Historical Fiction Annotation - The Personal Librarian

 

Author: Marie Benedict

Title: The Personal Librarian

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publication Date: June 29, 2021

Number of Pages: 341 pages

Geographical Setting: New York City, New York; London, England

Time Period: Early 1900s

Series: N/A

Summary:

Belle da Costa Greene is a white woman with a Portuguese grandmother which is why her skin is a bit darker than others. At least, that's what she tells J.P. Morgan and anyone else who asks. But in reality, she's an African American woman who is able to pass as white. And it's because of this that she is able to get a job as the librarian at J.P Morgan's historic Pierpont Morgan Library. She is also able to be a part of high society events, deal with important art and book dealers, and even have a romantic rendezvous or two. However, the real question is…how long will she be able to keep the secret of her true identity? Will she be able to keep the life she has built herself? Or will everything fall apart?

Subject Headings

• African American Women

• Passing (identity)

• Women librarians

• Biographical Fiction

• Pierpont Morgan Library

Appeal:

Tone: The tone of this book is Assertive, Formal, and Worried.

Characterization: 

• Belle daCosta Greene/Belle Marion Greener is based on a historical figure of the same name. Although careful at first in her career she later becomes more bold and even reckless in her interactions with strangers and colleagues. 

• J.P. Morgan is a bold and assertive financier who has a passion for art and rare books. A passion he seems to only be able to share with Belle. 

• Genevieve Fleet is Belle’s mother and is a brave and protector of Belle and her siblings. 

• Richard Greener is the father of Belle. He is an activist, scholar, and educator.

• Anne Morgan is the daughter of J.P. Morgan. A philanthropist for women’s rights. She has a jealous attitude toward Belle and her father’s relationship. She is bold and passive aggressive in her demeanor toward Belle. 

Setting: New York City and London

Pacing: This book has a fast pacing due to time skips within the story. 

Short Review: I loved the historical knowledge of this book. Even though this book is technically historical fiction, the authors took great care in making sure they were as accurate in their information as possible. It was an amazing way to learn about such a historical person and relationship. 4.5/5 stars

Read-Alikes:

Golden, A. (2005). Memoirs of a Geisha. Vintage Books USA.

Kostova, E. (2016). The Historian. Little, Brown and Company.

Morris, H. (2018). The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Harper.