THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN

For lovers of historical fiction based on a true story, this is a joyous read. 'The Personal Librarian' is a collaboration from Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray about an African American woman who helped J. P. Morgan build his prestigious and famous manuscript and art collection during the early 1900's, all the while passing as a white woman.

In order to succeed in the world as an African American woman in America during this period, Belle’s mother tells her she cannot and must not reveal her heritage. So, being of pale skin, Belle and her siblings pass themselves off as white, much to the disappointment of their principled father, Richard Greener who fights for racial equality and consequently feels compelled to abandon his family. Belle Greener becomes Belle da Costa Greene which to the outside world stems from her Portuguese grandmother. When Belle lands the top job of Personal Librarian to the eminent and extremely powerful J. P. Morgan in New York, it becomes even more essential that she doesn’t reveal her true identity. Gradually she forms a close working bond with J.P. Morgan and consequently she is allowed to procure valuable pieces of art and rare manuscripts for his growing library. But as Belle’s success and fame begins to spread across different continents and her relationship with J. P. Morgan deepens so it becomes harder to keep her true identity secret. To succeed as an African American woman in the upper echelons of society at this time was virtually impossible so to know this story is based on the real Belle da Costa Greene adds to its appeal.

This is a fascinating read which opens the reader’s eyes to the decisions young African Americans had to make to leave behind their heritage to further their careers and on achieving success the lengths and sacrifices they endured to not reveal their past. It was a life constantly lived on tender hooks and this story beautifully shares the impact such a double life had on Belle and her family which meant she could never really totally enjoy and embrace her achievements or form long lasting relationships. The reconnection with her father is particularly poignant.

This book scored a solid 7-8 out of 10 in the Den. A few of us sometimes thought Belle was portrayed as too perfect and therefore it was initially hard to be on her side. But others thought this merely highlighted that she always had to bring her best performance to the table and made them empathise with her more. Certainly plenty of material to talk about in your book club made all the more easier with the readers’ guide questions for discussion included at the end of the book! We have even added a few of our own too in the Den’s IB questions for this month!