pdq 36 catamaran

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• Sailboat Guide

Pdq 36 is a 36 ′ 5 ″ / 11.1 m catamaran sailboat designed by Alan Slater and built by PDQ Yachts between 1991 and 2003.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

A racier model with a taller, fractional rig was also available. The MK II Classic (shown above) and Mark II LRC (Long Range Cruiser), were introduced in 1994. The LRC came with inboard 18- or 27-horsepower diesel saildrive engines instead of outboards. Other changes in the Mark II LRC included increased tankage, beefier standing rigging and safety bars at the mast. The Mark III, introduced in 1998, continued with the Classic and LRC distinctions. The most noteworthy feature of the Mark III was the popular optional hard-top bimini. Later on, the mainsheet traveler was moved to the top of the hard-top. (Thanks to George Stafford for providing updated information. Additional information was found in an article by John Kretschmer in ‘Sailing Magazine’ - August 2002)

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Edwards Yacht Sales

• 866.365.0706

1997 PDQ Yachts 36 Capella Classic

• Titusville, FL, US

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Factory Hardtop Bimini w/Sail Viewing Panels Schaefer boom furler with articulating mast track system Custom SS Arch for wind generators, solar panels, dinghy davits New Carbs (March 2021) on both Yamaha 9.9 hp Hi-Thrust Outboards Fresh Anti-Fouling Bottom Job w/Micron 66 (2021) Dual Anchor Windlasses (Lofrans and Quick) Rocna Anchor (33lb) w/Over 100 ft 3/8 inch Galvanized Chain

Designed by Alan Slater, the PDQ 36 Capella is a well-built nimble-sailing cruising cat designed for families and not for charter companies. Overall, 100 PDQ were built , making it one of the most successful cruising catamarans manufactured in North America. The PDQ 36 Capella is handsome in profile, partially due to clever styling with a cove stripe and portlights on the cabin trunk deflecting your eye from the high freeboard that is a feature of most cruising cats. The hulls are solid fiberglass below the waterline and cored with Klegacell foam above. The decks are also foam-cored, except in areas where high-load fittings are attached. Those areas are solid fiberglass. Her fixed keels make a great deal of sense and the rudders are foil shaped.

Specifications

Descriptions, basic information, dimensions & weight, tank capacities, accommodations.

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• 2 x 2011 Yamaha T9.9 High Thrust electric start main engines, Gas, both with new carbs.
• Main tank fuel gauge and engine tachometers
• Morse controls 
• Lots of spares, .impellors plugs fuel pump, carb, starter, propeller.
• Tilt out of water (manual operation) when under sail

The interior plan is one of PDQ most appealing features. She has a practical arrangement that is well suited for extended cruising. Her saloon features a large Cherry folding table with comfortable wraparound settees and unobstructed visibility. Three steps carry you down into each hull. The starboard side features a full-sized chart table amidships and a large molded head compartment with a separate shower aft. The port hull houses the galley, which includes a two-burner stove and oven, double sinks and a generous amount of counter space. Aft to port is a cabin that is designed as a galley pantry and storage room. Her two double sleeping cabins are forward, side-by-side on the bridge-deck. These spacious cabins include queen berths with overhead deck hatches and large hanging lockers. Her head is extremely spacious and has a glass-doored, separate shower. Her overall interior finish truly is practical and very beautiful.

