I absolutely loved this book! It was the first book written by Victoria Christopher Murray that I read and enjoyed it so much that I quickly bought her other books. I enjoyed the voice and tone of her writing, the characters, the historical setting, the storyline and how I felt like I was constantly learning something new that I did not know before reading the book. I read many books in a year and this one was definitely one of the best books of the year.
I enjoyed the historical aspect of the book. I now know much more about DuBois than I did before reading this. I know this was fiction, but based on some fact and I think that came through. I did think the book was a bit heavy and slow moving at times.
I enjoyed thisbook very much. I had not heard of Jessie and it was great to hear her story. I was happy to find out that she was a real, three-dimensional person.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading āHarlem Rhapsodyā by Victoria Christoper Murray. This engrossing historical fiction novel tells the story of Jessie Fauset, the first Black female literary editor. She was the driving force behind the success of W.E.B. Du Boisā literary venture, āCrisis.ā Her intensive work in carving a space for Black writers was done during a time her achievement went unnoticed and overlooked by most. She is probable most known as one of W.E.B. DuBoisā mistresses. This ongoing affair brought the drama and entertainment to this book. I found myself intrigued by DuBoisās concept of double consciousness and found myself searching for more information about him and his lifestyle. I, also, found the fact that Black people were doing well and holding well respected and powerful positions, a very different look at their history. They were thriving during a time, as now, when they have had every disadvantage. The author brings Jesse to light, her research, time and effort has brought to the world a sadly needed story. Every American needs to learn more about Black History, not just in the month of February, but every day.
I am still reading this book, but Iām enjoying it very much so far. There are several people that Iām already familiar with, but a lot of new people that Iāll want to explore more when Iām finished. Itās the perfect book for black history month. Iāll join in the discussion more when Iām finished.
I really enjoyed the book. I learned a lot that I did not know. The way it was written was amazing!! I feel so blessed that I was able to read this book.
I love historical fiction. Quite often while reading it, I feel like I am in the room listening to the conversations and watching the activity. Victoria Christopher Murray has done an excellent job bringing Jessie Redmon Fauset back to life with her description and dialogue.
The story of Jessie Redmond Fauset was so interesting. That is why I love historical fiction. I learned so much of Black history and Harlem. I had heard of W.E.B DuBois and Langston Hughes but none of the others, especially not Jessie. This is a story that should be told. Victoria Chrisopher Murray did an excellent job in the telling. The romance and affair did get equal time as did the history, but may not have been as necessary. I would have liked to have known more of Jessieās life after. It seems as if she really disappeared into obscurity. All in all, a good read for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read another book in which this author Victoria Christopher Murray worked with Marie Benedict to write The Personal Librarian . I liked that book very much too. In general I tend to like historical fiction.
Being a lover of historical fiction, learning about new people and places and time periods is such a joy! This was well written and really pulled the reader in. I found myself characters drawn to and caring about what happened next to the characters especially Jessie.
Overall great read!!
Iām in the minority here-although I found the writing okay,I was hoping for more about the Jessie Faucet rather than the affair she had with DeBois- that focus ruined the book for me