Berkley Books
The Personal Librarian: A GMA Book Club Pick
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Over one million copies sold!
The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick!
Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR! Named a Notable Book 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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Book Details
ISBN:
9780593101537
EAN:
9780593101537
Binding:
Hardcover
Pages:
352
Authors:
Marie Benedict , Victoria Christopher Murray
Publisher:
Berkley Books
Published Date: 2021-29-06
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Although this wasn’t an easy read, it is a riveting account of life in the 30’s and 40’s. Definitely applies to today’s world. The two authors have created an extraordinary work.
This is no in my normal genre for books; but it was part of our bookclub’s summer reading selections. I love history and I love architecture providing a lot of positives about this book eliminating my preconceived notions of boring and mundane. The characters were well developed; even if a little redundant for some of them. I loved the mom’s story (history) which she finally entrusts to her daughter and I enjoyed the fact this book made me look up words I had never used before.
When I first heard of The Personal Librarian, I thought it had to be boring. A book about the personal librarian of J. P. Morgan? How wrong I was! The authors weave the story of a black woman, not only passing for white,but doing so while working for the most powerful businessman in the country, with such skill it grabs your attention and keeps it until the end. Read this book, it is excellent,
EXCELLENT!!! Couldn’t put it down and highly recommend reading!!!!
Another book about the Gilded Age, prejudice at the turn of the century and the brilliance of one woman!
