In 1919, Jessie Redmon Fauset moves from Washington, D.C. to New York to seize a unique opportunity to become the literary editor of The Crisis, the official magazine of the NAACP. Its founder, W. E. B. Du Bois, recognizes her intelligence and believes in her potential. However, Jessie's stepmother is skeptical of Du Bois’ interest in her. Unbeknownst to others, Jessie and Du Bois have commenced a romantic relationship.

Despite the end of the Civil War over 50 years earlier, the progress in civil rights has stalled. Segregation is pervasive in the Southern states, while certain Northern states maintain their own discriminatory policies. The Crisis is to be utilized as a tool to push the civil rights agenda. Jessie is surprised at the small operation when Du Bois introduces her to the men and women at the magazine. Initially, the job appears daunting as she is tasked with organizational work along with her editorial duties, but Du Bois’ faith in her helps ease the burden.

"Victoria Christopher Murray...has written a smart, pensive and entertaining novel that is impossible to put down. Her appreciation for literature and history is demonstrated throughout this superb book."

Jessie is an aspiring writer who is working on a novel. But as an editor, she cultivates emerging talent, such as the literary wunderkind Langston Hughes. She views Hughes’ work with admiration and provides sage advice and encouragement for the youth as he struggles with the stodginess and intolerance at Columbia University. The critical success of The Crisis grows under Jessie’s tenure, but her proximity to Du Bois begins to spark rumors among coworkers and friends. Du Bois is a married man, and the revelation of an extramarital affair could be ruinous.

Over the next few years, Jessie and Du Bois experience ups and downs in their relationship while Jessie’s star continues to rise as an editor and soon as a writer. Her voice is beginning to become as prominent as her paramour's. When Du Bois starts to meddle in Jessie’s editorial decisions, the stage is set for an epic clash that may result in a professional and personal schism.

HARLEM RHAPSODY is an outstanding historical novel that explores love, literature and the civil rights push in the 1920s. Jessie is smitten with the charismatic Du Bois, so she brushes aside the concerns of her stepmother about the illicitness of their liaison. The love she has for him often results in her forgiving him for his condescending words and behavior. However, Jessie isn’t a shrinking violet when it comes to speaking her mind, leading to the occasional rift in their relationship. The potential for heartbreak when it comes to their professional and personal lives is palpable and authentic. The characters introduced here are compelling, whether they are real or fictional.

Victoria Christopher Murray, who is known for her collaborations with fellow bestselling author Marie Benedict, has written a smart, pensive and entertaining novel that is impossible to put down. Her appreciation for literature and history is demonstrated throughout this superb book.