“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.
Download and start listening now!
"“An unforgettable novel with dazzling prose and historical insight. Murray masterfully illuminates Jessie Redmon Fauset’s dedication to shaping the legacies of our most cherished literary icons. With richly painted scenes that transport you to the heart of Harlem, Harlem Rhapsody is more than a novel—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and resilience. I was captivated by this enthralling tale that educates, entertains, and enlightens. This is a book that belongs in every literary collection—an absolute must-read."
— ReShonda Tate, National Bestselling author of The Queen of Sugar HillPraise for the coauthored novels of Victoria Christopher Murray
A compelling and important story.
— Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of A Good NeighborhoodThis book will expand your perspective and keep you reading late into the night.
— Dolen Perkins-Valdez, New York Times bestselling author of Take My HandAn utter joy.... The First Ladies is a wonder!
— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond EyeA timely story...of when two strong minds come together in the name of justice and equality.
— Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of EveA powerful and unforgettable story of female strength and the triumph of the human spirit.
— Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue StarA novel abundant with culture, art, literature, and romance—the beauty and recklessness of love are revealed with astonishing clarity.
— Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora LeaA marvel of a story.
— Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth AvenueA fascinating story!
— Real SimpleMarie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray herald the beauty and passion of a celebrated friendship across color lines and the complications of history.
— Vanessa Riley, award-winning author of Queen of Exiles"Harlem Rhapsody is a strong contender for the best book I've read all year. Victoria Christopher Murray brings her extraordinary talent to the story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, who is one of the most inspiring women I've ever encountered. This is a tale of love, of literature, of a time when a woman, despite racism and sexism, continued to fight for her place in the world, a place she deserved more than anyone. What a magnificent novel; it belongs on everyone's bookshelves.
— Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris OrphanPraise for the coauthored novels of Victoria Christopher Murray“Historical fiction at its best!
— Good Morning AmericaMajor kudos to Murray for resurrecting the memory of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the strong-willed literary editor who discovered and encouraged the great writers of the Harlem Renaissance…. An exquisite rendering of Fauset’s struggles and triumphs as a woman and an artist. Not to be missed.
— Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen QueenHarlem Rhapsody is a strong contender for the best book I've read all year. Victoria Christopher Murray brings her extraordinary talent to the story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, who is one of the most inspiring women I've ever encountered. This is a tale of love, of literature, of a time when a woman, despite racism and sexism, continued to fight for her place in the world, a place she deserved more than anyone. What a magnificent novel; it belongs on everyone's bookshelves.
— Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris OrphanMajor kudos to Murray for resurrecting the memory of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the strong-willed literary editor who discovered and encouraged the great writers of the Harlem Renaissance… An exquisite rendering of Fauset’s struggles and triumphs as a woman and an artist. Not to be missed.
— Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen"A strong contender for the best book I've read all year. This is a tale of love, of literature, of a time when a woman, despite racism and sexism, continued to fight for her place in the world, a place she deserved more than anyone. What a magnificent novel; it belongs on everyone's bookshelves.
— Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris OrphanA winning portrait of Harlem Renaissance figure Jessie Redmon Fauset... Historical fiction fans will want to snatch this up.
— Publishers WeeklyWhat a triumph! In her superb novel, Murray brings to life a woman lost in the shadows of history but whose name we should all know…. Thanks to the masterful storytelling by Murray, Jessie Redmon Fauset will no longer be forgotten.
— Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Queens of CrimeVictoria Christopher Murray plumbs the depths of Jessie’s heart to explore her complicated and fascinating relationship with W. E. B. Du Bois, her white stepmother, and the many young writers she made famous. I rooted for her to the end, and I am thrilled that a new generation of readers will celebrate Jessie because of Murray’s gorgeous and captivating Harlem Rhapsody.
— Kerri Maher, USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller “Murray skillfully parses Jessie’s life showing her as a pioneering editor, a passionate lover, and a prescient career woman. The emotional tension of Jessie’s struggles—living outside her family’s approval, surviving an illicit affair, while chasing her professional dreams—is palpable. Harlem Rhapsody is an essential read for writers and career women wrestling with their ambition and a quest to define their place in the sun.An unforgettable novel with dazzling prose and historical insight. Murray masterfully illuminates Jessie Redmon Fauset’s dedication to shaping the legacies of our most cherished literary icons. With richly painted scenes that transport you to the heart of Harlem, Harlem Rhapsody is more than a novel—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and resilience. This is a book that belongs in every literary collection—an absolute must-read.
— ReShonda Tate, National bestselling author of The Queen of Sugar Hill Praise for the coauthored novels of Victoria Christopher Murray“With Murray’s exquisite storytelling, Jessie Redmon Fauset bursts off the page… Harlem thrums with life, and the literary giants of the era—Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and more—breathe again. Harlem Rhapsody is a love story to the creative life, to a woman’s resolve, and to the legacy Jessie Fauset carved in a time of struggle and brilliance.
— Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea"Powerful and a simply stunning account of a remarkable woman in history whom everyone should know. Victoria Christopher Murray is a master storyteller who threads historical details together seamlessly while painting a beautiful, well-researched story of love, literature and legacy.
— Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of EveWith Murray’s exquisite storytelling, Jessie Redmon Fauset bursts off the page… Harlem thrums with life, and the literary giants of the era—Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and more—breathe again. Harlem Rhapsody is a love story to the creative life, to a woman’s resolve, and to the legacy Jessie Fauset carved in a time of struggle and brilliance.
— Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea"Powerful and a simply stunning account of a remarkable woman in history whom everyone should know. Victoria Christopher Murray is a master storyteller who threads historical details together seamlessly while painting a beautiful, well-researched story of love, literature and legacy... A fantastic and fascinating historical find.
— Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of EveThe Harlem Renaissance springs vibrantly to life in the talented hands of Victoria Christopher Murray, who shines a brilliant and long-overdue light on powerhouse civil rights activist and literary sensation Jessie Redmon Fauset. Harlem Rhapsody is one of the best books of the year!
— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar ClubOnly Victoria Christopher Murray could enhance the color and intrigue of one of Black America’s most vibrant and complicated eras. A page turner and history lesson at once, Harlem Rhapsody reminds us that our stories are our generational wealth— this book and the real lives that inspired it.
— Tayari Jones, New York Times bestselling author of An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club)Powerful and a simply stunning account of a remarkable woman in history whom everyone should know. Victoria Christopher Murray is a master storyteller who threads historical details together seamlessly while painting a beautiful, well researched story of love, literature and legacy… A fantastic and fascinating historical find.
— Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve (Reese’s Book Club)Major kudos to Murray for resurrecting the memory of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the strong-willed literary editor who discovered and encouraged the great writers of the Harlem Renaissance…An exquisite rendering of Fauset’s struggles and triumphs as a woman and an artist. Not to be missed.
— Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen QueenWith Murray’s exquisite storytelling, Jessie Redmon Fauset bursts off the page… Harlem Rhapsody is a love story to the creative life, to a woman’s resolve, and to the legacy Jessie Redmon Fauset carved in a time of struggle and brilliance.
— Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora LeaWhat a triumph! In her superb novel Harlem Rhapsody, Victoria Christoper Murray brings to life a woman lost in the shadows of history but whose name we should all know…. Thanks to the masterful storytelling by Victoria Christopher Murray, Jessie Redmon Fauset will no longer be forgotten.
— Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Queens of Crime"A strong contender for the best book I've read all year. This is a tale of love, of literature, of a time when a woman, despite racism and sexism, continued to fight for her place in the world, a place she deserved more than anyone. What a magnificent novel; it belongs on everyone's bookshelves.
— Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris OrphanMurray’s rich prose and vivid historical detail immerses the reader in the Harlem Renaissance and offers an intimate look into the personal and professional life of a literary icon who created an unforgettable legacy. A must-read!
— Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The House on Biscayne BayImmensely readable and thoroughly entertaining, Harlem Rhapsody is an irresistible story of passion and ambition that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
— Natalie Baszile, author of Queen Sugar and We Are Each Other’s HarvestVictoria Christopher Murray plumbs the depths of Jessie’s heart to explore her complicated and fascinating relationship with W. E. B. Du Bois, her white stepmother, and the many young writers she made famous. I rooted for her to the end, and I am thrilled that a new generation of readers will celebrate Jessie because of Murray’s gorgeous and captivating Harlem Rhapsody.
— Kerri Maher, USA Today bestselling author of The Paris BooksellerMurray skillfully parses Jessie’s life showing her as a pioneering editor, a passionate lover, and a prescient career woman. Harlem Rhapsody is an essential read for writers and career women wrestling with their ambition and a quest to define their place in the sun.
— Vanessa Riley, Award Winning Author of Island Queen and Sister Mother WarriorAn unforgettable novel with dazzling prose and historical insight. Murray masterfully illuminates Jessie Redmon Fauset’s dedication to shaping the legacies of our most cherished literary icons. With richly painted scenes that transport you to the heart of Harlem, Harlem Rhapsody is more than a novel—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and resilience. This is a book that belongs in every literary collection—an absolute must-read.
— ReShonda Tate, National bestselling author of The Queen of Sugar HillThe best of historical fiction is a creative balance between an author’s curiosity and connection, between a character’s personal discovery and discomfort. Victoria Christopher Murray has achieved both in this bold, imaginative, and deeply researched novel about the life of Jessie Redmon Fauset, literary mid-wife to the Harlem Renaissance. Her singular story, filled with wonder and woe will surprise you, rouse you, and have you applauding this beautifully rendered legacy.
— Kwame Alexander, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Door of No Return Series, and This is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black PoetsThe novel dazzles with a parade of literary stars who were both discovered and developed by Ms. Fauset. Thanks to Murray, Fauset will now take her rightful place at the foundation of a burgeoning Black identity that changed the world forever and for the better.
