Marie Benedict
Books
The Personal Librarian: A GMA Book Club Pick (a Novel) -- Marie Benedict - Hardcover
The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick!
Named one of the Best Books 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.
Author: Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
Publisher: Berkley Books
Published: 06/29/2021
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.30w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9780593101537
Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 05/01/2021 pg. 62
Booklist 04/01/2021 pg. 31
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2021
Publishers Weekly 04/19/2021
Named one of the Best Books 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.
Author: Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
Publisher: Berkley Books
Published: 06/29/2021
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.30w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9780593101537
Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 05/01/2021 pg. 62
Booklist 04/01/2021 pg. 31
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2021
Publishers Weekly 04/19/2021
About the Author
Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator. A graduate of Boston College and the Boston University School of Law, she is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and Lady Clementine. All have been translated into multiple languages. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family.