• Cherry wood folding table
• Table slides down to create a huge sleeping area
• Inflatable mattress for salon sleeping area (never used)
• Excellent all round view and visibility to galley area
• Aft cabin converted to pantry/ storage area
• Hanging lockers and shelves in each
• Additional storage above  foot end of beds
• Caframo fan per cabin
• Individual night reading lights
• Two hatches per cabin, lots of airflow
• See salon for additional sleeping area
• Galley down in port hull, huge area
• Dual SS sinks
• Flojet 50 PSI fresh water pump (new 2019)
• Whale foot pump(fresh water), new 2019, works great
• Hot and cold fresh water plumbing
• House fridge (Adler Barbour) and Engel fridge/freezer(new 2019), all 12V
• Soda stream and blender (runs off Inverter)
• Huge pantry, lots of storage and work space
• Gas stove/oven, Force10 Gourmet Galley Range
• Composite GAS tank with gauge and new solenoid
• Pushpit mounted Kuuma SS barbeque
• Separate shower stall (Water Puppy shower drain pump)
• Vanity sink
• Jabsco electric head, includes a macerator, sea water, just push a button
• Separate macerator pump to pump out holding tank to ocean
• 2 x Y-valves to control blackwater flow to holding tank, direct overboard and pumpout
• Cruise RO 20 gallon/hour water maker
• New membrane and high pressure housing (2018)
• Powered by Honda 2200
• Garmin  GPSMap 4208, charts covers all of Caribbean and Bahamas
• Garmin GMI20 multi function display (new 2020)
• Raymarine ST4000+ autopilot (NMEA 183 connected to chart plotter)
• Independent depth  meter, not networked (new 2018)
• Ritchie Powerdamp compass
• Amec-Camino 108s class B AIS transponder with built in splitter, networked to chart plotter
• West Marine VHF585 VHF radio(new 2019), NMEA183 connected
• 2 x West Marine handheld radios (one new 2019)
• Autonnic wind transducer, NMEA2000 connected (new 2021)
• GMX51 XM weather satellite receiver
• Airmare Water speed transducer
• Airmare Depth, temp 
• POLK inside and outside speakers
• Aux input, connect to your smartphone 
• Garmin Inreach (txt, emergency and vessel tracking)
• House system connected to the inverter and main electrical
• Independent AC panel connected, only used for the watermaker HP pump (connect Honda generator)
• Shore power cables and plugs
• Paneltronics Main AC panel, main and 8 branch breakers feeding electrical outlets, with analogue AC volt and Amp meters
• AC Sub panel, with four breakers (only one in use for water maker, rest was used for removed AC system), volt meter
• Polarity indicators on both panels
• AC outlets in head, navigation, salon, galley and forward cabin areas.
• Quicksilver galvanic isolator on house system
• Freedom 20 inverter/charger with Heart interface remote panel, 2000W AC inverted power
• Honda EU2200I generator, new 2019 (power the water maker and electric heater)

DC and charging system

• Paneltronics DC panel, main and 23 DC breakers with analogue volt and Amp meters
• 5 x UPS AGM 147 AH batteries, parallel connected as 1 house system
• Separate engine start battery
• 7 x solar panels(total 560W), two systems connected to two PWM controllers, Morningstar Prostar 30 and a Sunsaver 20
• New MPPT controller, Victron Smartsolar 100v/50A with Bluetooth, not installed.
• Air Marine 400W wind generator, Sunforce 400W wind generator (noisy, last used 2018)
• Xantrex Pathmaker
• 12V DC outlets in salon(2), pantry and helm station
• DC outlet in Nav area converted to dual USB charge ports
• Batteries can be directly charged by the Honda EU2200I 12V outlet.
• All nav lights except anchor light converted to LED
• Interior lights (except for reading lights in cabins) LED
• Courtesy lights at stairs in each hull
• LED string lights around Bimini hardtop
• 1 x new Mack Sails mainsail, never used(2021)
• 1 x Mack Sails Genoa, reasonable condition
• 1 x Symmetrical spinnaker with sock
• Schaefer boom furler with articulating mast track system
• Schaefer headsail furler
• All sail controls managed from the cockpit
• Millwaukee 28V right angle drill with winch bit
• 2 x Harken 42ST dual speed primary winches
• 1 x Harken 16ST winch
• Spinlock rope clutches
• Mainsheet track with Harken car and headsail tracks.
• Telescopic aluminium boom vang
• Aluminium Offshore Spars, spreader-less mast
• 2017 detailed rigging inspection, replaced backstays, top shrouds and clevis pin on Martingale
• Annual inspection since 2017
• Spare running rigging on boat 
• Rocna 33lb anchor 
• 3/8" galvanized chain, approximate length is 130', rope rode spliced to chain
• Quick Hector electric windlass with wired remote control.
• Delta, 22 lb anchor (new 2019)
• 5/16" galvanized chain, length is 50', Rope rode spliced to chain
• Lofrans Royal manual windlass
• Dinghy anchor
• Bridles and two Wichard chain hooks
• Emergency tiller
• 4 gallon electric mobile water heater, plug in hoses and powered by Honda generator
• Lots of spares and tools
• 2 person inflatable kayak
• Privacy screens to cover cockpit area
• Canvas cover to provide additional shaded area between the hardtop and arch
• Mosquito nets and sun covers for all hatches
• Manual bildge pump
• 2 x 1500 Rule automatic electric bildge pumps
• Swim ladder, port sugar scoop (new 2017)
• Fresh water shower in port sugar scoop
• Bosun's chair
• Factory hardtop Bimini with two sail viewing panels (replaced viewing panels 2017)
• Custom SS stern arch providing mounting for wind generators, solar panels, dinghy davits, washing line and hammock chair across stern(not on boat)
• Dual helm seat
• Anti-fouled with Interlux Micron 66 (2021)
• Trampoline in excellent condition, new lashing line 2019
• Two boat hooks
• Fishing pole holders
• Fenders and docklines.

