Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Sexism'
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
31 reviews
theliterarylair's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It might be because I'm not used to reading historical fiction, but I first found this book very difficult to get into.
While parts of this story are certainly problematic (very questionable dynamics đźš©đźš©), I feel happy to have had the opportunity to learn more about this truly inspirational woman.
While parts of this story are certainly problematic (very questionable dynamics đźš©đźš©), I feel happy to have had the opportunity to learn more about this truly inspirational woman.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Racism, Antisemitism, and Xenophobia
leannanecdote's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Sexual content, Racism, Antisemitism, Xenophobia, Abandonment, Classism, Alcohol, Cultural appropriation, Grief, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Moderate: Hate crime, War, Slavery, and Sexism
kaypringle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This novel took me on an overwhelmingly awakening experience. I honestly felt like an ancestor was speaking to me through these pages; sharing their triumphs and follies and all the hurdles in between. The one me absolutely minute and very minor detail that would’ve made this story hit home is if Murray’s Name was listed first on the cover but I know that I don’t have full background on the collaboration and that alphabetically is doesn’t work along with a slew of other factors that make this tiny hang up illogical and pretty meaningless. Despite this very small little thing this collaboration between Murray and Benedict was beautiful and painted a magnificent picture of emotions and experiences in my head, heart and soul and I am so thankful that they have chosen to retell Belle’s life in this manner, it is that I believe a read all must experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, War, Abortion, Antisemitism, Medical trauma, and Sexism
nroberts016's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Lesbophobia, Classism, and Sexism
Minor: Antisemitism, War, and Abortion
marrireadsandrambles's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexism, and Racism
Moderate: Abortion, Antisemitism, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Lesbophobia
bendercath's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book blew my mind. The tenacity of Belle in this time, this place, this situation … really was incredible. I loved the descriptions of her wit and intelligence, her encounters with colleagues, family, and “enemies.” This book has really left me thinking. Thank you so much for such a carefully and thoughtfully researched book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Abortion
kaycie51782's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book tells the story of JP Morgan's personal librarian, a Black woman who passes herself as Portuguese in early 1900s New York. It is a fascinating story that was incredibly eye opening. They tell the story of how they are able to live as a white family, not shying away from that trauma. The book talks about the immediate post Civil War South, and the hope that was sadly quickly dashed.
This book covers a lot of deep topics, and it doesn't hold much back. Be warned: there blatant racism, misogyny, heavy alcohol consumption, abortion, abandonment...
My main criticism of the book is that it's told in first person, but it very deliberately and overtly points things out. I think telling it in omniscient third person would have felt less like I was hearing a summary than a story. It's like in video games where the next person you need to talk to is highlighted, the author basically points and says "Look at this" instead of molding it into the story.
The book is less about what is in the library (though it is discussed) and more about how she loves through the world carefully, deliberately, and choosing to hide in plain sight. It was a fascinating look at life in 1900s New York as a woman, moving in orbit around the ultra rich (Morgan, Carnegie, Vanderbilt, etc.) but being constantly terrified of having it all taken away.
This book covers a lot of deep topics, and it doesn't hold much back. Be warned: there blatant racism, misogyny, heavy alcohol consumption, abortion, abandonment...
My main criticism of the book is that it's told in first person, but it very deliberately and overtly points things out. I think telling it in omniscient third person would have felt less like I was hearing a summary than a story. It's like in video games where the next person you need to talk to is highlighted, the author basically points and says "Look at this" instead of molding it into the story.
The book is less about what is in the library (though it is discussed) and more about how she loves through the world carefully, deliberately, and choosing to hide in plain sight. It was a fascinating look at life in 1900s New York as a woman, moving in orbit around the ultra rich (Morgan, Carnegie, Vanderbilt, etc.) but being constantly terrified of having it all taken away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Antisemitism, Miscarriage, Slavery, Racism, Sexism, Alcohol, Classism, Grief, Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Racial slurs
bookishaddictions's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
While I try to review diverse works all year long, I feel it’s important that we discuss important real people throughout Black History Month. We don’t hear about Belle Marion Greener, also known as Belle da Costa Greene, yet it was her that historically paved the way for many women (and women of color once her true identity was known). Her story is compelling, informing, and will leave you wanting to know more. Benedict and Christopher Murray make a point of acknowledging where their telling of Belle’s life becomes more fictionalized, so readers can separate their Belle from Belle the historical figure. I loved learning about Belle’s strength, grace, and intelligence. I can’t imagine the internal (and external) struggles she faced trying to pass while not forgetting who she truly is. I could not recommend reading her story enough
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Racial slurs and Alcohol
Minor: Abortion and Sexual content
kcrockford's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Initially the pace felt very slow but picked up about halfway through, and I couldn't put it down. I didn't initially realize this book is based off of real people which adds an extra layer of intrigue for the reader.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Grief, Misogyny, Death of parent, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Racism
katharina90's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.0
This book is based on so much conjecture and creative embellishment, and factual timelines/events were changed (according to the authors) for the sake of storytelling, that I don't feel like I have a solid understanding of Belle Da Costa Greene's life after reading this. In hindsight I would have preferred a biography over this fictionalized version of events.
I particularly dislike the glorification of JP Morgan and other members of the upper class, especially their portrayal as saviors who "preserve" art by locking it up in their private collections.
I particularly dislike the glorification of JP Morgan and other members of the upper class, especially their portrayal as saviors who "preserve" art by locking it up in their private collections.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Racism, Antisemitism, and Sexism
Minor: Homophobia