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!

Loved this!!! Loved the parts about the love affair because it added to the flare of this story! I learned so much about previous renown writers that have come up in the past that I never knew about! The writing was beautiful.

I really enjoyed this book! Jessie Redmon Fauset was truly the godmother of the Harlem Renaissance. Her commitment to opening doors for Black Americans in literature paved the way for some of the most renowned writers of our time.

The depiction of her relationship with Dr. W.E.B. DuBois in this story is SUPERRRR messy lol. But I don't think you can tell her true authentic story without the mention of this affair. Victoria Christopher Murray did a fantastic job of showing that even our heroes were human and flawed but still made a lasting impact on the world.

This book was a little slow at times but as someone who is a Harlem native, I love stories that show the history of my home town and I loved learning even more about where I'm from.

Harlem Rhapsody follows the life of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the first Black woman to hold the position of literary editor at a prominent magazine. I was extremely excited to read this historical fiction novel to learn about such a revolutionary figure in history!

I was caught by surprise that Fauset was actually romantically entangled with Pan-Africanist civil rights activist, W.E.B Du Bois. Calling her his “mistress” sounds crass, as it was clear that their relationship was one built on mutual respect and understanding. I appreciated the way Victoria Christopher Murray portrayed their relationship as between two flawed individuals who had a common goal, and also presenting Du Bois’ adherence to patriarchal standards while remaining respectful to his legacy. However, I really wish less emphasis and page space was used on their relationship. At times it felt like I was reading a romance drama rather than a historical fiction novel about an incredibly accomplished woman, and I think focusing so much on Jessie’s relationship with Du Bois detracted from the feminist narrative.

The research that went into writing this story was visibility extensive, and I wholly appreciated each historical figure’s cameos in this book. Jessie Fauset published young Langston Hughes’ work and I was audibly giggling when he makes his appearance in the story. There’s nothing quite like meeting historical figures you admire in works of fiction!

Overall I think Murray did a fantastic job in balancing drama with history and there is a constant tone of empowerment throughout the book.

I’d recommend Harlem Rhapsody to folks who enjoy drama in their historical fiction, and to those who appreciate Black feminist narratives of women we should all know about!

I’ll be honest—historical fiction has never been my favorite genre. It’s just not something I usually pick up. But as 2025 gets closer, I promised myself I’d step out of my comfort zone and give new genres a real chance. And I’m so glad I did.

I decided to try Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray. I’ve read her books before and loved them, so I figured I’d start with an author I already trust. Let me tell you, this book blew me away. I’ve always known Victoria is a great writer, but this story was on another level. I was completely hooked from start to finish.

The story of Jesse was not only fascinating but also incredibly eye-opening. I learned so much history that I’d never been taught before. Jesse’s story felt so real, and it pulled me into her world. For the first time, I truly felt like I was experiencing a different time and place. Usually, historical books don’t hold my attention, but this one had me invested in the characters, the setting, and everything in between.

Reading this book wasn’t just entertaining—it was also a learning experience. It gave me a new perspective on history, and as an African-American woman, it made me proud to read about such a strong and courageous character. Jesse’s story was inspiring, and when I finished the book, I honestly felt sad because I didn’t want it to end.

Victoria Christopher Murray absolutely nailed it with Harlem Rhapsody. It’s not often I finish a book and immediately think about reading it again, but this one was so special I know I’ll come back to it. If you’ve never been a fan of historical fiction, like me, this is the perfect book to change your mind. It’s beautifully written, powerful, and unforgettable. A must-read for sure!