John Sklar's Office

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A work of genius. First one should note that Marie Benedict wrote this with Victoria Christopher Murray. The book is a masterpiece of historical fiction. It is beautifully written and manages to tell a complex story from multiple viewpoints through clever narration.
The plight of women in the early 1900's is clearly defined but overlaying it is the racism that people of color experienced then and now. Lets see, if being a woman was not enough, our heroine was also colored, her words, passing for white. She sees, and the author shows us, the personal cost of racism and bigotry to the society and individuals.
Humanity has lost too much already by keeping some people in poverty and ignorance and subjugating whole groups of people to specific jobs or status.
The scientist who can cure cancer might be sweeping floors because (s)he was not given the opportunity to expand his education and use his whole potential. It is our loss.
When will we see that people need to be allowed to grow and be educated to their highest potential regardless of race or religion.
This book also shows that the cesspool of hate that we find ourselves in today isn't new, or the result of anyone person but is the consequences of centuries of hate perpetrated and encouraged by the highest and most respected members of our society.
Wake up America.

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