Rabbi Kraft Memorial Book Club – 5 September 2023

Rabbi Kraft Memorial Book Club
Tuesday 5 September, 19:30
On Zoom

We will be discussing ‘The Personal Librarian’ by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

‘In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white.’
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to, for the protection of her family and her legacy, to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

Please click here which will take you to our Together Groups page where you can book your place for Book Club.
You will be sent the Zoom details a day or two before the evening.