The Personal Librarian

From New York Times, bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray come 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. Belle da Costa Greene, in her twenties, is employed by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly constructed Pierpont Morgan Library.

As she contributes to the creation of a world-class collection, Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most influential women in the art and book industry, recognized for her perfect taste and clever negotiation for crucial pieces. But Belle has a secret that she must keep hidden at all costs. She was born Belle Marion Greener, not Belle da Costa Greene. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black Harvard graduate and a well-known equality advocate. Belle's skin is dark because she is African American, not because of her purported Portuguese lineage, which allows her to pass as white.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of an outstanding lady known for her brilliance, flair, and humor, and explores the lengths she must go to safeguard her family and legacy while preserving her carefully built white persona in a racist society.

Detailed information:
Author: Marie Benedict
Link to read: goodreads.com/book/show/55333938-the-personal-librarian