BELLE GREENE

Based on the true story of Belle da Costa Greene and narrated by Ja'Air Bush, this historical fiction offers a close look at New York City in the 1900s and the amazing brilliant woman who became the first director of J.P. Morgan's private library. The novel traces Belle's life, starting when her Black family makes the dangerous decision to pass for white. Bush has a pleasing voice, and her spunky attitude reflects young Belle and the young nation. In narrative sections, Bush's phrasing and pauses are stilted and choppy, but when she performs scenes between characters, she is spot-on. Belle's glamorous life is always in danger from racists on both sides of the color line. Her absorbing story is well researched and filled with fascinating details. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2022]