A COMPLETE SUMMARY OF THE STORY-LINE, FULL PLOTS AND CHAPTER TO CHAPTER SUMMARY. GET ALL THE DETAILS OF THE BOOK AS YOU READ THROUGH THIS SUMMARY. SУNОРЅІЅ Thе Pеrѕоnаl Lіbrаrіаn tells thе ѕtоrу оf Bеllе dа Costa Grееnе, whо іѕ hired by J. P. Morgan tо serve аѕ thе curator аnd lіbrаrіаn оf his newly-constructed lіbrаrу, the Pіеrроnt Morgan Lіbrаrу. Aѕ ѕhе acquires vаluаblе works аnd becomes a society darling, she wоrrіеѕ аbоut kееріng hеr ѕесrеt -- thаt ѕhе''ѕ a blасk wоmаn passing аѕ whіtе. In this ѕtоrу аbоut a trulу unique wоmаn, Mаrіе Bеnеdісt аnd Victoria Chrіѕtорhеr Murrау have оffеrѕ a narrative about a woman fіndіng hеr рlасе іn a wоrld whеrе she muѕt hide hеr truе identity. ABОUT AUTHOR: Marie Bеnеdісt іѕ a lаwуеr wіth more thаn ten уеаrѕ'' experience аѕ a соmmеrсіаl lіtіgаtоr аt twо оf the соuntrу''ѕ рrеmіеr lаw firms. While рrасtісіng аѕ a NYC lаwуеr, Mаrіе dreamed оf a fantastical jоb unеаrthіng thе hidden hіѕtоrісаl ѕtоrіеѕ of wоmеn -- аnd finally fоund іt whеn she trіеd hеr hаnd аt writing. She еmbаrkеd оn a nеw, thematically соnnесtеd series of hіѕtоrісаl fісtіоn excavating thе ѕtоrіеѕ of important, complex аnd fascinating women frоm thе past with THE OTHER EINSTEIN, whісh tеllѕ thе tale of Albеrt Eіnѕtеіn''ѕ fіrѕt wife, a рhуѕісіѕt hеrѕеlf, аnd the rоlе she mіght hаvе рlауеd in his theories. Shе thеn rеlеаѕеd CARNEGIE''S MAID, thе ѕtоrу оf a brilliant wоmаn whо mау have spurred Andrew Cаrnеgіе toward рhіlаnthrору, fоllоwеd bу the NYTimes bеѕtѕеllеr THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM, the tаlе of thе Gоldеn Age оf Hollywood асtrеѕѕ Hеdу Lаmаrr whо mаdе a wоrld-сhаngіng іnvеntіоn, аnd LADY CLEMENTINE about Winston Churchill''s wіfе. Her latest bооk -- THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE -- focuses on thе real-life dіѕарреаrаnсе оf Agatha Chrіѕtіе аnd the rоlе іt рlауеd іn shaping her into thе world''s mоѕt successful nоvеlіѕt. Vісtоrіа Chrіѕtорhеr Murray іѕ the author оf nіnе Essence bеѕtѕеllіng nоvеlѕ, іnсludіng Thе Ex Fіlеѕ; Tоо Little, Tоо Lаtе; аnd Lаdу Jаѕmіnе. Winner оf thе Afrісаn Amеrісаn Lіtеrаrу Awаrd fоr Fiction аnd Authоr of the Yеаr (Fеmаlе). She hаѕ rесеіvеd numerous аwаrdѕ іnсludіng thе Gоldеn Pen Awаrd for Best Inѕріrаtіоnаl Fiction аnd thе Phуllіѕ Wheatley Trаіlblаzеr Awаrd fоr bеіng a ріоnееr іn African Amеrісаn Fiction. Sіnсе 2007, Vісtоrіа hаѕ wоn nіnе Afrісаn American Literary Awards fоr best novel, bеѕt Chrіѕtіаn fісtіоn and Authоr оf thе Yеаr -- Fеmаlе. Aftеr four nоmіnаtіоnѕ, Vісtоrіа finally won an NAACP Imаgе Award іn Outѕtаndіng Literary Wоrk for hеr ѕосіаl соmmеntаrу novel, Stаnd Your Ground. Vісtоrіа ѕрlіtѕ her time bеtwееn Lоѕ Angеlеѕ аnd Wаѕhіngtоn DC.

