The historical fiction novel The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray follows Belle da Costa Greene, a Black woman passing as white, who becomes the personal librarian to steel magnate J.P. Morgan, navigating racial and gender prejudices to establish her reputation in the male-dominated world of rare art and book collecting. Sensitive topics include racism, sexism, and reproductive rights.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is widely praised for its compelling narrative and rich historical detail, though some reviewers find its pacing uneven. The portrayal of Belle da Costa Greene's dual identity and struggles with racial passing evoke strong emotional resonance, contributing to a textured and thought-provoking read.

Readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong female protagonists, as seen in The Paris Library and The Nightingale, will be captivated by The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Fans of intricately woven secrets and cultural insights will find this tale of J.P. Morgan’s librarian enthralling.

Informative / Inspirational / Mysterious / Contemplative / Emotional

- The authors, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, came together to explore the remarkable life of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's personal librarian, showcasing their combined strengths in historical and contemporary narratives.
- Victoria Christopher Murray noted that co-authoring The Personal Librarian brought a unique dynamic, as the two authors collaborated without ever meeting in person until the book was nearly finished.

**Belle Marion Greener/Belle da Costa Greene**  
A Princeton-educated art historian and librarian, based on the historical figure who lived from 1879-1950. The novel traces her journey from being the daughter of a light-skinned Black family to passing as a white woman who curated the collection that became the Pierpont Morgan Library. As a white-passing Black woman, she navigates the complexities and sacrifices of her identity in pursuit of her career.

**J.P. Morgan**  
A fictionalized version of the historical financier and industrialist, J.P. Morgan (1837-1913), who hires Belle. In the novel, he is portrayed as a powerful, wealthy man who thrives on domination. His hiring of Belle defies convention, reflecting how he uses his influence, but his relationship with her becomes strained due to his professional and personal boundary violations.

**Genevieve Greener**  
Belle's mother, beautiful and white-presenting, based on the historical Genevieve Ida Fleet Greener (1849-1941). She compels her children to pass as white as a strategy for survival in the face of racism. Her ambition and strictness create conflict with Belle but show her commitment to securing her family’s future.

**Bernard Berenson**  
Based on the historical figure (1865-1959), he is portrayed as an art historian and critic who constructs a persona to achieve his ambitions. Bernard initially appears to be an outsider like Belle, with a claim to uplift the common through art, but his actions reveal a self-interested nature that contrasts with Belle's focused ambitions.

**Richard Greener**  
Based on Richard Greener (1844-1922), a civil rights activist, the first Black Harvard graduate and professor at the University of South Carolina. He is characterized by his commitment to racial equality and his nurturing of Belle's interest in art. While initially an idealist, his stance evolves over the years.

**Anne Morgan**  
Based on Anne Tracy Morgan (1873-1952), daughter of J.P. Morgan. In the novel, Anne is an antagonist to Belle, suspicious of her identity. Despite their conflicts, Anne shares similarities with Belle, as both navigate closeted aspects of their lives, revealing how class can mitigate societal norms.

Marie Benedict

Victoria Christopher Murray

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