an absolute must-read.

A wonderful read! I was not familiar with Jessie Redman Faust. She was a fascinating person who helped kick off the Harlem Renaissance. The author spent lots of time researching for this book and it shows. Great writing style.

This was a great story of untold history. Murray did an exceptional job in depicting the less than savory intimate relations between Faucet and Du Bois however, at times it seemed that relationship was the focal point of the story. Overall, the historical context and figures mentioned in the book made this historical fiction story read as nonfiction retelling giving the reader an up close and personal view of the untold history of the Harlem Renaissance.

Interesting and eye opening historical fiction based on the life of Jessie Redmon Fauset. She was new to me-my bad-and so this was educational in more ways than one. This sent me off to google for more information about W.E. DuBois, who looms large thanks to their, ahem. relationship, as well as about the writers she mentored. It's clearly meticulously researched and written with an affection with Jessie. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read that should lead the reader to look for the authors discussed within.

Outstanding and a true 5-Star Read!

Harlem Rhapsody is a beautifully crafted symphony of words that immerses readers in the vibrant culture, music, and soul of Harlem.

You will not be disappointed in this highly recommended 2025 read!

This was an incredible story and I hope everyone can read this especially in these times. To see the beauty of Harlem back in the day and the way the author described every piece of the neighborhood it was beautiful

(4.5⭐️) This was one of the best historical fiction books I’ve ever read.

There was so much to like about this book that I don’t know where to begin. The writing was so rich and descriptive, and the overall flow had me fully immersed in this setting with these characters. I could so easily picture Harlem during this time, and how lively it was.

Almost all historical fiction I’ve read focuses on fictional people within the historical context, but I loved that this book told the story of real people (albeit with some creative license). It was wonderful to see how these people we all know today as famous writers got their start in the literary world.

Jessie was a captivating character, and I loved her dedication to her dreams and her work, and how hard she fought to uplift other Black voices during this time. The romance plot was interesting and added some conflict and layers to the story, but it did really frustrate me at times, and there were moments I wanted to shake some sense into Jessie. However, the author’s note at the end of the book made me feel slightly differently towards this.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, or even if you’re not and just like good books, this is a must read!