A review by katharina90
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.0

This book is based on so much conjecture and creative embellishment, and factual timelines/events were changed (according to the authors) for the sake of storytelling, that I don't feel like I have a solid understanding of Belle Da Costa Greene's life after reading this. In hindsight I would have preferred a biography over this fictionalized version of events. 

I particularly dislike the glorification of JP Morgan and other members of the upper class, especially their portrayal as saviors who "preserve" art by locking it up in their private collections. 

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