The Personal Librarian: A GMA Book Club Pick

by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593101537
• ISBN13: 9780593101537
• Release Date: June 2021
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Marie & Victoria Masterpiece!

Important to read the entire book - including the pages at the end with the Authors' notes. THIS book is now one of my all-time faves. Not only did I LEARN about a great woman in history, but SO much insight about society at that time and how not much has changed. I could barely put this book down! And, this was a FIRST for Marie to have a writing partner! Her writing partner (Victoria) was also an accomplished writer, but the two together made this book "as smooth as butter"! LOVED IT and ordered it also for my sister!

Author Marie Benedict

I have all of Marie Benedict books in my personal (physical books) library. When I see her name on a book, I don't even have to know what the book is about..Her name on the cover tells me it is going to be good.

Very good

Enjoyed this book - story moved well and kept my interest.

Fiction with Truth

Great read. A true story with fictional liberties taken. The authors make it very clear that they did much research on this true story but made up the dialogue.