PDQ's are known for their construction quality, with solid fiberglass below the waterline, and above the waterline and all decks fiberglass cored with Klegacell or Corecell foam except in areas where high-load fittings are attached which those areas are solid fiberglass. All fiberglass is the finest quality tri-axial knitted fabric and vinylester resin that is vacuum bagged with vacuum assisted injection, reinforced in high stressed areas. PDQs match up or beat any catamarans constructed today!

• Lifejackets, 1 x type 2, 2 x type1, 2 x PFDs one with built in harness
• Jack lines and two tethers
• Throwable device and life ring
• Visual distress signals (flares) and flare gun
• First aid kit
• Sound signal devices, Horn plus spare canister
• Radar reflector x 2 (one mounted on shroud)
• Smoke alarm, CO detector
• Garmin Inreach
• 3 x fire extinguishers
• Anchor ball

Watch Video:

Video_pdq36catamaran.

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Kevin welsh 13 listing(s).

• 321.693.1642 727.449.8222
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First impressions Few sailors are ambivalent about cruising cats-you either like them or you don't-and a new generation of sailors openly wonder why anyone would buy a monohull. Despite a two-tiered cabintrunk, the PDQ is handsome in profile, partially due to clever styling with a cove stripe and portlights on the cabintrunk deflecting your eye from the high freeboard that is a feature of most cruising cats. Performance and safety ratios used for monohulls also apply to cats. With a displacement of 8,000 pounds, the PDQ 36 has a displacement-to-length ratio of around 90, which varies slightly with the model but clearly accounts for its lively performance. (Racing cats usually fall between 50 and 80, while heavier cruisers fall between 100 and 120.) Naturally beam-to-length ratio is a common measurement used to compare cats. According to multihull designer Chris White, a simple rule of thumb is that the overall beam should be half the waterline length for the right mix of stability and performance. The PDQ 36 is right on the mark with a beam of 18 feet, 3 inches and an LWL of 34 feet, 4 inches for a ratio of just over .5. "The PDQ 36 is one of my favorite models," said John Sykes of 2Hulls, a Ft. Lauderdale brokerage specializing in multihulls. "It sails better than most comparably sized cats and holds up well." Most PDQ 36s on the used market are masthead sloops, with a sail area of 490 square feet. (A sporty fractional version was offered but few if any sold.) The U-shaped hulls have stub keels that improve upwind performance, although the overall draft is still just 2 feet, 10 inches. The bridgedeck clearance is adequate. On the foredeck, the PDQ 36 has two tramps and a partial bridgedeck. The interior arrangement has two doubles forward, a single head and a saloon. "The PDQ 36 is an owner's boat," Sykes said. "It wasn't designed for the charter trade, as a result they don't linger on the market."

Construction The PDQ 36 construction scantlings reflect the serious cruising intent of the design and a commitment to quality by the builder. The hulls are solid fiberglass below the waterline and cored with Klegacell or Corecell foam above. Vacuum bagging is used to ensure uniform resin flow. Cruising cats need to be as light as is practical, but they have to be strong enough to withstand the stress caused by two hulls. In many ways, multihulls are more of an engineering challenge than building a ballasted monohull. The decks are also foam cored, except in areas where high-load fittings are attached. Those areas are solid fiberglass. The glass is triaxial knitted fabric, and epoxy or vinylester resin is used exclusively throughout the laminating process. The hull and deck are joined on an outward flange with 3M 5200 adhesive and stainless fasteners. The keels, which are NACA foils, are secondary bondings and won't breach the watertight integrity of the hulls should they sustain damage from a collision or grounding. They are also designed and built to support the weight of the boat when it is hauled or careened. Although some sailors swear by centerboards or daggerboards for better upwind performance, the fixed keels on the PDQ make more sense in a cruising boat. Centerboards are engineering nightmares, and besides, a stub keel will generate lift to weather if it's the right shape. The small rudders, which are also foil shaped, are mounted on small skegs on the long-range cruiser models.

What to look for The PDQ 36 has been consistently upgraded and improved, consequently, there are model changes to be aware of. In 1990-91 the original PDQ 34 was stretched to 36 feet, which improved the overall look of the boat significantly. In 1994 the MK II Classic and Mark II LRC came on the market. The primary difference was that the Long Range Cruiser came with inboard 18- or 27-horsepower diesel saildrive engines instead of outboards. Other changes in the Mark II LRC included increased tankage, beefier standing rigging and safety bars at the mast. The Mark III, introduced in 1998, continued with the Classic and LRC distinctions. The most noteworthy feature of the Mark III was the popular optional hard-top bimini. Later on, the mainsheet traveler was moved to the top of the hard-top. Whatever model you choose, be sure the surveyor checks the deck for signs of leakage and subsequent delamination. If the boat you are looking at is 10 years old, carefully inspect the standing rigging. Beyond that, I haven't identified many specific problems to watch for with used PDQ 36s for two reasons: The boats are very well made, and they are, for the most part, quite young, especially by Used Boat Notebook standards.

