Of course I was interested in reading about J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, the woman who later became the first director of the Morgan Library. Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray stuck close to facts in their historical novel, The Personal Librarian. However, a friend of mine has a very good question, and I’ll end this post with that one.

Belle da Costa Greene was born Belle Marion Greener. Her mother was from a prominent African-American family in Washington, D.C. Her father, Richard Greener, was “the first colored graduate of Harvard”, a former professor at the University of South Carolina, and former dean at Howard University School of Law. But, Belle’s mother saw a rough time coming for Blacks, and, according to the book, she claimed the family was white in a U.S. census. Belle was forced to drop her middle name. The family changed their name to Greene. And, Belle and her brother added da Costa to their names, claiming the name came from a Portuguese grandmother.

Belle’s mother wanted her educated children to pass for white, and Belle did understand that her dreams depended on her passing with no indication she was Black. She was a librarian at Princeton University where J.P. Morgan’s nephew, Junius Morgan, recognized her interest in ancient and medieval manuscripts. He recommended her to his uncle when Morgan’s own library was built, and she became his personal librarian, eventually overseeing the purchase of magnificent manuscripts and books. Her goal was to created America’s foremost art and manuscript collection, equal to Europe’s finest. Belle’s Mama said a colored girl named Belle Marion Greener would never have been considered for a job with Mr. J.P. Morgan. Only a white girl called Belle da Costa Green would have that opportunity.

Belle da Costa Greene faced many obstacles in her lifetime, including the constant fear she would be outed as Black, which could destroy her career. She faced issues of sexism when dealing with many of the men involved in the world of collections, rare books, and manuscripts. Even her opportunities for love and romance were limited by her constant need to be on guard.

I will say, I loved all the details about the Morgan Library, and Greene’s career there was fascinating. Having been to the library and museum, it makes the story even more interesting. I wish I had this background when I was there.

Benedict and Murray do an excellent job in bringing Belle da Costa Greene to life with all of her challenges. They do shift around some events, but admit it in their notes. However, there is an interesting question that came from a friend who read the book. The story ends with Belle da Costa Greene burning her personal papers, and according to sources about her life, she did burn personal papers, although professional correspondence remained. Here is the question. If Belle da Costa Greene passed as white for her entire career, and burned her personal papers, how was her real life and family discovered? Who told?

Marie Benedict’s website is https://www.authormariebenedict.com/
Victoria Christopher Murray’s website is https://victoriachristophermurray.com/

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Berkley, 2021. ISBN 9780593101537 (hardcover), 352p.

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me an ARC, hoping I would review it.