The Personal Librarian by Marie BenedictMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fascinating historical novel about Belle da Costa Greene, the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan. It describes the beginning of her career working at the Princeton Library, her interview with J.P. to get the job, and her extraordinary experiences building his library collection of priceless manuscripts, artwork, and books. She has a vast knowledge about the works she is collecting, and stands out as virtually the only female in a man's profession. Belle is African American, but in the early 20th century New York City she and her family are forced to pass as white due to the racist climate. This book has all the things I love to read about -- a strong female character, books, libraries, NYC, and history.
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