The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
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Web ID: 14500384well-paced and interesting!
Interesting story about racism, feminism, classism, and art. I enjoyed seeing how Belle made connections with dealers in the art world and navigated interactions with the wealthy class at events. It was interesting to see her techniques to acquire pieces play out as a woman breaking a glass ceiling. Her evolution was wonderful and vulnerable as she wrestled with her secret identity. The romantic subplots gave me mixed feelings. The romantic tension between Belle and Morgan didn’t work for me due to the large age gap and the infrequent moments of genuine connection between the characters. He was mostly portrayed as a gruff, proud, philanderer, who was quick to temper. He valued Belle’s skills and achievements, but he was also disrespectfully possessive. In contrast, Belle’s romantic feelings for Bernard, a smaller age gap, had more on-page development and felt natural. He respected her, held interesting conversations with her, and pursued her enough to spark my interest in their story. From the start, the writing clearly showed me how Belle could fall for Bernard and I felt their chemistry. It was easy to relate to her as she navigated their complicated relationship. A well-paced book about an amazing historical figure.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
What is up with the writing in this book!
The story itself is very interesting: Belle Da Costa Greene, a black woman who passes as white to get ahead in life as J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian. But the writing of this book could never allow me to enjoy the compelling story. Roughly the first half of the book is written in such a grandiloquent and quasi-snob way that I constantly laughed at how silly the conversations sounded. Really, who talks that way, even if it’s the 1900s? It felt like the author didn’t buffer between narrative and dialogue. It became unbearable in the romantic scenes. The dialogue became so corny and cringey that I starting wincing from the awkwardness. Then towards the second half of the book, a sudden change. The pomposity subsided and the conversations actually sounded natural. My guess is the other author took over from there. How did the editor not notice the obvious dichotomy between those two writings? If an average reader like me can pick that up, surely a professional could spot that a mile away. What a shame. An interesting story but very badly executed.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Enjoyable historical fiction!
Enjoyable historical fiction! Learned much about JP Morgan's personal librarian and the important role she played in preserving history and making history! Go Belle!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Mesmerizing, best historical fiction I’ve read thi
There’s so much to admire in this mesmerizing, important historical fiction story. It’s the true account of an intelligent, passionate woman whose vision for preserving and collecting manuscripts, rare books and artwork is a lasting legacy in the Piermont Morgan Library (I will definitely go to visit it next time I’m in NYC!). As J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle de Costa Greene’s ascent professionally and in society made her one of the most influential women in the Gilded Age. Little did the public (or J.P. Morgan) know, but Belle was a Black woman whose fair complexion enabled her to pass as white. The dangerous secret is a tightrope of tension throughout Belle’s life. How she balances between the two identities—behind closed doors at home she’s Black, yet as soon as she goes outside she’s in a high-pressured performance to be white—reminded me of the same dual-identity tension racism causes today. The book is co-written, but the seamless narrative and single voice never breaks. To me, this historical fiction is a crowning achievement and example of the best historical fiction can deliver: relevancy to giving insight and empathy into present-day themes and challenges. Repost of review on goodreads.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Intriguing historical fiction
This is quite an interesting historical fiction, written by the master, Benedict, and co-authored by Victoria Christopher Murray. I understand Benedict's desire to have an African American author involved, as the story describes the life of a black woman who lived as a white woman in early 20th century America. It is a fascinating account that is skillfully written with both accuracy and drama. I was especially interested from my perspective of a librarian, although the job description was quite different during Belle's time.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fascinating history based on true story
Excellent historical fiction! The true story of a librarian who worked for JP Morgan and was also passing as white. This was a fascinating story based on a true story. I enjoyed the Morgan Library story because I used to live in NYC. The Morgan Library and its origins is defined by the relationship of Belle, the librarian, and JP Morgan. The history and details of racism in the US are excruciating and necessary. I loved the stories of how the treasures were found and purchased by Belle.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
If you like historical fiction, this is a must!
An inspiring example of fortitude winning against yet another chapter in the shameful book of racism in this country. Belle’s story shines against the backdrop of the excesses and degradations of the Guilded Age.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great Lady, Great Read
One of the best books I've read this year. Great historical fiction, excellent research makes it more history than fiction. Great writing job by the co-authors. The conflicts within the world that "the personal librarian" would have been impossible to deal with for most people, but her tenacity and courage brought her home and the international praise she earned and deserved. A wonderful read; don't miss it!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com