The Personal Librarian
Ratings72
Average rating3.7
3.5 rounded up because of the time period and racial topics.
Recently finished listening to Caste (which I still want to review), narrated by the same Robin Miles. I really appreciated the after note discussing a few temporal liberties.
I loved the way the time period was represented. I feel that that portion of the book was five stars. However, Belle's personal life I found less engaging, I'm not a fan of romance and I found the other aspects -while interesting- to be repetitive. Although I'm not a fan of romance I did appreciate ‘non-traditional' relationships being represented ‘Boston marriage', lesbians, polyamory, not sure if Berenson was in an ‘open marriage' or if it was more of a marriage of convenience, but Berenson and Belle had an open and long distance relationship. This is a personal failing of mine, but I especially had difficulty with Belle doing absolutely nothing in terms of contraception. I understand that her mother might not have explained things to her, but couldn't she have attempted to look things up? And surely she knew of the risks/potential consequences of sex and taking TWO missed periods before thinking about potential pregnancy. Although Berenson's attitude of ‘I thought you had things taken care of on your side' smacks of 100% authenticity to me. I understand that historically the real Belle had an abortion -and I am pro-choice and respect her decision, I am mournful that she didn't even try to prevent pregnancy and the anguish she experienced.
I enjoyed learning about the woman who had to keep her racial identity secret, constantly worrying about being found out, while also excelling in her field in a time when it was even more difficult for women to gain respect than it is today.
I thought was really an interesting book and I didn't know Morgan had a library...or really any of this history! It is also such an interesting time period where a lot of different major events happening like the sinking of the titanic, civil rights, lynching, women's right to vote, ... etc.
Belle da Costa Greene was a pretty secretive person and I think this book did her justice. She had to balance and hid her true identity for her entire life and that cost her a lot, despite her success. An important historical figure for sure and even more respect for her being in my library profession realm.
The audio book was well narrated, but I did put it on x2 speed.
The plot was fine, pacing was steady (with some interest and some boring parts, imo)
The author notes were interesting and stated intentions to write her as well as they could. Also it was during the 2020 pandemic so they talk a little about that experience and how similar events BLM protests sort of echoed similar themes in the book.
Good book, an extra star for me because the mad librarian respect. AND YES! I did get this book at my library! ;)
This should become a movie! Nicely navigates a path between telling a compelling story and historical accuracy. Not my usual fare, although I guess I do like to read civil rights stories.
