Reviews tagging 'Antisemitism'

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

65 reviews

just_one_more_chapter_ok's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The story world be a remarkable success story for any woman during the Gilded Age. It is truly amazing when you add in that she was African American and passing due to the lighter tone of her skin.  
The book was well researched and I believe the collaboration between the two authors made for a compelling and realistic telling of Belle's story..

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Outing, Colonisation, and Classism

nadia_not_there's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Abortion, and Lesbophobia

Minor: Alcoholism, Antisemitism, and Death of parent

katiejohns's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring reflective slow-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

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Abortion

Moderate: Antisemitism

claudine2's review against another edition

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

A very interesting historical fiction novel about Belle da Costa Greene, personal librarian to J.P. Morgan.

I enjoyed learning about the early manuscripts and art that she helped Mr. Morgan acquire. It makes me wish I had appreciated the early books I saw at the British Museum more and also makes me want to visit NYC to see the library and its holdings.

This was my 2nd Marie Benedict and 1st Victoria Christopher Murray book. Excited to see that they also collaborated on The First Ladies!

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Antisemitism, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Alcohol, and War

kbifolck's review against another edition

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? No

3.0

Fascinating story. I didn't know about "passing" and about Belle. However, I found myself craving the real facts rather than this story. Might have to pick up the biography on Belle. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Abortion

Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Antisemitism

jaycialt's review against another edition

inspiring reflective fast-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

4.5

This book pulled me out of a deep reading slump. It was historical, lovable, thought-provoking journey. There were several themes that carried throughout via the characters and time frame. Read this if you love period pieces, history, art and culture plus family ties.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Racism, Abortion, Abandonment, and Classism

Minor: Sexism, Antisemitism, and War

alissa_the_barista's review

informative

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Sexism

Moderate: Infidelity, Antisemitism, Abortion, and Alcohol

Minor: Death and Death of parent

claireburr's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring 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

4.5

Stilted writing, especially in the fictionalized dialogue. However, the story is fascinating and the research and details are worth it.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Antisemitism, and Abortion

smreads24's review against another edition

challenging informative 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

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Antisemitism

andreabey's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Abortion

Minor: Racism, Antisemitism, and Abandonment