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A review by inkwitchery
Belle Greene by Alexandra Lapierre
4.0
BELLE GREENE by Alexandra Lapierre
This solidly written, meticulously researched and pseudo-biographical book will transport you to late 1800s through early 1900s New York where you will follow the inspiring life of Belle da Costa Greene.
It starts when Belle, her mother and siblings vow to never reveal their true African American heritage to anyone. Since they were light skinned, they were able to “pass” as white in their new community. Their promise to one another leads all of them to make many difficult decisions throughout their lives.
Then Belle meets the magnate JP Morgan and lands her dream job - to be the personal librarian and curator for his library. With her skills, intelligence and wit, she becomes the highest paid woman in the US, who is respected and renowned in her field. Belle defied the odds and her circumstances in a society that was (and still is) deeply prejudiced and racist.
There is SO much history within these pages! I was compelled to look up the locations, artwork and other bits mentioned in the story. Belle’s remarkable life is one that needs to be taught in all schools.
**ARC courtesy of @NetGalley & Europa Editions
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
This solidly written, meticulously researched and pseudo-biographical book will transport you to late 1800s through early 1900s New York where you will follow the inspiring life of Belle da Costa Greene.
It starts when Belle, her mother and siblings vow to never reveal their true African American heritage to anyone. Since they were light skinned, they were able to “pass” as white in their new community. Their promise to one another leads all of them to make many difficult decisions throughout their lives.
Then Belle meets the magnate JP Morgan and lands her dream job - to be the personal librarian and curator for his library. With her skills, intelligence and wit, she becomes the highest paid woman in the US, who is respected and renowned in her field. Belle defied the odds and her circumstances in a society that was (and still is) deeply prejudiced and racist.
There is SO much history within these pages! I was compelled to look up the locations, artwork and other bits mentioned in the story. Belle’s remarkable life is one that needs to be taught in all schools.
**ARC courtesy of @NetGalley & Europa Editions
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️