The Personal Librarian
Fascinating
Tragic
Unique

The Personal Librarian

The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick! Named one of the Best Books 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.
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Reviews

Photo of Chulandon leanday Bradley
Chulandon leanday Bradley @chulandon
4 stars
May 1, 2024
Tragic
Unique
Powerful
Emotional
Fascinating
Educational
Photo of Dan Dugan
Dan Dugan@ddugan
2.5 stars
Mar 5, 2024
Photo of Jenny Engel
Jenny Engel@jennifer975
3 stars
Aug 4, 2023
Photo of Abigail F
Abigail F@collapsinglibrary
4 stars
Jul 5, 2023
Beautiful
Easy read
Fascinating
Photo of Mariah crawford
Mariah crawford@justmariahcrawford
4 stars
Sep 12, 2022
Insightful
Unforgettable
Photo of Diane Calello
Diane Calello@drdianec
3 stars
Apr 6, 2024
Unique
Compelling
Thought provoking
Photo of Heidi Adair
Heidi Adair@heidiadair
5 stars
Jul 18, 2022
Photo of Rosie Yakob
Rosie Yakob @rosieyakob
5 stars
Aug 12, 2022

Highlights

Photo of Mariah crawford
Mariah crawford@justmariahcrawford
Page 65
Photo of Mariah crawford
Mariah crawford@justmariahcrawford
Page 58