Toni's Reviews > The Personal Librarian

Even though Belle’s father was the first Black man to graduate from Harvard, Belle’s mother knew the only way for her children to succeed in a racist America was to have them all pass as White. This combined with their intellect and a good education would help, but they also knew they would have to work twice as hard to prove themselves.

Belle Marion Greener began her life in Washington, DC, surrounded by a large, loving family. Her mother’s siblings, Belle’s aunts and uncles lived right next door to her childhood home, along with her Grandmother. The ‘Fleet’ family were all college educated, the women teachers and the men engineers, where dignity and reserve were valued. The Greener family moved to New York when Belle was only eight years old, where she lived until she moved to Princeton, NJ, to work at the Princeton University Library, as the white woman now known as, Belle da Costa Greene, explaining her darker or olive complexion as Portuguese.

The book opens in November 1905, with Belle at work at the Princeton University Library. One of the patrons is Junius Morgan, the nephew of John Pierpont Morgan (JPM), the banker and financier from NY. Junius is a generous donor to the library and an alumnus of the university. He enjoys discussing the subjects of art and literature with Belle and respects her knowledge. In fact, it is Junius who recommends Belle to his uncle J.P. as librarian for his new personal library and sets up an interview.

Just 26 years old, Belle takes her place as JPM’s personal librarian of his new private library and is charged with curating the most valued manuscripts and art in the world. As she performs her responsibilities she quickly becomes known as a shrewd negotiator traveling to Europe to procure items for the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York.

Belle is a determined and driven young woman, but she must always be on guard her entire life to protect her secret that she is not white, but African American. Even though she is very light skinned, as are most of her family and no doubt part Caucasian, the world will always see her as Black. And in 1905, and the first half of the twentieth century, it will remain as such.

In addition, please be aware that while the Pierpont Morgan Library (now the Morgan Library Museum, open to the public), and its contents are discussed, Belle da Costa Greene is the main focus of, ‘The Personal Librarian.’ This is her story and a fascinating one it is.

Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray did extensive research to bring authentication to Belle’s life, which was a bit challenging since Belle destroyed all her personal papers to try and guarantee her secret perpetually. Thankfully, she did leave her business correspondence.

Both authors wrote exceptional and individual Author Notes, which describe their writing process and experience in collaborating on this unique project especially during the Global Pandemic. (Must reads.) Marie Benedict, an experienced author of historical fiction, knew she needed an African American author of like experience to help her validate and understand the racism Belle experienced. Marie felt, ‘honored by Victoria’s trust when she shared her own experiences.’ They also edited their manuscript virtually, over Zoom, during the Pandemic, and experienced even more during George Floyd’s tragic death and Black Lives Matter. ‘It was a life-changing experience’ for both.

There is an Historical Fiction note as well to explain what is fact, and what is fiction.

I highly recommend this exciting book by two exceptional authors.

Thank you, Edelweiss, Berkley Publishing Group,
and Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray.

Note: I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio on Volumes, and narrator Robin Miles does an excellent job!