On deck Although the cockpit is certainly spacious, it is deep and has a feeling of security not always found on cruising cats. The wheel is mounted on the bulkhead to starboard. Older boats employed a push-pull steering system, similar to those on outboard powerboats. Newer boats have the better pull-pull system. There is good visibility from the raised helmsman seat, although it is hard to see forward from any other spot in the cockpit. Chances are good that the boat will have a large bimini, which makes it very difficult to see the mainsail but is an absolute necessity for sailing in the tropics. The companionway door is smoked acrylic and difficult to secure in a blow. The mainsheet traveler spans the cockpit on an aft bridgedeck, and the primary sheet winches are within reach on the aft section of the cabintrunk. Halyards are usually routed aft to the forward end of the cockpit. Most PDQ 36s will be equipped with Spinlock rope clutches, Harken roller furling on the forestay and Lewmar winches. The deck-stepped spar is by Isomat. The side decks are quite narrow, which means that you will likely step on top of the trunk when going forward. Just keep an eye out for the boom. The forward bridgedeck is small. Small storage lockers are located forward in each hull. The trampoline sections are well supported and are a great place to hang out under sail. The nonskid surface is excellent, typical of the fine glass work throughout the boat. Handrails are stainless steel. There are also plenty of Lewmar deck hatches for terrific ventilation. Down below "The interior plan is one of the PDQ 36's most appealing features," Sykes said, "primarily because of what it doesn't have." While you will certainly find PDQs available for charter, the boat was conceived as a cruiser and not as a tax deduction. It doesn't have four double cabins with en suite heads. It does have a practical arrangement that is well suited for extended cruising. The saloon features a large table with comfortable wraparound settees and unobstructed visibility. I have made four offshore round trips between Florida and New England in a similar cruising cat, and one of the things I liked best was being able to duck inside while on watch without losing visibility. Three steps carry you down into each hull. The starboard side features a full-sized chart table amidships and a large molded head compartment with a separate shower aft. The port hull houses the galley, which usually includes a two-burner stove and oven, double sinks and a generous amount of counter space. Monohull sailors are always struck by the lack of fiddles. Aft to port is an optional cabin that was designed to the individual owner's needs. You may find a double with over and under bunks, a workroom, an office or even a miniature dive shop complete with compressor and tanks. Most PDQ 36 Classics simply have another sleeping cabin while most LRC models are more creative. The two double sleeping cabins are forward, side by side on the bridgedeck. I prefer fore-and-aft bunks on any boat. These spacious cabins include queen berths with overhead deck hatches and large hanging lockers. The interior finish is practical and workmanlike. PDQ is more concerned with making sure there is access to almost any part of the hull than with elegant teak joinerwork, an admirable trait. Engine The primary difference between the Classic and LRC models is that the latter features inboard diesels while the former has outboards. Although Sykes said that some customers prefer the simplicity of outboards, most would opt for inboards if available. The outboard arrangement is clever. The engines, usually 9.9-horsepower four-stroke Yamaha or Honda models are mounted in lockers below the cockpit seats. They provide plenty of push and can be tilted up when not in use, eliminating all drag. Another advantage is that they can be removed and hauled into the shop for servicing, and while they are heavy to heft, saving the expense of having a mechanic come to the boat might make it worth the effort. The diesels are usually either 18-horsepower two-cylinder Yanmars or 27-horsepower Volvos. Saildrives do create drag and eventually become maintenance issues with the lower units submerged continuously; however, the advantages of a diesel are worth it. Although outboards are much better than they used to be, they are not as reliable or rugged as a small diesel. Also, with a diesel you can throw on an efficient alternator. The Volvo 27 comes standard with a 55-amp alternator, allowing you to be able to carry and charge larger batteries and use a host of 12-volt gadgets and gizmos, from water pumps to autopilots. The port-side engine is accessed through the aft cabin, and you reach the starboard engine through a hatch in the cockpit.

Under way Cruising cats are a permanent part of the sailing landscape, and no longer have to defend their existence with outlandish claims of performance. They sail great off the wind, adequately upwind, and best of all, they don't heel. They will not keep up with cruising monohulls when hard on the wind, but will be 25 to 50 percent faster off the wind. Within that framework there are a lot of variations, and by all accounts the PDQ 36 performs very well. "The sea trial always clinches the deal," Sykes said. "The PDQ 36 simply outperforms most of its competitors." Chester White, who owns an 11-year-old 36, noted that he likes the blend of solid performance, flat sailing and shallow draft. A well-equipped PDQ 36 makes the annual offshore passage from New England to Antigua every November and ties up near the Hylas 49 that I deliver along the same route each year. That can be a tough sail, and a boat has to be prepared for serious weather. Most PDQ 36s will come with a full-batten main, a roller-furling genoa and a cruising chute. Boats set up for bluewater cruising will likely have a storm jib as well. The mast is certainly not towering, but one of the advantages of cruising cats is that good performance is available without the need for a lot of sail area. The loads are rarely excessive, even in a blow. And while double digits are certainly common when reaching in a stiff breeze, the PDQ 36 is really more of an all-around 7- to 8-knot boat, which, incidentally, is great going for a 36-foot cruising boat.

