The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

Title: The Personal Librarian

Author: Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "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." - Back Cover 

My Thoughts

This story is about race, but it's also a coming-of-age story of a young woman who has been trained all her life not to stand out, not to draw attention, to be careful and cautious. I love Belle's transformation as she realizes in order to hide in plain sight, she must stand out. She is a woman working in a profession with mostly men, she is a woman from humble beginnings who must socialize with the New York elite, and she is an African American woman who must disguise herself in a white society. Shying away from any of those roles would cause more skepticism and rumors than leaning in, learning how to manage people while also expanding her skills and Mr. Morgan's library. 

Belle grows from every experience she has, good and bad. The depiction of her relationship with Bernard Berenson and all the social taboos surrounding it, not to mention the disappointment and heartbreak she endured, really give depth to her character.

This was an enjoyable novel and I think the authors having different types of writing backgrounds gave it a really unique feel, historical fiction with a modern pace.

Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!

To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above