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52 pages 1 hour read

The Personal Librarian

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

The Personal Librarian

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

341

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Early 1900s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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.

Informative

Inspirational

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

229,904 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

229,904 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

341

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Early 1900s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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