Harlem Nocturne: Women Artists and Progressive Politics During World War II by Farah Jasmine Griffin

Harlem Nocturne: Women Artists and Progressive Politics During World War II Reviews

• 
  David Leonard

  I couldn't put this book down. It is a wonderful history that introduces readers to three amazing artist/activist women: Ann Petry, May-Lou Williams and Pearl Primus. She chronicles their artistry (with amazing detail), the vibrancy of a community, a culture of progressive opposition, and resistance movements within 1940s Harlem. Dr. Griffin's prose transports readers into this moment, allowing one to picture, smell, and hear all that was happening in this moment - I found myself watching Petry dance, or listening to Williams, all while thinking about their collective challenges to white supremacy.
  
  And while the book brings Primus' dance, Petry's word, and Williams' music to life, she is equally successful in bringing the dynamism of 1940s Harlem, the post-war moment, the progressive struggles, and a burgeoning struggle for racial justice, for full citizenship, and recognition. into focus
  
  Harlem Nocture highlights the daily challenges to white supremacy waged by these artists. She shows artistry as the outgrowth of the community, the politics of the moment, and collective experiences. Griffin writes, "New York beckoned, and they came. They gave it substance, word and music, dance and meaning. In turn, it gave them inspiration, a community, and an audience. It contributed to each one's already strong sense of self. It gave them the world" (187). In this sense, Harlem Nocture is a story of 1940s and three amazing artists. But it is also explicitly a history of three black women whose artistry, experiences, and politics "fueled change" within the community and beyond. They "were agents, not spectators. They advocated for access to education, jobs, and adequate food and shelter. They were concerned with both racial and economic equality. They walked the streets of Harlem during the time that a young Baldwin walked those same streets" (9). This work offers a narrative of these inspiring artists, reminding readers of their "freedom dreams" and our own. Amazing history, amazing artists, and amazing book
• 
  Judy

  This book really gives you ag ood feel of Harlem in the forties and what people were up against. Artists were in an interesting spot because they could influence, but were hounded for being progressive by Hoover and the FBI. Very interesting history lesson and the writng takes you there.
• 
  Tasheika L.

  Excellent book about Black Women lives and their artistic skills. I enjoyed and learned so much. So glad I know who and what they are!
• 
  Jane

  Thought this book would be a survey instead it's about 3 women (I should have read the subtitle carefully). I read it to get information about this time period. I was particularly struck by the section on Anne Petry- the writer. I think she's an excellent writer but I didn't know much about her. I know more now and will probably buy her daughter's book . It's well written and as far as I know historically accurate.
• 
  Sally

  This book is a fascinating account of three notable African American women in the arts during the WWII era, Pearl Primus in dance, Ann Petry in literature, and Mary Lou Williams in music. Each woman dealt with issues connected to race relations, segregation, and politics, although they were not all involved with progressive politics to the extent I expected from the title. The author did a lot of research, but at times had to resort to conjecture about their activities during some of the political upheavals in Harlem. Of the three, Williams seems to have been the one least interested in politics. Her musical compositions spoke for her interest in Black music, especially jazz and bop.
• 
  Joseph Hillyard

  A compelling and beautifully written biography of three amazingly talented women. Harlem Nocturne is a loving ode to New York and its rich and ever evolving culture.
• 
  Callum

  Despite the title this is a disappointingly pedestrian group biography centred on three African- American women, all living and working in 40s Harlem: author Ann Petry best known for novel The Street; dancer and choreographer Pearl Primus; composer and performer Mary Lou Williams. Jasmine Griffin outlines aspects of their lives, work, and their shared interest in political and community activism – which links them all to the developing Civil Rights’ movement. But Griffin’s writing doesn’t live up to the abilities of her chosen subjects, she relies too much on the dull recitation of facts, where more incisive analysis and discussion would have made this far more engaging and relevant. Potentially a useful, basic introduction to these women and the period but not much more than that.
• 
  Dawn

  I enjoyed reading this book that explores the lives of three creative women artists living in Harlem in the 40s. It examines how they used their artistry to further their commitments to the social justice movements and causes that were happening during that time period. I am also grateful that this book found me because it introduced me to the dancing of Pearl Primus, the music of Mary Lou Williams and re introduced me to the writings of Ann Petry. If you are into history and the creative arts, you will enjoy this book.
• 
  Kristen

  Just lovely. The narrative is engaging and flows effortlessly, and there's an abundance of information and substance. I was all the more pleased to be learning so much about a time, a place, and these three women along the way, all of which was relatively new to me. This book is a bit like what I've wanted from Erik Larson, I think. A little more substance, a little less titillation?
• 
  Sheryl

  I this is a wonderful book, if you are a fan of the jazz era this is a book for you. The author did a fantastic job researching each of the three women , she left wanting to read more about these strong women.
• 
  Kathy Petersen

  Here are three women I'd never heard of ... but probably should have. Griffin tells of their lives and works and the Harlem milieu in the days after Harlem's more famous renaissance. She writes without much depth or analysis but competently and often with feeling.
• 
  Izetta Autumn

  I've had Harlem Nocturne since it was published in 2013. It was a book I knew that I would fall into, so to speak, enjoying it and the women it revealed. For this reason, I kept holding on to it, moving it among my to-read list, because I didn't want the enjoyment of the book to be over too soon. And the book lived up to what I expected: moving, revealing of the lives of Primus, Petry, and Williams, and teaching me more than a thing or two. We've heard so very much about Ellison, Wright, and Hughes; more still about Miles Davis or Coltrane. I needed this book and its dedication to the lives and contributions of three extraordinary women.