The Personal Librarian

"Historical fiction at its best...The Personal Librarian spins a complex tale of deceit and allegiance as told through books." -Good Morning America

"Benedict, who is white, and Murray, who is African American, do a good job of depicting the tightrope Belle walked, and her internal conflict from both sides-wanting to adhere to her mother's wishes and move through the world as white even as she longed to show her father she was proud of her race. Like Belle and her employer, Benedict and Murray had almost instant chemistry, and as a result, the book's narrative is seamless. And despite my aversion to the passing trope, I became hooked." -NPR

"A fascinating story!" -Real Simple

"An extraordinary tale that is both brilliant historical fiction and an important and timely commentary on racism. By holding up an unflinching mirror and illuminating this little-known chapter in American history, these two gifted authors have penned a work that is a must-read." -Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star

"A marvel of a story. This unflinching look at one woman's meteoric rise through New York's high society is enthralling, lyrical, and rife with danger. Belle's painful secret and her inspiring courage will capture - and break - your heart. Serious kudos to Benedict and Murray for bringing this true story to life." -Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

"The Personal Librarian illuminates the extraordinary life of an exceptional, intelligent woman who had to make the impossible choice to live as an imposter or sacrifice everything she'd achieved and deserved. That Belle denied her true identity in order to protect herself and her family from racial persecution speaks not only to her times but also to ours, a hundred years later. All that glitters is not gold. This is a compelling and important story." -Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of A Good Neighborhood