The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray – 352 pages
ARC from Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for an honest review
Book Blurb:
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 on the New York society scene 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 build 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.
My Review: 4 stars
The Personal Librarian was an eye-opening look into an incredible black woman that remarkably passed as white. This topic, of passing, has been huge in fiction over the past few years, however this book is different as this character is based on the real Belle da Costa Greene. During her time, she was one of the most successful working women, idolized by women still battling for the right to vote. Belle’s race was kept secret from everyone except her immediate family.
I completely enjoyed learning about Belle, her relationship with her mother versus her father, who left after her mom proclaimed that the family be white. Belle’s success came with an overwhelming sense of fear that she’d be found out, as well as the weight of financial stability to support her sisters, brother and mother. It was nice to see her finally find joy amongst friends and find a lover that would never to lead to marriage. (Keeping this quite brief to avoid spoilers.)
Before reading this, I was not aware of the Pierpoint Morgan Library, nor the museum that still operates in NYC under the name The Morgan Library and Museum. This book made me think of libraries around the globe that collect the finest and rarest manuscripts. I’d never considered the actual bidding and negotiating that went on to create collections and the who behind it all. I found that process amazing.
As much as I enjoyed the book, it read slowly for me. There was always a good amount of tension about Belle being found out, and an odd, yet interesting romance, but there was something that I can’t quite put my finger on that was kept me distanced. Perhaps after I discuss this with the book clubs I facilitate, I’ll figure it out. I’m so grateful for the authors for introducing me to Belle. Make sure to read the author’s notes in the back. They’re incredibly interesting.
Quotes I liked:
I still believe. I still believe that someday there will be equality in this country. That someday there will be a new civil rights act, and a new president and Congress to enforce it. That everyone will be able to follow their dream, regardless of race. That those words about the equality of men in the Declaration of Independence will be true.”
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