Conclusion The PDQ 36 is an intriguing cruising option. It offers good performance, spacious deck and interior layouts, shoal draft and flat sailing. It is solidly constructed and holds its value on the used market. In fact, it can be difficult to find used boats. Designed as a family cruiser instead of a charter boat, the PDQ 36 has proven itself as an offshore sailer. It may be expensive, but when measured against a comparable monohull, which needs to be 10 feet longer to have comparable accommodations, the value becomes obvious.

Also in Used Boat Notebook

• Hunter Passage 42
• Pearson Rhodes 41
• Santa Cruz 52
• Allied Princess 36
• Kelly-Peterson 46

Also from John Kretschmer

• Hove to in the gales of Biscay
• Sailing's Promise
• Passage to nowhere
• Farewell to brothers of the sea
• Plotting a course to Caribbean sabbatical cruise
• Passage Planning
• Ready to Rumble
• Good vibrations
• Launching and boarding a life raft
• The Great Circle Route: Connecting the dots of a sailing life

PDQ 32 vs PDQ 36

• June 29, 2015

I suspect it is fairly common thinking that a larger boat is better than a smaller one. This is probably justified in many cases as it seems as if manufactures often begin by building smaller yachts and then as time goes on, increase their designs in size. That was not exactly the case with PDQ Yachts though. The original PDQ cat, a 34′ model, was introduced in 1987. This was eventually lengthened to 36′ and was very popular. In 1994, PDQ introduced a second design, a 32′ long model. While shorter in length, the newer yacht had both a higher bridge deck clearance ( the distance from the surface of the water to the underside of the boat ), and higher freeboard ( the distance from the water’s surface to deck level ). In fact, if you look at the image below which shows ZTC on the left rafted up to a PDQ 36 on the right, it almost appears as if our PDQ 32 is the larger boat!

Which boat looks larger?

Rebecca and I had a real treat the last few days. We had the opportunity to spend some time with David Slater , the son of Alan Slater , PDQ’s chief engineer and designer. David shared his thoughts on the catamaran’s designs. He explained that when PDQ Yachts first introduced the 34/36, they had no idea that the catamaran owners would load so much “ stuff ” onto their boats. When they designed the newer model, keeping in mind what they had learned from their initial offering, they began with the bridge deck clearance that they wanted and then went from there. In his words, completely unsolicited, the 32 is really a better boat for cruising the tropics! Obviously, we are biased but, having been on board both models, we tend to agree. And we’re not the only ones. ZTC’s previous owner told us that when they were shopping for a cat, they looked at both the 32 and the 36 and chose the slightly shorter boat as they felt that is was a better design. Food for thought if you’re looking to purchase an awesome small catamaran!

Sailing yesterday with David Slater and friends from LTD Sailing .

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Hi Mike, We’re not quite ready for moving to grenada but if you can deliver to florida or bahamas we might make a deal. Brian

Hi Brian. A delivery skipper can do that trip in 10 days. I happen to know two professionals who do trips like that for a living. Contact me by email if you’d like to make an offer.

There are 3 things about the 32 that I find delightful in warm weather:

* With the slider open the salon and cockpit become one. * The all-around view from the salon is delightful. Sailing is an outdoor activity–you shouldn’t live in a cave. * Since the tramp is high enough above the water to be dry in fair weather, it is often the best seat in the house; it has put a lot of guests to sleep while underway!

Excellent points! I love all of those things.

I don’t think you could go wrong with either the PDQ 36 or PDQ 32 s they are quality built catamarans. We owned a 36’er and have been on a few 32’ers and they both have their pros and cons. We decided on the PDQ 36 as the extra length and beam meant for a more seakindly motion. We also liked the ventilation that the 36’er has over the bunks which is unmatched by any catamaran that we have owned. Given that, we have always been jealous of the bridgedeck clearance of the PDQ32 and the fact it would take less $’s and time to maintain. Did you ask David why he chose the PDQ 36 as his personal vessel? He seems to have it really tricked out with daggerboard’s etc. I hope he’s enjoying his new Outremer 45!

