*This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks.”
In 1919, as civil and social unrest grips the country, there is a little corner of America, a place called Harlem where something special is stirring. Here, the New Negro is rising and Black pride is evident everywhere…in music, theatre, fashion and the arts. And there on stage in the center of this renaissance is Jessie Redmon Fauset, the new literary editor of the preeminent Negro magazine The Crisis.
I thoroughly enjoyed Harlem Rhapsody and the journey it took me on through the life of Jessie Redmon Fauset. Before reading this novel, I knew little about her, but learning about her significant role as a literary powerhouse during the Harlem Renaissance was eye-opening. I had no idea she mentored and supported iconic writers like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston, and many others.
What I found most fascinating — and frankly disappointing — was the portrayal of W.E.B. Du Bois. I wasn’t aware of his history as a womanizer or the fact that he and Jessie carried on a consensual affair for years. While the novel is historical fiction, Victoria Christopher Murray made it clear that much of it was rooted in fact, which made Jessie’s emotional turmoil over Du Bois even more frustrating to read. I couldn’t help but feel irked by the amount of angst Jessie endured because of this man.
This book has definitely inspired me to explore Jessie Redmon Fauset’s own works. I’m curious to dive into her writing and better understand her voice beyond her influence on others.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction or want to learn more about the unsung literary heroes of the Harlem Renaissance, I highly recommend giving Harlem Rhapsody a read. And if you’ve already read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
The Book Review Template is perfect for taking quick notes on how you feel about the characters, theme, plot, or whatever seems important to you. Additionally, there are helpful phrases and descriptors to help write your review.
Get the latest blog posts when you subscribe. Promise not to spam.
Get notified about new posts
