An excellent piece of historical fiction that many readers will find hard to put down." In her starred review for Booklist, Donna Seaman wrote, "Every element of this blockbuster historical novel is compelling and revelatory, beginning with the bedazzling protagonist based with awestruck care on Belle da Costa Greene." Pamela O'Sullivan's starred review for Library Journal stated, "This fictional account of Greene’s life feels authentic the authors bring to life not only Belle but all those around her. The book received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal, as well as positive reviews from news outlets. It was also nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Historical Fiction.
In 2021, the book was named a "Favorites of Favorites" by Library Reads, as well as one of Booklist's top ten historical fiction novels. The Personal Librarian was a top book club pick in November 2021, March 2022, and April 2022. We had to find a way to blend these two lives together for her and that’s what I think we did." īenedict and Murray finished the first draft of the novel and submitted it to their editor as the COVID-19 pandemic began, altering the expected publication process.
Speaking of their partnership, Murray told The Washington Post, "I do not believe that a Black woman could have done justice to Belle, just as I believe a White woman couldn’t have done her justice either. Murray, a Black woman, was able to add personal information to the story given that her grandmother, who had lived in a similar time period as da Costa Greene, had also been able to pass as white. Although Benedict was interested in writing about da Costa Greene for decades, she didn't feel comfortable with the endeavor "it did not feel right or appropriate for her to try and tell the story of a Black woman without a Black woman." īenedict read a work by co-author Victoria Christopher Murray and immediately wanted to try writing da Costa Greene's story with her. While she was visiting New York’s Morgan Library, a docent shared information with her about da Costa Greene, starting Benedict's fascination with the historical figure. The novel also speaks to Belle's personal life as she struggles with her identity and the historical context in which she lives.Ĭo-author Marie Benedict learned about Belle da Costa Greene while she was still working as a lawyer. Morgan, she became hugely successful as she purchased rare manuscripts to build Mr. Morgan and establishes herself in high society while disguising her true identity as a person of color in the early twentieth century. The novel follows Belle da Costa Greene as she receives employment from J. The book, co-written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, was published June 2021 by Berkeley Books. Morgan, as well as the first director of the Morgan Library & Museum. The Personal Librarian tells of the lifework of Belle da Costa Greene, the personal librarian to J.
0 kommentar(er)