I agree AJ. I’m sure we’d be pretty happy on a 36 too!

While I haven’t seen it, it sounds as if David’s 36 is pretty unlike most of the other. As you mentioned, it has daggerboards. He also said that it has no stanchions and lifelines. Sounds as if it’s pretty tricked out for racing, or at least sailing fast.

I think he likes the Outremer too. That is what we were sailing on this past Sunday.

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'Malolo' , a PDQ 36 Catamaran for Sale

SORRY, NOW SOLD!

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Although this boat is no longer available, the pics and text are retained here for the benefit of anyone researching this particular make/model of sailboat.

Asking Price and previous owner's contact details have been deleted.

Malolo's  shoal draft and easy to handle sail plan make it a go anywhere, FUN, boat.

If your plans are to coastal cruise, club race or an extended trip into the Caribbean on a budget, this is your boat.

She has the sought after three cabin, one head, layout. The re-modeled galley with stainless counters and shelving provides large prep areas and safety for the cook.

Published Specification for the PDQ 36 Catamaran

Underwater Profile: Twin centreboards and spade rudders

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass) with Corecell foam core

Length Overall: 36'5" (11.1m)

Waterline Length: 34'4" (10.5m)

Beam: 18'3" (5.6m)

Draft: 2'10" (0.9m)

Rig Type: Fractional sloop

Displacement: 8,000lb (3,629kg)

Designer: Ted Clements & Alan Slater

Builder: PDQ Yachts (Canada)

Year First Built: 1991

Year Last Built: 2003

Number Built: 100

Much attention has been paid to functional storage that doubles as seating. The Davit system includes a hammock back bench. The storage room has storage shelves the fold out into additional sleeping quarters. The main salon has triple configuration with storage/bed, storage and or open seating.

The battery banks were recently doubled with over 400-amp hours of AGM batteries, 690watts of Solar was added with a floating panel that can be articulated for morning or evening solar exposure.

The fuel capacity 65 gallons.

Cockpit function and comfort was also greatly enhanced with the addition of a custom extra-long dock box/bench with cushions and hammock back for comfort and safety.

Includes twin Yamaha high thrust motors and a full motor spare on board.

She also features heavy duty hinged 3’ Hull Extensions that can be folded up if needed.

Head sails are on new Colligo continuous furler. Genoa, Jib and a fully battened main, and a 325ft 2 Spinnaker.

Brand new synthetic rigging in 2014. Synthetic life lines.

New Raymarine Autopilot, Chart Plotter and Wireless Quantum Radar.

Hull & Deck:

• White Gelcoat Deck;
• 3' Hull Extensions on hinge which can be lifted or removed;
• Electric Windlass;
• Fortress Bow anchor: Fortress 37 with 180ft rode & chain;
• New composite and stainless Radar arch with catchment & Dingy Davits;
• Aft Boarding platform with shower connections;
• Bimini Canvas;
• Bottom Pain Recently Applied;
• Custom SUP/Surfboard Rack;
• New Dyneema Standing Rigging;
• New Rear Transom Dockbox Storage Bench with Hammock Back;
• New Trampoline.

Mechanical:

Engine: Two twin-cylinder Yamaha 9.9 4-Stroke High-Thrust Outboards and one spare;

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons Gas;

Cruising Speed: 7 Knots;

Max Speed: 9 Knots.

Electrical Power:

• New 690w of Solar with New Outback Solar Charge Controller;
• Shore Power 30 amps;
• New Xantrex Battery Charger;
• New Inverter with timer in Galley;
• New AGM Battery Bank.

Electronics:

Raymarine: Multitouch 7" Chart Plotter - SL70C, Autopilot, Wind Speed Indicator, Tridata;

VHF Standard Horizon with Remote;

Sails & Rigging:

• Sloop rig, r ecently inspected;
• 40’ 10" Mast Height;
• New Continuous Furler;
• New Sheets;
• New Custom Engineered Bow Sprit;
• All lines are led back to the Helm.

• Stainless Steel Counter Top;
• Custom Cabinets;
• Two 40 Gallon Fresh water tanks;
• 2-Burner Stove with Oven;
• Double sided sink;
• Large Fridge with new Engel Compressor;
• Water Heater.

Living Quarters:

• 2 Bunks with Queen Size Bunks and Closets;
• One smaller double berth/storage;
• New Interior Fabric for Cushions;
• U-shaped salon that converts to additional sleeping bunk;
• Navigation Station on Starboard side;

• Aft Head with Standing Shower;
• Head constructed out of single piece factory mold for easy cleaning;
• 20 Gallon Holding Tank Capacity.

