The Personal Librarian

By: Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Over one million copies sold!

The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick!

Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR! Named a Notable Book 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.

Incredible Story Beautifully Told

This book held my interest in a way few books do. I couldn’t wait to get back to listening to it each day and feel a void now that I’ve finished it. The authors captured the time, the culture, the historical people, their obsessions in such beautiful details. (So much better than “The Vanishing Half” or Passing” which deals with the same topic).

Belle de Costa Green is unforgettable. I read about 50-55 books each year and this one is a standout.

Very captivating

I enjoyed reading The personal librarian. I love history. The narration was excellent. The only sad part of this for me is that not much as changed when it comes on to African-Americans and rightful privileges.

We are one; can we live it?

It is a guide to how racism cheats all of us as Americans when every individual is not allowed to be all they are capable of because of physical characteristics. We might have been richer both culturally and economically by this date if the promise of the Constitution was not retarded by the lie of white supremacy. We will learn to live together in prosperity and uplifting ourselves along with others or we destroy the beautiful earth we share.
Thank you sisters for your hard and successful work to bring this story to so many. Nia Mason

The most amazing story and book!

This book is incredible. Full of wonderful history and an inspiring heroine! I loved this book!

the strength of the negro women.

Belle"s life was so intriguing. I kept wonderng if her secret would be found out! Her life was filled with suspense yet she wouldn't give up on the hope of pushing society to end racism. The writers did a beautiful job of intertwining facts and fiction. Bravo!