The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

*** My Review ***

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is a masterful historical fiction novel that tells the story of Belle da Costa Greene, a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in the world of art and literature. Set in the early 20th century, this novel is a gripping tale of passion, ambition, and courage, and is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction.

Belle da Costa Greene was born in Washington D.C. in 1879. Her mother, Genevieve Fleet, was a seamstress, and her father, Richard Theodore Greener, was the first Black person to graduate from Harvard University. Despite being born into an educated and accomplished family, Belle faced numerous challenges due to her mixed-race heritage. To protect herself from the prejudices of the time, Belle began passing as white at a young age.

In her early twenties, Belle landed a job as a librarian at Princeton University. It was here that she discovered her love of rare books and manuscripts, and her career as a bibliophile began to take shape. But it wasn’t until she landed a job as the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan, one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in America, that Belle truly found her calling.

Working as Morgan’s librarian was a dream come true for Belle. She was responsible for selecting the rarest and most valuable books for Morgan’s collection, and her taste and expertise made her invaluable to the Morgan family. Belle’s position also gave her access to the rarefied world of high-end book collecting, a world dominated by wealthy white men. Belle was one of the only women in this world, and she was the only person of color.

The authors do an excellent job of bringing Belle’s story to life. The novel is written in third-person limited point of view, which allows readers to see the world through Belle’s eyes. The authors also use historical details to create a rich and immersive world, from the fashion of the time to the opulent libraries and drawing rooms of the wealthy elite. Readers will feel as though they have stepped back in time to Belle’s world, and they will be captivated by her story from start to finish.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Personal Librarian is the way it explores issues of race and identity. Belle’s decision to pass as white is a central theme of the novel, and it is handled with sensitivity and nuance. Belle’s choice was not an easy one, and the authors make it clear that she faced many difficult decisions throughout her life. At times, she was forced to choose between her career and her family, and she always had to be on guard against the possibility of discovery.

Belle’s story is also a testament to the power of education and self-determination. Despite the obstacles she faced, Belle was able to carve out a successful career for herself and become one of the most respected bibliophiles of her time. Her story is a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Another strength of The Personal Librarian is its portrayal of the world of rare book collecting. The authors clearly did their research, and they do an excellent job of bringing this world to life. Readers will be fascinated by the descriptions of rare manuscripts, the intricate process of bookbinding, and the complex relationships between collectors and librarians. This aspect of the novel will be especially appealing to book lovers and history buffs, but even readers who know little about the world of rare books will find it engaging.

Overall, The Personal Librarian is a beautifully written and compelling novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it. Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray have crafted a story that is both historical and timely, exploring issues of raceand identity that are still relevant today. The authors take great care to balance historical accuracy with narrative flow, creating a novel that is both informative and entertaining.

One of the most striking things about Belle’s story is the way it challenges our assumptions about history. While the world of rare book collecting may seem remote and irrelevant to many readers, Belle’s experiences offer a new perspective on the cultural and social milieu of her time. The novel exposes the ways in which race, class, and gender intersected to shape the lives of individuals, and it sheds light on a world that has been largely overlooked by historians.

The Personal Librarian also offers a poignant reflection on the power of books and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Belle’s passion for rare books is infectious, and readers will find themselves drawn into the world of antiquarian bookselling and collecting. But the novel is also a reminder that books are more than just objects to be bought and sold; they are the vessels of our shared culture and history, and they have the power to connect us to the past in a profound way.

In addition to its compelling narrative, The Personal Librarian is also beautifully written. The prose is evocative and lyrical, and the authors have a keen eye for detail. Whether describing the grandeur of Morgan’s library or the intricacies of book restoration, they paint a vivid and immersive picture of Belle’s world. The dialogue is also expertly crafted, with each character’s voice and personality shining through in their words and actions.

There are a few moments in the novel where the pacing slows down, particularly during Belle’s early years at Princeton. However, these sections are necessary to establish Belle’s character and motivations, and they ultimately contribute to the novel’s overall depth and richness. Additionally, some readers may find the portrayal of Belle’s romantic relationships to be underdeveloped, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent novel.

In conclusion, The Personal Librarian is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, rare books, or stories of perseverance and determination. Belle da Costa Greene is a fascinating and inspiring figure, and her story is a reminder that history is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray have crafted a novel that is both informative and entertaining, and readers will be captivated by Belle’s world from beginning to end. Highly recommended.