48 pages • 1 hour read
Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher MurrayThe Personal Librarian
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Personal Librarian?
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.