Fascinating. Enlightening. 

Jessie Redmon Fauset should be one of the most prominent names in literature. But like many other hidden figures in Black history, her impact has gone largely unknown... until now.

Trailblazer. Firecracker. Jessie was a force of nature and a woman ahead of her times. Fauset shined as the first Black female literary editor for The Crisis. That role allowed her to champion Black voices and nurture young Black authors, dubbing her the literary midwife of the Harlem Renaissance. Her influence catapulted the works Langston Hughes, Alaine Locke, Nella Larson, and County Cullen. 

Truly, Jessie was the star of this book, and I found myself in awe of her life and accomplishments while equally mystified that I had never learned of her previously. And in such, this book is a necessary read.

As with all real people, life is complex. And Murray does not shy away from the difficulties Fauset found navigating life and love, wants and needs. The exploration of her supposed affair with WEB DuBois amplified this. 

However, I found the affair to overshadow Jessie’s legacy. I wanted the primary focus to be on her triumphs rather than a (possible) affair. Women like Jessie deserve the spotlight outside of the men in their lives, even—maybe especially—when the men are powerful and prominent. 

Even so, I loved learning about Fauset and the incredible impact she had on literature. She was a captivating individual, and I am glad to see her accomplishments getting the attention they deserve. 

🎧 Robin Miles’ performances never disappoint, and here Miles’ depiction captivated as she breathed life into Jessie as though she was telling her own story. The audiobook amplified Murray’s storytelling and endeared me to Jessie all the more. 

Many thanks to my friends at @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free #gifted copies of this book. #berkleypartner #berkleybookstagram