“Only 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)
"The 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 Poets
"What 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 Crime
"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)
"The 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 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 Queen
“With 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 Lea
"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 Orphan
“Murray’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 Bay
“The 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 Road
“Immensely 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 Harvest
“Murray 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 Warrior
“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
“Victoria 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'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 Journal
“A celebration of a woman who worked behind the scenes."
—Kirkus
Praise for the coauthored novels of Victoria Christopher Murray
“Historical fiction at its best!”
—Good Morning America
“The book's narrative is seamless.... I became hooked.”
—NPR
“Benedict 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 Weekly
“A compelling and important story.”
—Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of A Good Neighborhood
“This book will expand your perspective and keep you reading late into the night.”
—Dolen Perkins-Valdez, New York Times bestselling author of Take My Hand
“A 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 Star
“A fascinating story!”
—Real Simple
