Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral

By Jessie Redmon Fauset

Book Overview

Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral is a bold, trailblazing novel that confronts the illusions of race, gender, and identity in 1920s America. Written by Harlem Renaissance luminary Jessie Redmon Fauset, this compelling story follows Angela Murray, a light-skinned African American woman who dares to pass as white in pursuit of freedom and opportunity.

Driven by ambition and the promise of reinvention, Angela leaves behind her home in Philadelphia-and the limitations placed upon her as a Black woman-for the dazzling world of New York City. But as she ascends in a society that accepts her under false pretenses, Angela must reckon with the personal costs of erasing her past, her family, and herself.

Through incisive prose and richly drawn characters, Fauset exposes the complex intersections of race, class, and womanhood, challenging readers to question the true meaning of success and self-worth. Plum Bun is not just a story about passing-it's a powerful meditation on authenticity, belonging, and the price of silence.

Daring, thought-provoking, and deeply human, Plum Bun remains a timeless exploration of identity and the perilous pursuit of the American dream.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1515466574
• ISBN13: 9781515466574
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Rediscovered Books
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Amazing

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!!!

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!

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.