Thank you PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook!
by: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
narrated by: Robin Miles
rating: really liked
“They have no idea the fierceness that lurks within your petite frame.”
Bringing to life a real life woman you probably have never heard of, but has had a huge influence in the art world, this book takes you to the gilded age and into the shoes of Belle da Costa Greene. Belle is a black woman passing as white and gets a job as J.P. Morgan's personal librarian. Even though her race is kept secret, she still pushes boundaries and breaks barriers as a female in a male dominated industry.
The writers took great care to honor Belle while telling her story and having to fill in the blanks of her thoughts and feelings. Belle is a multifaceted woman, and the authors made sure to show all the sides of her. Not all of this book is easy to read and I don't love all of Belle's choices. But she was a real and complicated woman, so they do add to her allure. The author's notes and the historical note just add to the excellence of the story telling.
Content Warning: Abortion, Racism, Sexism, Infidelity, Antisemitism
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