— Deborah Goodrich Royce, nationally bestselling author of Reef RoadThe best of historical fiction is a creative balance between an author’s curiosity and connection, between a character’s personal discovery and discomfort. Victoria Christopher Murray has achieved both in this bold, imaginative, and deeply researched novel about the life of Jessie Redmon Fauset, literary mid-wife to the Harlem Renaissance. Her singular story, filled with wonder and woe will surprise you, rouse you, and have you applauding this beautifully rendered legacy.
— Kwame Alexander, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Door of No Return Series, and This is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black PoetsWhat a triumph! In her superb novel, Murray brings to life a woman lost in the shadows of history but whose name we should all know…. Thanks to the masterful storytelling by Murray, Jessie Redmon Fauset will no longer be forgotten.
— Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Queens of CrimeImmensely readable and thoroughly entertaining, Harlem Rhapsody is an irresistible story of passion and ambition that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
— Natalie Baszile, author of Queen Sugar and We Are Each Other’s HarvestVictoria Christopher Murray plumbs the depths of Jessie’s heart to explore her complicated and fascinating relationship with W. E. B. Du Bois, her white stepmother, and the many young writers she made famous. I rooted for her to the end, and I am thrilled that a new generation of readers will celebrate Jessie because of Murray’s gorgeous and captivating Harlem Rhapsody.
— Kerri Maher, USA Today bestselling author of The Paris BooksellerMurray's meticulous research brings this exciting period in American literary and artistic history into the spotlight and sheds a welcome light on an important and intriguing figure whose influence often goes unmentioned.
— Booklist (starred review)An engaging account of an underappreciated yet pivotal figure in literary history.
— Library JournalA celebration of a woman who worked behind the scenes.
— KirkusIf you like to learn something while lost in a gripping narrative, don't miss this historical fiction about the woman who kicked off the Harlem Renaissance. Jessie Redmon Fauset was the first Black woman to helm the Black literary powerhouse The Crisis, and was also founder W. E. B. Du Bois' lover. She's responsible for launching names like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and others, even as her success (and theirs) comes at a cost.
— People"A strong contender for the best book I've read all year. This is a tale of love, of literature, of a time when a woman, despite racism and sexism, continued to fight for her place in the world, a place she deserved more than anyone. What a magnificent novel; it belongs on everyone's bookshelves.
— Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris OrphanMurray’s rich prose and vivid historical detail immerses the reader in the Harlem Renaissance and offers an intimate look into the personal and professional life of a literary icon who created an unforgettable legacy. A must-read!
— Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The House on Biscayne BayImmensely readable and thoroughly entertaining, Harlem Rhapsody is an irresistible story of passion and ambition that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
— Natalie Baszile, author of Queen Sugar and We Are Each Other’s HarvestMurray skillfully parses Jessie’s life showing her as a pioneering editor, a passionate lover, and a prescient career woman. Harlem Rhapsody is an essential read for writers and career women wrestling with their ambition and a quest to define their place in the sun.
— Vanessa Riley, Award Winning Author of Island Queen and Sister Mother WarriorAn unforgettable novel with dazzling prose and historical insight. Murray masterfully illuminates Jessie Redmon Fauset’s dedication to shaping the legacies of our most cherished literary icons. With richly painted scenes that transport you to the heart of Harlem, Harlem Rhapsody is more than a novel—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and resilience. This is a book that belongs in every literary collection—an absolute must-read.
— ReShonda Tate, National bestselling author of The Queen of Sugar HillA winning portrait of Harlem Renaissance figure Jessie Redmon Fauset... Historical fiction fans will want to snatch this up.
— Publishers WeeklyA celebration of a woman who worked behind the scenes.
— KirkusHistorical fiction at its best!
— Good Morning America, on The Personal LibrarianPraise for the coauthored novels of Victoria Christopher MurrayThe book's narrative is seamless.... I became hooked.
— NPRBenedict and Murray bring their knack for historical fiction to a story of the women's unlikely alliance and the ways their bond and efforts forged the beginnings of the modern civil rights movement.
— Entertainment WeeklyBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of more than twenty novels including Stand Your Ground, which was named a Library Journal Best Book of the Year. She has won nine African American Literary Awards for Fiction, was named Female Author of the Year, and is a four-time NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Fiction. Visit her website at VictoriaChristopherMurray.com.
Robin Miles, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, an Audie Award for directing, and many Earphones Awards. Her film and television acting credits include The Last Days of Disco, Primary Colors, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order, New York Undercover, National Geographic’s Tales from the Wild, All My Children, and One Life to Live. She regularly gives seminars to members of SAG and AFTRA actors’ unions, and in 2005 she started Narration Arts Workshop in New York City, offering audiobook recording classes and coaching. She holds a BA degree in theater studies from Yale University, an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama, and a certificate from the British American Drama Academy in England.