• Emergency Life Sling;

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36′ PDQ Catamaran

Your Yacht Experience Concierge

36′ PDQ Catamaran

Starting at: $1,000 USD

Capacity: Up to 15 guests

Sails from: Near Tulum and Playa del Carmen

All charters include • Water, juices & soft drinks • Premium open bar & cocktails • Seasonal fruit plate • Pico de gallo • Guacamole and chips • Peanuts and olives • Snorkel gear, two paddle boards, floaties, two fishing rods, and towels

This 36′ PDQ Catamaran can comfortably fit up to 15 guests. It is equipped with a shaded seating area as well as a sun deck along with two stairs that allow for easy access in and out of the water. Inside, you will find a living room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Enjoy the sun or sit in the shade

This 36′ PDQ Catamaran has a sun deck that allows for a comfortable session of tanning as well as a shaded seating area and table where you can eat and drink protected from the sun’s rays.

Snorkeling gear and paddle board

Looking for water activities? This vessel includes two paddle boards, two fishing rods, and snorkel gear so you can explore the protected cove while the onboard chef prepares some snacks.

Stream your favorite playlist

This catamaran is equipped with high-end audio that can be controlled directly from your phone. Stream your favorite playlist while you cruise over the caribbean.

Hop in the water

With two stairs that lead towards the water, this catamaran offers the option of going in and out of the water effortlessly.

Fully equipped and comfortable

There’s a wooden inside living room with plenty of seating, two spacious bedrooms, and a bathroom with a shower. There is also a large, fully equipped kitchen.

A crew catering to your every need

This boat is crewed by a friendly and professional crew that will make sure no detail goes unnoticed and your experience is fantastic.

3-HOUR SUNSET CHARTER

Starting at $1,000 USD

Sail over the warm caribbean sea for approximately one hour before heading to La Bocana , a beautiful area with shallow waters and plenty of fish. You will have around 1.5 hours to relax and party before sailing back to the port. Departure time – 4:30pm

4-HOUR CHARTER

Starting at $1,150 USD

The tour departs from the marina and heads north to Yanten , a well kept secret among locals. This is a secluded semi-sheltered reef area where you’ll have approximately 2 hours to swim and snorkel before heading back to port. Also includes: Traditional Mexican fish and shrimp ceviche, salami and gouda cheese baguettes Departure time – 9:30am or 3:00pm

5-HOUR 2-STOP CHARTER

Starting at $1,450 USD

The tour departs from the marina and heads north to Yanten , a well kept secret among locals. This is a secluded semi-sheltered reef area where you can relax, swim, and snorkel away from the crowds. When you are ready, you will head to La Bocana , also known as the party cove, where you can enjoy a cocktail while standing in shallow waters. Also includes: Traditional Mexican fish and shrimp ceviche, capresse salad, flank steak, chicken, and shrimp skewers, and a surprise dessert. Departure time – 9:30am or 3:00pm

6-HOUR 2-STOP CHARTER

Starting at $1,650 USD

The tour departs from the marina and heads north to Yanten , a well kept secret among locals. This is a secluded semi-sheltered reef area where you can relax, swim, and snorkel away from the crowds. When you are ready, you will head to La Bocana , also known as the party cove, where you can enjoy a cocktail while standing in shallow waters. Also includes: Traditional Mexican fish and shrimp ceviche, capresse salad, crudites, flank steak, chicken, and shrimp skewers, and a surprise dessert. Departure time – 9:00am or 2:00pm

8-HOUR 3-STOP CHARTER

Starting at $2,250 USD

The tour departs from the marina and heads towards Xpu-Ha a lively beach favored by locals filled with restaurants and beach clubs. You will then head north to Yanten . This is a secluded semi-sheltered reef area where you can relax, swim, and snorkel away from the crowds. When you are ready, you will head to La Bocana , also known as the party cove, where you can enjoy a cocktail while standing in shallow waters. Also includes: Traditional Mexican fish and shrimp ceviche, crudites, capresse salad, flank steak, chicken, and shrimp skewers, and a surprise dessert. Departure time – Between 9:00am and 11:00am

Can’t find what you are looking for?

Share your needs with us and we will tailor the perfect experience for you.

Don’t take our word for it – here’s what our clients say:

Highly recommend!

We had an amazing time on our catamaran! Maria is the best!! She was very knowledgeable with the sea life when we were snorkeling, and made the whole experience a blast! She also made it extra special for our wedding by having flowers and a cake cutting on the catamaran!

Amazing experience!!!

The crew was super friendly and helped us with everything that we could have wanted. We went to what felt like was a private beach and felt like royalty for the day!!

Can’t recommend Tulum Charters enough!

We went for my sister’s bachelorette party and it was an absolute blast! The crew was amazing, the food was delicious, and the drinks were great!

