Harlem Rhapsody

“Harlem Rhapsody” shines a light on Jessie Redmon Fauset, the unsung heroine behind the Harlem Renaissance. In 1919, Jessie arrives in Harlem as the literary editor of The Crisis , becoming the first Black woman to hold such a role. Determined to uplift Black voices, she discovers budding talents like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen, shaping a literary revolution. But her professional triumphs are shadowed by a secret affair with W.E.B. Du Bois, founder of The Crisis , adding layers of personal turmoil to her public legacy.

The novel weaves Jessie’s fierce ambition with her vulnerabilities, exploring her dual identity as a trailblazer and a woman constrained by societal expectations. As she navigates the glittering world of Harlem’s artistic boom, her own writing gains acclaim, yet her choices threaten to unravel everything she’s built. Murray paints a vivid portrait of a woman torn between love, duty, and the weight of history.

Rich with historical detail, the story captures the electric energy of 1920s Harlem—a hub of jazz, poetry, and intellectual fervor. Jessie’s relationships with icons like Nella Larsen and her mentorship of young writers reveal the collaborative spirit of the era. Yet, the novel doesn’t shy from the era’s racial tensions or the personal sacrifices required to challenge the status quo.

Murray’s prose immerses readers in Jessie’s inner world, balancing her public achievements with private struggles. The affair with Du Bois, fraught with passion and secrecy, mirrors the broader tensions of a community fighting for recognition. Through it all, Jessie’s resilience and vision cement her as a cornerstone of Black literary history.

A celebration of art, identity, and legacy, “Harlem Rhapsody” resurrects a forgotten figure whose contributions shaped a cultural movement. It’s a testament to the power of stories and the women who dared to write them into existence.