Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: The Personal Librarian

The video script begins with a warm welcome to the show 'Book Reporter Talks To', where the guests are Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, co-authors of 'The Personal Librarian'. The book is a Good Morning America book club selection, a New York Times bestseller, and a Book Reporter bets on selection. The authors discuss the book's journey, including its popularity among readers and the unique collaboration between the two authors. Marie shares the inspiration behind the book, which began decades ago during her time as a commercial litigator in New York City. She discovered the story of Belle da Costa Greene, JP Morgan's librarian, curator, and confidante, which sparked her interest in writing about this remarkable woman from history.

The conversation delves into the collaboration between Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Marie explains her decision to seek a black female co-author to authentically represent the experiences of Belle da Costa Greene. She found her partner in Victoria, who had written 'Stand Your Ground', a book addressing the shooting of young black men from multiple perspectives. The authors discuss their initial hesitation and eventual excitement about working together, highlighting the ease and connection they felt from the beginning. They share their experiences of working remotely during the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration in telling Belle's story accurately and sensitively.

The authors discuss the historical setting of 'The Personal Librarian', focusing on the Morgan Library, originally built to house JP Morgan's collection. They describe the library's significance, its stunning architecture, and its role as a symbol of wealth and power during the Gilded Age. The authors share their personal experiences visiting the library, emphasizing the importance of seeing the place through Belle's eyes and understanding her unique position in the art world and society. They also discuss the library's evolution over time, including its expansion and upcoming exhibit on Belle da Costa Greene.

The conversation turns to Belle da Costa Greene's role as JP Morgan's personal librarian and her negotiation tactics for acquiring pieces for his collection. The authors discuss how Belle, despite having a limitless budget, was careful not to overpay for items and used sophisticated bargaining techniques to ensure the collection's growth. They also touch on the societal dynamics of the time, where Belle, as a woman and a person of color, had to navigate a world dominated by powerful men. The authors reflect on Belle's reputation and the respect she garnered in the art world, despite the challenges she faced due to her race and gender.

The authors discuss their research process for 'The Personal Librarian', highlighting the limited personal correspondence available about Belle due to her efforts to destroy her personal records. They mention the biography 'An Illuminated Life' by Heidi Aretzoni as a primary source of information and express excitement about the upcoming digitization of Belle's letters. The authors also delve into Belle's life, her family background, and her decision to pass as white in a society that was deeply divided by racial segregation. They discuss the societal implications of 'passing' and the personal sacrifices Belle had to make to protect herself and her family.

The authors reflect on the 'magic' of Belle da Costa Greene, her ability to navigate between worlds, and the sacrifices she made to maintain her secret. They discuss the concept of 'Black Girl Magic' and how it applies to Belle's life, her flamboyant style, and her social interactions. The conversation touches on the challenges Belle faced in maintaining her appearance and the constant vigilance required to avoid discovery. The authors also explore the broader implications of Belle's story, including the racial dynamics of her time and the parallels with contemporary issues.

The authors discuss the significance of the 1875 Civil Rights Act and its failure, which permeates the narrative of 'The Personal Librarian'. They reflect on the moment of hope during the Civil Rights Act's passage and the subsequent rise of racism and segregation that led to its overturn. The authors draw parallels between Belle's life and the broader historical context, emphasizing the impact of these events on her decisions and the lives of African Americans. They also discuss the contemporary relevance of these historical events, particularly in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

The authors share their experience with the book cover design process, including the selection of the model and the clothes. Victoria Christopher Murray explains her decision to step back from choosing the model due to the story's focus on passing and the need for a model who would appear white to white people. The authors discuss the significance of the chosen model and the clothes, reflecting the historical period and Belle's need to cover her identity. They also talk about the importance of the author's note at the beginning of the book, which sets the tone for the story and their collaborative journey.

The authors discuss the importance of having authentic and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about race, which were crucial in their collaboration. They share how their friendship and sisterhood emerged from these discussions, allowing them to explore the complexities of race and discrimination. The authors reflect on the impact of these conversations on their personal growth and understanding, and how they hope their book can inspire similar conversations among readers. They also touch on their experiences with racial micro-aggressions and the need for allies to listen and learn.

The authors discuss their future projects, including a new book titled 'First Ladies', which will explore the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. They share their excitement about continuing their collaboration and the themes of friendship, change, and overcoming societal barriers that the new book will address. Marie Benedict also mentions her upcoming book 'Her Hidden Genius', which tells the story of Rosalind Franklin, the scientist who made significant contributions to the discovery of DNA structure but was overlooked. The authors reflect on the impact of 'The Personal Librarian' and their anticipation for its reception among book clubs and readers.

The authors share their final thoughts on the writing process, the challenges of editing, and the impact of technology on their collaboration. They discuss the importance of getting through uncomfortable conversations and the value of true friendships in bridging divides. The authors also reflect on the changes brought about by the pandemic, including the shift to remote work and the increased use of social media and Zoom, which facilitated their work and interviews despite the physical distance.