49 pages 1 hour read

Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

The Personal Librarian

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The historical fiction novel The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray follows Belle da Costa Greene, a Black woman passing as white, who becomes the personal librarian to steel magnate J.P. Morgan, navigating racial and gender prejudices to establish her reputation in the male-dominated world of rare art and book collecting. Sensitive topics include racism, sexism, and reproductive rights.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is widely praised for its compelling narrative and rich historical detail, though some reviewers find its pacing uneven. The portrayal of Belle da Costa Greene's dual identity and struggles with racial passing evoke strong emotional resonance, contributing to a textured and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Personal Librarian?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong female protagonists, as seen in The Paris Library and The Nightingale, will be captivated by The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Fans of intricately woven secrets and cultural insights will find this tale of J.P. Morgan’s librarian enthralling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Topics

Arts / Culture

Race / Racism

History: World

Themes

Identity: Race

Identity: Gender

Values/Ideas: Art