The Personal Librarian
Sophisticated
Complex
Educational

The Personal Librarian

The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick! "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 author Marie Benedict, and acclaimed author 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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elizabeth@ekmclaren
2.5 stars
May 11, 2024
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Jacqui Spears@jcspears
2.5 stars
Mar 12, 2024
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Melissa Palmer@melissapalmer404
5 stars
Nov 5, 2023
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Joy Bush@aische
5 stars
Jul 5, 2023
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Cheri McElroy@cherimac
4 stars
Sep 5, 2022
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Hannah Riddle@hgriddle
2 stars
Apr 5, 2022
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Ariel Correa@arielcorrea
3.5 stars
Mar 13, 2022
Complex
Contemplative
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Brian Jones@jonesbp
2 stars
Nov 8, 2021
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erin s@sirissacgluten
2 stars
Nov 2, 2021
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Jennifer Papa@jennifer_papa
4.5 stars
Apr 27, 2024
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Dama Aleman@mrsaleman
4 stars
Apr 21, 2024
Powerful
Controversial
Unpredictable
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Sonia Grgas@sg911911
4 stars
Feb 24, 2024
Fast paced
Educational
Sophisticated
Thought provoking
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Brian Alderman@brianaalderman
4.5 stars
Jan 28, 2023
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Andrea Hak-Kovacs@andreareads
4 stars
Apr 27, 2022
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Jenny Ramsay@jenny
3.5 stars
Apr 3, 2022
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Sam Spott@samalot
4 stars
Feb 2, 2022
Charming
Educational
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Paige Wanner@turntopaige22
2 stars
Dec 3, 2021
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Aurelia Clarabelle@abookishparadise
3.5 stars
Sep 15, 2021
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Miya@miyoncereads
3 stars
Jul 17, 2024
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Megan Daigle@megand
5 stars
Feb 17, 2024
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Eileen@sirleansalot
3 stars
Jan 7, 2024
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rosetta@jellyfish
3 stars
Jun 21, 2023
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Rachel Kanyid@mccallmekanyid
3 stars
Jan 15, 2023
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Kristen Claiborn@kristenc
4 stars
Jan 7, 2023