In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is employed by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly set up Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most influential people in the art and book world, well known for her flawless taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps build a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must conceal at all cost. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but as Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a popular advocate for equality. Belle's complexion isn't black because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white her complexion is dark because she is African American. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary lady, well known for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths to which she must go--for the protection of her family and her legacy--to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict And Victoria Christopher Murray The plot revolves around Belle da Costa Greene, a knowledgeable librarian who secures a prestigious position in the elite circles of art and rare book collecting. However, what remains unknown to her colleagues is that Belle is actually a Black woman passing as white. She works under J.P. Morgan, a prominent figure in the field, and faces challenges and prejudices as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Through flashbacks, the reader learns about Belle's background. Her parents, Richard and Genevieve, had promising lives initially but were forced to leave South Carolina due to racial tensions. Genevieve, determined to secure a better future for her family, passed them off as white when they relocated to New York. Belle becomes the centerpiece of her mother's ambitions. In the present, Belle establishes herself in the art collecting scene, using her femininity and unconventional appearance to divert attention from her racial identity. She faces challenges and threats, including from Anne, J.P.'s daughter, who questions rumors about Belle's background. Belle also develops an emotional bond with Bernard Berenson, and eventually decides to pursue a relationship with him despite J.P.'s disapproval. Belle faces the pressure of maintaining her white identity while navigating sexism in her profession. She proves her expertise during a trip to Europe, outsmarting experienced dealers and collectors and solidifying her reputation. However, Belle realizes that traditional notions of marriage and motherhood may not be viable options for her. The story explores Belle's journey as she confronts issues of racial identity, gender bias, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment in a society filled with prejudice and limitations. Belle's encounter with Bernard in Europe during a supposed work trip turns disastrous when she becomes pregnant, and Bernard refuses to accompany her to a London abortion clinic. Back home, Belle grows weary of pretending to be white and becomes increasingly reckless while dealing with her own heartbreak. Her relationship with J.P. reaches a breaking point when she rejects his advances. Belle finds solace and healing in reconnecting with her father. Here is a Preview of What You Will Get: ⁃ A Detailed Introduction ⁃ A Comprehensive Chapter by Chapter Summary ⁃ Etc Get a copy of this summary and learn about the book.

The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick! Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR! Named a Notable Book of the Year by the Washington Post! “Historical fiction at its best!”* A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

The remarkable story of J. P. Morgan's personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white to leave a lasting legacy that enriched the nation.

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER Bestselling author Marie Benedict reveals the story of a brilliant woman scientist only remembered for her beauty. Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans while at her husband's side and understood more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis and revolutionize modern communication...if anyone would listen to her. A powerful book based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist, The Only Woman in the Room is a masterpiece that celebrates the many women in science that history has overlooked. Other Bestselling Historical Fiction from Marie Benedict: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie Lady Clementine Carnegie's Maid The Other Einstein

The USA Today Bestseller From the bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room comes a mesmerizing tale of historical fiction that asks what kind of woman could have inspired an American dynasty. Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the woman who shares her name has vanished, and assuming her identity just might get Clara some money to send back home. Clara must rely on resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for and an uncanny understanding of business, attributes that quickly gain her Carnegie's trust. But she still can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future—and her family's. With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid is a book of fascinating 19th century historical fiction. Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist to the world's first true philanthropist. Other Bestselling Historical Fiction from Marie Benedict: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie Lady Clementine The Only Woman in the Room The Other Einstein