“Outstanding… a well-paced, engaging story that is a must-read and a highlight of 2025 historical fiction.”—NPR
“In tracing Fauset’s journey, Murray artfully re-creates the excitement and exhilaration of Harlem at the blossoming of its literary and cultural heyday.”—The Washington Post
“If 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. “—People
“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
A WCBS Club Calvi Readers’ Choice Pick
“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
“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)
“Rich in vibrant imagery…A vivid portrait of a woman who shaped the Harlem Renaissance while wrestling with her own desires and societal constraints.”—Oprah Daily
“A gripping, extraordinary book.”—Woman’s World
“If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich chapter of history, this book is a must-read.”—Conde Nast Traveler
“The Harlem Renaissance springs vibrantly to life in the talented hands of Victoria Christopher Murray…one of the best books of the year!”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club
“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 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… 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 and offers an intimate look into the life of a literary icon. A must-read!”—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The House on Biscayne Bay
“Dazzling!”—Deborah Goodrich Royce, nationally bestselling author of Reef Road
“Immensely readable and thoroughly entertaining… 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
“An essential read.”—Vanessa Riley, Award Winning Author of Island Queen and Sister Mother Warrior
“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.” —ReShonda Tate, national bestselling author of The Queen of Sugar Hill
“Gorgeous and captivating!” —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)
“It will hook you from the very first page.”—Book Riot
“A spellbinding work of historical fiction.”—The Root
“A dynamic tale.”—The Christian Science Monitor
“A winning portrait of Harlem Renaissance figure Jessie Redmon Fauset… Historical fiction fans will want to snatch this up.”—Publishers Weekly
“An engaging account of an underappreciated yet pivotal figure in literary history.”—Library Journal
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
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