Angel of Harlem

“With keen vision, careful research and nuanced sensibility, Kuwana Haulsey captures in this novel the triumphant spirit and amazing accomplishments of Dr. May Chinn, an early twentieth century heroine whose story has been too long forgotten. From the humble and hopeful strivers of the Harlem Renaissance to the glamorous glitterati, Haulsey’s characters faithfully evoke the era’s immense promise and stark contradictions.” — A’Lelia Bundles, author of On Her Own Ground:  The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker

"Forget that its setting is early 20th century Harlem.  The vivid sense of place, a cast of characters which includes many of the Harlem Renaissance’s most luminous artists, and, most of all, its exquisite language make this powerful inspirational story  —  based on the remarkable life of Dr. May Chinn, the first Black woman to graduate from New York University medical school – as riveting as today’s headlines.  

At one point, Haulsey describes the heroine’s remembrance of a tale that her father related to her mother as "a lively dancing thing, draped in green and gold, and scented with almonds." That is also an apt description of Angel of Harlem.  This is a lyrical, intoxicating, and timeless novel."  – Mel Watkins, author of  Dancing With Strangers: A Memoir and On the Real Side: A History of African American Humor

"Kuwana Haulsey is an awe-inspiring artist with a rare willingness to high-dive into the abyss, not troubled by such mere trifles as where she’ll land. This beautiful, expressive novel displays her unique gift for delving straight to the heart of the human condition. With Angel of Harlem, Haulsey has once again managed to take my breath away." — Nick Chiles, author of Love Don’t Live Here Anymore



Praise for Kuwana Haulsey and The Red Moon

“Haulsey deftly plays tangled personal and cultural differences against one another [in her] smoothly written, engrossing novel.”
–The Washington Post Book World

“The Red Moon is an impressive first novel [that is] moving, shocking, and unforgettable.”
–Essence

“This is a novel that should be read by everyone who wants insight into modern Africa and the women who mother and daughter it.”
–NIKKI GIOVANNI

“This unflinching tale marks Haulsey as a promising young writer.”
–Publishers Weekly