A review by bookishaddictions
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

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
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