NPR's Book of the Day: In-Depth Summary of "Harlem Rhapsody" by Victoria Christopher Murray

Podcast Information:

• Title: NPR's Book of the Day
• Host: Andrew Limbong & Ping Huang
• Episode Title: Harlem Rhapsody – A Novel about an Affair at the Heart of the Harlem Renaissance
• Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction to "Harlem Rhapsody"

In this episode, NPR delves into Harlem Rhapsody, a novel by Victoria Christopher Murray that intertwines the lives of Jessie Redmond Fawcett, a pioneering African American writer and editor, and W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent black activist. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, the novel explores their personal and professional relationship and its profound impact on black creativity and cultural movements of the 1920s.

Discovering Jessie Redmond Fawcett

Ping Huang opens the discussion by highlighting the significance of Jessie Redmond Fawcett in the Harlem Renaissance, referring to her as one of the "midwives" of the movement.

Victoria Christopher Murray shares her journey of uncovering Fawcett's legacy:

"I really kind of took this methodically. I wanted to write about a woman and a woman that I'd want to spend the next two years with... It wasn't until I started digging in, looking for the women of the Harlem Renaissance that I became committed to this because I couldn't find any."
(02:01)

Murray emphasizes the scarcity of recognition for women like Fawcett in historical narratives dominated by figures such as Langston Hughes.

The Relationship Between Fawcett and Du Bois

The core of Harlem Rhapsody revolves around the intimate relationship between Fawcett and Du Bois.

Ping Huang inquires about the dynamics at the novel's outset:

"The book basically opens as she's about to start her new job as literary editor at the Crisis... Tell us about their relationship as the book starts."
(01:52)

Murray elaborates on their connection:

"Du Bois was acting as a mentor to her. They had kind of... a pen pal kind of relationship. And they met many years later in 1914, and they were both smitten with each other and began a more intimate relationship."
(02:58)

This mentorship evolved into a profound romantic affair, shaping both their personal lives and professional endeavors.

Impact of Their Affair on the Harlem Renaissance

A pivotal discussion revolves around the necessity of the affair in the narrative and its broader historical implications.

Ping Huang probes the significance:

"Would the Harlem Renaissance have happened without their affair?"
(04:12)

Murray responds thoughtfully:

"I had to write the book with the affair to tell the complete story, but to tell them as complete people. They were these two extraordinary people who were doing something very ordinary."
(05:05)

She underscores that the personal relationship between Fawcett and Du Bois was instrumental in fostering an environment where the Harlem Renaissance could flourish. Their collaboration was pivotal in bringing together and mentoring key literary figures of the time.

Mentorship and Influence on Key Literary Figures

Harlem Rhapsody doesn't just focus on Fawcett and Du Bois but also highlights Fawcett's role in nurturing emerging black writers.

Ping Huang remarks on the novel’s rich tapestry of literary figures:

"There was Langston Hughes. There was Claude McKay. There was Nella Larson... it's just this revolving door of black writers because Fawcett was so key in bringing them to prominence."
(05:29)

Murray details her mentorship role:

"Jesse discovered all of these writers, not only did she edit them, but she mentored them... Langston Hughes was 17 when he first reached out to her... Gwendolyn Bennett was in college when she met Jesse."
(05:29)

Her guidance helped shape the voices of some of the most influential poets and writers of the Harlem Renaissance, ensuring their talents were honed and their works gained the recognition they deserved.

The Literary World of the Harlem Renaissance

To immerse listeners in the era's literary atmosphere, the podcast features a poignant clip of Langston Hughes reciting "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," a poem emblematic of the Harlem Renaissance.

Langston Hughes (Poet):

"I've known rivers. I've known rivers ancient of the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins..."
(06:37)

Following the recital, Ping Huang engages Murray in a discussion about the interplay between poetry and historical events:

"For example, this poem was the very first poem that he wrote that was put into the Crisis magazine. They didn't do this on purpose, but it came out at the same time as the Tulsa riots... people were going to read his poem as they were also reading about the riots."
(07:22)

This intersection of art and history highlights how literary works were both a reflection and a commentary on the societal issues of the time.

Research and Authenticity in Writing

Ping Huang praises Murray's dedication to authenticity:

"You've read every issue of the Crisis from 1919 to 1925 to get the language of the times right. What did you find and what did you use in the novel from that?"
(08:17)

Murray explains her meticulous research:

"I used all of their language. They were also very formal... I really wanted people to be drawn back into 1920. I wanted people to feel like they were in Harlem."
(08:33)

Her commitment to authentically capturing the dialogue and ambiance of the era allows readers to experience the Harlem Renaissance's vibrant atmosphere firsthand.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the interview wraps up, Ping Huang expresses her admiration for Murray's work, while Murray shares her gratitude for the opportunity to shed light on an often-overlooked figure in literary history.

"I've got Harlem on my mind and I'm longing."
(09:21)

Harlem Rhapsody emerges as a compelling narrative that not only celebrates the Harlem Renaissance but also underscores the indispensable roles of Jessie Redmond Fawcett and W.E.B. Du Bois in shaping this cultural epoch.

Final Thoughts

Victoria Christopher Murray's Harlem Rhapsody offers a rich, immersive experience into the lives of pivotal figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Through meticulous research and evocative storytelling, the novel brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and intricate relationships that fueled one of America's most significant cultural movements.

For those seeking to delve into the depths of the Harlem Renaissance or uncover the untold stories of its key players, Harlem Rhapsody stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature and its ability to illuminate history.