Review: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

Publisher: Berkley Books

Published: June 29, 2021

Source: Netgalley

Summary:

The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian–who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, 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 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.

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

My thoughts:

Whenever I see Marie Benedict’s name on a book, I know I will be reading about a fascinating woman from history and this latest book she has this time co-written with Victoria Christopher Murray is no exception. What’s even more exceptional is that I recently was at the place this book is set…just prior to the start of the pandemic and that just made this book all the more exciting for me. And of course, has me itching to go back!

I’m always drawn to books about books and libraries, so of course a book about J.P. Morgan’s personal library and the woman who helped set it up drew me in. As I already mentioned, in January of 2020, I was in the city and visited the Morgan Library and it is absolutely beautiful – the collection is stunning, but I honestly don’t remember seeing the name Belle da Costa Greene mentioned anywhere around the building. Of course, I wasn’t looking for it, though you can be sure the next time I go I will certainly be checking to see if she does get any credit for helping to put it together.

I was completely captivated by the life of Belle. She was both courageous and smart. She made choices in her life that were definitely not easy to make, but knew they were the best for her and her family. Because of the lightness of her skin, she was able to pass for a white woman, but it came with rather big consequences. This book explores that beautifully and in such an engaging way – Belle being able to go after her dreams, yet always worrying about being discovered. This is the type of book that once you start reading it, you become totally wrapped up in Belle’s life, wanting to know everything!

There are so many issues that are touched upon in this book that unfortunately are still applicable today. This truly is a compelling, complex story that begs to be discussed – it really is a great book for book clubs. I am glad I will be discussing it with one of mine!