The Personal Librarian - Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

The Personal Librarian

By Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

  • Release Date: 2021-06-29
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 2,270 Ratings

Description

The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick!

Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR! Named a Notable Book of the Year by the Washington Post!


“Historical fiction at its best!”*
 
A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.

In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.

But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

Reviews

  • Dynamic collaboration

    5
    By Derby🌀
    What a gem and what a team. Thanks to Benedict and Murray a strong woman from history has been brought to light.
  • Captivating

    5
    By Ailuromelan
    As someone who doesn’t read as much but still loves a good book, this one right here melts your hearts and invokes so many emotions it remains in your memories.
  • Africa is a continent that speaks to me as this book and my Quaker ancestors do !

    5
    By Island Reader
    I have discovered Africa during the last few years of my life and am so pleased to be there with people who are not victims of racist thoughts and actions. As such, I think I can really appreciate the book. My maternal grandparents were staunch Quakers as their ancestors were for generations. I know they would understand my admiration for this wonderful book!
  • Beautifully written

    5
    By rose.monet
    A whirlwind of historical prowess.
  • Pentimento

    5
    By CC4ART
    How much has been white washed in history? I enjoyed the discovery of yet another woman of color, so intelligent, elegant and unique.
  • Excellent, informative , well-written

    5
    By Sbt33
    This was such an interesting book. Very well written that I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to add a tour of this library to my bucket list.
  • Amazing

    5
    By Colleen85928592
    Like nothing I’ve ever read. So dynamic & interesting!
  • Interesting Story.

    4
    By traqkat
    A beautiful story, it just drug on a bit toward the end.
  • Excellent read

    5
    By Pepper Evans
    well written, great level of detail, fascinating perspective into life of a successful black woman in the early part of 20th century
  • Intriguing

    4
    By Gogetlo
    Loved learning about a true story and the intricacies of racial prejudice while passing for white to keep a job with the most powerful man in America-JP Morgan.

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