Reviews

Miss Anne in Harlem: The White Women of the Black Renaissance by Carla Kaplan

jdukuray's review against another edition

4.0

Thoroughly enjoyed and learned a bit about the Harlem Renaissance. I found the book interesting in part because of its unusual focus on the white women drawn to Harlem and black people, culture, and issues. As the author acknowledges, these women fall into a category of dismissal and disparagement (and this continued into the Sixties if not also to today). The author not only recognizes but explores the complicated motives of the women she writes about. There were also complicated motives on the other side of the color line and, in all, Kaplan does a good job of presenting a complex and nuanced story of the period. She also makes some interesting connections between the struggles of blacks and of women for civil rights.

I'd like to explore more about the Harlem Renaissance. It is a period in which I recognize many of the names without knowing much about the individuals and their roles.

Plus, I just love that crazy Nancy Cunard...

rushfan77's review against another edition

4.0

Interesting overview of white women promoting black society in Harlem. The women portrayed in the book often choose to be stay out of the limelight. They had wanted to promote change, but it is change as percieved through the attitudes of the times. This book will be enjoyable to anyone interested in history and the role women played in it.

le13anna's review

4.0

A story of race that has not been told before.

northeastbookworm's review

4.0

An interesting study on the social upheaval caused by early interracial social and intellectual exchange. It offers a glimpse of how parts of the American population are truly isolated and what happens when attempts are made to bridge that isolation. Carla Kaplan provides an excellent background and examples in the six women she profiles in this book.