About the Book
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.
My Review
An absolutely fascinating read that gripped me from the beginning, I was fully invested in The Personal Librarian from the first few pages. Belle de Costa Greene was an instant friend to me, and I found her life and journey enthralling and inspiring. The setting of New York’s high society was rich with status and abundant with culture and art, and the telling of Belle’s story and how she came to be included in such a world felt intimate as a reader. As someone who loves books and reading, learning about J.P. Morgan, how he built his collection and his library, and how got to be so powerful was such a joy. I spent hours after reading this novel learning more about Belle da Costa Greene and feeling thankful her untold story was put out in such a moving and powerful novel. Touching on issues of racism, women’s rights and beyond, I can’t recommend The Personal Librarian enough to challenge your ways of thinking and to learn about a woman who so bravely took immense risks. A favorite of the year.
5 stars
