3.5
There Is Confusion
ByPublisher Description
"An important book." — The New York Times
Set in Philadelphia and New York a century ago, this novel by a luminary of the Harlem Renaissance traces the hopes and dreams of three young African-Americans as they search for love, financial security, and success: Joanna, prepared to sacrifice romance on the altar of ambition; Maggie, eager to escape her blue-collar background by marrying well; and Peter, an aspiring doctor motivated by his love for Joanna. Published to critical acclaim in 1924, the story offers a moving examination of the struggles against prejudice and discrimination by members of the black middle class during a tumultuous era.
Jessie Redmon Fauset (1882–1961) was the author of four novels as well as many stories, poems, and reviews. From 1919 to 1926 she was the literary editor of the NAACP's magazine, The Crisis, in which she published and promoted the work of such major writers as Jean Toomer, George Schuyler, Langston Hughes, and Claude McKay. This new edition of There Is Confusion revives her unjustly overlooked voice.
Set in Philadelphia and New York a century ago, this novel by a luminary of the Harlem Renaissance traces the hopes and dreams of three young African-Americans as they search for love, financial security, and success: Joanna, prepared to sacrifice romance on the altar of ambition; Maggie, eager to escape her blue-collar background by marrying well; and Peter, an aspiring doctor motivated by his love for Joanna. Published to critical acclaim in 1924, the story offers a moving examination of the struggles against prejudice and discrimination by members of the black middle class during a tumultuous era.
Jessie Redmon Fauset (1882–1961) was the author of four novels as well as many stories, poems, and reviews. From 1919 to 1926 she was the literary editor of the NAACP's magazine, The Crisis, in which she published and promoted the work of such major writers as Jean Toomer, George Schuyler, Langston Hughes, and Claude McKay. This new edition of There Is Confusion revives her unjustly overlooked voice.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities16 Reviews
3.5
CassMoss
Created 24 days agoShare
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“I’m glad that reading Harlem Rhapsody (historical fiction) led me to reading this piece of classic literature. Learning about Jessie Redmon Fauset then reading her work was perfect. I didn’t know anything about the Harlem Renaissance before delving into these books.
The story of Joanna & Peter was a sweet love story and their struggles against racism were very enlightening. I loved the story of family and how they all worked hard to achieve their goals, despite obstacles.
The thing I could not get out of my mind while reading is that when Ms. Fauset sent her novel for publishing, she received rejections that read things like:
“The behaviors and thought processes of your Negro characters are, quite frankly, above the abilities and aptitudes of Negroes.”
“Our readers will not recognize nor identify with these colored characters who make decisions in a logical manner as if they are white.”
“It is a stretch for readers to believe that these college-educated Negroes exist.”
I just truly cannot wrap my mind around the shortsightedness that determines ANYTHING at all based on the color of a person’s skin, but I am glad to keep learning and growing aware (and away) from such stereotypes that continue to be perpetuated even in today’s world.”
NikReads
Created 6 months agoShare
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Coral Tamayo
Created 10 months agoShare
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Courtney Hatch
Created 12 months agoShare
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“Without Jessie Redmon Fauset, it would’ve been hard to have the Harlem Renaissance as we know it. She gave Langston Hughes his first big break and put Jean Toomer on the map. In many ways, she was the mind behind whose voices were amplified to a greater audience. As someone whose taste was so deeply trusted and who had so much power in literary circles, it is devastating that her works are practically unknown.
This was my first time reading Fauset, but it will not be my last. Her character work here is phenomenal and her commentary on class and race are exceptional. 100 years later, her ideas still seem nuanced and timely. I can see why some would find this narrative too tidy, but I loved it. 100% recommend.”
About Jessie Redmon Fauset
Jessie Redmon Fauset (1882–1961) was the author of four novels as well as many stories, poems, and reviews. From 1919 to 1926 she was the literary editor of Crisis magazine, in which she published and promoted the work of major voices of the Harlem Renaissance, including Jean Toomer, George Schuyler, Langston Hughes, and Claude McKay. Dover also publishes her children's book, The Chinaberry Tree.
Other books by Jessie Redmon Fauset
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