Reviews tagging 'Child death'

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

2 reviews

passionatereader78's review

emotional informative reflective 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? Yes

5.0

A beautiful life story! I enjoyed reading this book. Bell is the personal Librarian of JP Morgan. She is responsible for curating most of his collection.  Bell has a secret she is black and is passing for white in New York.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Infidelity

Moderate: Abortion, Slavery, and Pregnancy

Minor: Child death and Abandonment

thenovelbookshelf's review against another edition

challenging inspiring reflective 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

4.0

A beautiful fictional account of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P Morgan's personal librarian, based on real events and people. 
  
Belle, born Belle Marion Greener, of African American heritage was forced to live a lie by her mother because of their light skinned appearance. While in this novel, Belle is only occasionally conflicted, I'm sure her life, and that of her family's, was harder than what was written.
  
The novel also only briefly touches on other parts of her life, education, friendships, relationships, extended family of hers and that of JP Morgan's. There are some resources mentioned in the author's notes that would be good to get more background into Belle's life.
  
This is a compelling, beautifully written book that touches on topics of racism, feminism, love, passion, and personal identity. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Alcohol, Abortion, Child death, Death of parent, Death, Racism, and Sexism