The Personal Librarian

De: Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

Narrado por: Robin Miles

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.

©2020 Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Historical fiction at its best.... The Personal Librarian spins a complex tale of deceit and allegiance as told through books.” (Good Morning America)

“Benedict, who is white, and Murray, who is African American, do a good job of depicting the tightrope Belle walked, and her internal conflict from both sides - wanting to adhere to her mother's wishes and move through the world as white even as she longed to show her father she was proud of her race. Like Belle and her employer, Benedict and Murray had almost instant chemistry, and as a result, the book's narrative is seamless...I became hooked.” (NPR)

“An extraordinary tale that is both brilliant historical fiction and an important and timely commentary on racism. By holding up an unflinching mirror and illuminating this little-known chapter in American history, these two gifted authors have penned a work that is a must-read.” (Pam Jenoff, New York Times best-selling author of The Woman with the Blue Star)

Incredible Story Beautifully Told

This book held my interest in a way few books do. I couldn’t wait to get back to listening to it each day and feel a void now that I’ve finished it. The authors captured the time, the culture, the historical people, their obsessions in such beautiful details. (So much better than “The Vanishing Half” or Passing” which deals with the same topic).

Belle de Costa Green is unforgettable. I read about 50-55 books each year and this one is a standout.

We are one; can we live it?

It is a guide to how racism cheats all of us as Americans when every individual is not allowed to be all they are capable of because of physical characteristics. We might have been richer both culturally and economically by this date if the promise of the Constitution was not retarded by the lie of white supremacy. We will learn to live together in prosperity and uplifting ourselves along with others or we destroy the beautiful earth we share.
Thank you sisters for your hard and successful work to bring this story to so many. Nia Mason

Very captivating

I enjoyed reading The personal librarian. I love history. The narration was excellent. The only sad part of this for me is that not much as changed when it comes on to African-Americans and rightful privileges.

The most amazing story and book!

This book is incredible. Full of wonderful history and an inspiring heroine! I loved this book!

Such an inspiring woman!

This book moved me. Belle was an inspiration and a true pioneer. It’s very sad that she had to live a lie, and even more sad that she had to cut her family out of her life because of societal norms. Amazing book

the strength of the negro women.

Belle"s life was so intriguing. I kept wonderng if her secret would be found out! Her life was filled with suspense yet she wouldn't give up on the hope of pushing society to end racism. The writers did a beautiful job of intertwining facts and fiction. Bravo!

What a great read!

I absolutely loved this book! I had never heard of Belle De Costa Greene! I am ever so grateful to have added her story to my brain! It makes me want to know more!

Engaging! Well written! Well narrated!!

This is not my usual interest, but I found this book fascinating!! The authors did a fabulous job working together on this and bringing Belle Dicosta to life!

Amazing!

Well written and captivating! I’m going to read the other books referenced as source material. Because of this book, I absolutely have to know more about Belle.

Awesome story! Read the Notes!

This is an important story to be told. I’m not a strong fan of historical fiction, so I really appreciated the notes at the end describing the process used by the authors and their resources. The notes gave authenticity to what was at times maudlin storytelling. On the whole, the authors kept dialogue and other aspects that they could not have known believable. I enjoyed learning about Belle daCosta Greene and her impact on society. The racial apartheid system in the US played out in the background as she progressed as a White woman in the gilded age. The authors had a good story even without Greene’s secret and they made the most of moving the truth and complexity of US society to the foreground without making it sound too inspired by contemporary events and controversies. That said, the most jarring moments for me were the personal depictions that felt as cheesy as a lightweight romance novel.

Read the notes at the end.
The narrator was fine, though her voice sounded too mature for the 20-something Belle.