Belle Greene

In New York's Gilded Age, Belle Greene, the director of the Morgan Library, passed as white to pursue her dreams. Despite facing discrimination, she rose to prominence and became the darling of the international aristocracy. However, her secret identity as an African American and the daughter of a black activist caused conflict. This novel by Alexandra Lapierre explores the struggles and triumphs of a courageous woman who defied societal expectations, reflecting today's ongoing battles for equality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Belle Greene, the director of the Morgan Library in New York during the Gilded Age, is the subject of this captivating and poignant work of social history. Her life is a remarkable tale of defiance and self-determination.

Rebecca Fraser, the author of Charlotte Brontë, praises Belle Greene's erudition, sharpness, and worldly wisdom, while also revealing her incredible secret. "Erudite, sharp, and worldly, she hid an incredible secret... The story told with panache by Alexandra Lapierre of one of the first women of the 20th century to have had the madness, and above all the courage, to choose her own destiny."

Elle magazine also praises Belle Greene's story, stating, "New York in the 1900s. A young girl, fascinated by rare books, defies the odds and climbs all the ranks. She becomes the director of the fabulous library of the magnate J. P. Morgan and the darling of the international aristocracy, under the false name of Belle da Costa Greene. Belle Greene to close friends."

However, Belle Greene's life was not without its challenges. Despite her outward appearance as a white woman, she was actually African American and the daughter of a renowned black activist. Her decision to hide her origins was seen as a betrayal by her father, who believed in the importance of embracing one's heritage. This internal conflict between history and her desire to belong to a society that oppressed her people forms the central drama of Alexandra Lapierre's novel.

The result of three years of extensive research, this novel vividly portrays Belle Greene's triumphs and struggles. It sheds light on her remarkable life as a woman who was both free and determined, and whose daring actions continue to resonate in today's battles for equality and social justice.

Belle Greene's story is a testament to the power of self-determination and the ability to overcome adversity. It reminds us that even in the face of societal pressures, individuals can choose their own paths and shape their destinies. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all who seek to break free from the constraints of tradition and forge their own unique paths in life.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 136 x 210 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787703827