Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral
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Book Overview
For readers of The Vanishing Half, a hidden gem from the Harlem Renaissance about a young Black woman's journey toward self-acceptance while passing as white in 1920s New York City. Originally published in 1929 at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, Plum Bun is the story of Angela Murray, a young Black woman of mixed heritage who uses the advantages of her lighter skin to escaper her own life. Beginning with a childhood in her Black middle class Philadelphia neighborhood, Angela dreams of being a renowned painter. She believes she will only achieve this through whiteness and being a part of white society. Bestowed with the light skin of her mother, while her sister Virginia's darker complexion resembles that of their father's, Angela refuses to accept a life dictated by the limitations that come with her race and gender. Leaving behind her family and identity, Angela escapes to a roaring New York City where she befriends the art elites and presents herself as a white woman. Thrust into a world of seduction, betrayal, love, lust, and heartbreak, Angela soon discovers that to find true fulfillment within herself, she must accept and embrace her own identity--both her race and gender. Written with meticulous care and appreciation for the complicated nature of her characters, while also highlighting the beauty of every day Black life, Jessie Redmon Fauset's Plum Bun raises important questions to inspire new readers.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0807006602
ISBN13:9780807006603
Release Date:March 2022
Publisher:Beacon Press
Length:320 Pages
Weight:0.95 lbs.
Dimensions:1.0" x 5.5" x 8.4"
Customer Reviews
3 ratings
Amazing
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Fauset allows the reader to take an in-depth look at passing for white. Unlike the charcater in Danzy Sennas Caucasia, Fauset creates a main character who chooses to pass and lets the reader know every repercussion of that decision. Go out and get it!
Jessie Fauset is EXCELLENT!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I was so impressed with how Ms Fauset wrote Plum Bun, that upon completing the book I have been actively purchasing all of her other books that are in print. Her writing style proves that a good book is timeless. I highly recommend Plum Bun and There Is Confusion, which was so good I could not put it down..literally. I strongly urge all to get this woman's books post haste!! You will have some very satisfying reading hours.
Truly a Classic!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Ms. Fauset was one of the most underrated members of the Harlem Renaissance. Plum Bun is by far the strongest of her novels. I saw more in this story than simply a discussion of color and privilege, I was pleased by the complexity of the relationship between the two sisters in this novel. Ms. Fauset is one of my literary favorites, and a woman that I truly admire. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
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