Jessie Fauset
Jessie Redmon Fauset was an influential African American editor, poet, essayist, and novelist associated with the Harlem Renaissance. She is known for her work as the literary editor of The Crisis, the official magazine of the NAACP, and for her novels that explore the complexities of African American life.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. There Is Confusion
"There Is Confusion" explores the complexities of African American life in the early 20th century, focusing on the intersecting lives of three young black protagonists from middle-class backgrounds. As they navigate the challenges of racism, societal expectations, and personal ambitions, the novel delves into themes of racial identity, class, gender roles, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of their experiences in New York City, highlighting the tension between assimilation and cultural heritage, and the struggle to achieve personal and professional success in a world rife with discrimination and prejudice.
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2. Plum Bun
A Novel Without a Moral
After her parents’ deaths, a light‑skinned young woman leaves Philadelphia for New York and chooses to pass as white to pursue artistic ambitions and social freedom. As she ascends in elite circles and enters a fraught romance with a wealthy, prejudiced suitor, she distances herself from her darker‑skinned sister and the community she hides. Disillusionment reveals the moral and emotional costs of passing, and a sincere bond with a fellow artist prompts her to confront her choices, reconcile with family, and embrace an authentic life grounded in both love and identity.
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