We had a blast

The hostess were great. They made fresh food, guacamole, ceviche, tuna and fruit. Awesome drinks. We had a great time. Thank you to the host for making sure we had a great time, they were amazing..,

10/10 service/experience

Aldo and the crew were incredible. We were all so well taken care of/attended to the entire time. They took us to the best spots and made sure we were all safe/comfortable the entire time. Communication the entire time leading up 1000% on point.

Would definitely sail with them again.

The team was amazing and attentive. They made our trip feel special and went above and beyond to serve us drinks and food.

My experience with Tulum Charters was all positive!

Chris was super responsive to my questions even up until the day before sailing. And the boat staff was AMAZING! One of them, Victor, got in the water with us while we were snorkeling to make sure we all were ok and having a great time! And he was great with the kids on board as well! Ali was the one who prepared the lunch on board and it was literally the best guac and ceviche we’re ever had!

We had a perfect day on and in the water!

Our crew was wonderful and super accommodating even to the point of providing delicious vegan and gluten free food for one passenger with dietary restrictions! We highly recommend and can’t wait to travel with them in the future!

Would highly recommend it

Had a great time food and drink were really good and lots of it but what really makes it special is the staff . They were so much fun and great with my kids 14,7 and 5 so this boat is not just for adults . Would highly recommend it you will not regret it and actually good value for money for what you get. We did the 3 hour sunset cruise but if I’m ever in Mexico again I would do the full day .

Will definitely continue to recommend

The crew was great. Transportation to and from my resort was prearranged and very simple. The food was phenomenal. I first chartered a private sail and dine catamaran in 2022 and loved it so much I came back the very next year. I plan to schedule another visit this year as well.

We will be back!

We had an amazing time! We booked Tulum Charters to celebrate a bachelorette, and they decorated the boat. We were completely wowed! The boat was beautiful, the staff was wonderful, and the food was AMAZING! The bride and the girls had an incredible time. I would recommend booking. We will be back!

Cheers to Tulum Charters

A fun, hassle-free experience

We rented a yacht for my bachelorette party and all the girls had an amazing time! The crew was so attentive to our needs and made us a ton of fun shots! A number of the girls on board were vegetarian and the team was very accommodating and allowed them to swap the complementary shrimp ceviche with mango veggie ceviche. Both were delicious! The company offered private transportation from our airbnb to the port making the travel experience very seamless. I’d highly recommend Tulum Charters to anyone looking for a fun, hassle-free experience.

All that I had imagined

On the behalf of my traveling party and myself I would like to send a special shout Chris and Tulum Charters for making my day special and the crew for the hospitality and being there hand and feet to make our experience All that I had imagined. Tulum Charters and the crew deserves FIVE STARS ️ Plus more. For your yacht booking present or future Tulum Charter is the company to book with…Chris had all the answers and the crew will definitely keep you and your crew entertained. It was a total of 12 in my party and the crew went above and beyond. Everything was worth it. Thank you

We had an awesome time

Staff was super welcoming! And service was amazing! Would definitely recommend!

Luxury and first class all the way!

Chris took care of absolutely everything ahead of time. Our 4 crew members didn’t miss a thing and went above and beyond. Highlight of our week for sure! Look nowhere else next time you want to charter.

We will be back

Group of 10 booked this charter and was best Birthday ever.Crew was excellent and food was amazing.

We’d do it a million times over

Our crew deserves more than 5 stars! Octavio, Francisco, & Jaimi we’re absolutely amazing. They were a part of our friend group from the second we met them. And they dealt with 14 of us like it was nothing! The food was out of this world – the shrimp was the best I’ve ever had. They made us feel so comfortable and we had a blast!

Beyond anything we had expected

Chris made the booking experience very easy and pleasant. The crew on the yacht was phenomenal and really went above and beyond anything we had expected. I would highly recommend using them for your next charter!

One of the best experiences I have ever had!!

Not only was the yacht beautiful, the staff, collectively made our experience even more memorable. We started the charter with fishing. My family caught some tuna that the crew then prepared into a delicious tuna ceviche for lunch along with many more appetizing foods. They also took us through an island jungle to swim in a private Cenote, brought some water toys out, along with the energy and we couldn’t have asked for more fun!!

Highly recommended for a group and or couple! The best!

Thank you everyone 🙂

We had an incredible experience with Tulum charters

We went out with 30 friends and family members before our destinations wedding. They made our trip one to remember. They were friendly, professional and fun! We highly recommend booking with them for your next boating experience!

I can’t wait for our next boat experience with them!

We couldn’t be happier with choosing Tulum Charters for my bachelorette party! Chris and the crew (Diego and Max) made sure everything went seamless and everyone was so happy with the experience. The drinks, food, and service were amazing! We had so much fun! Would definitely recommended Tulum Charters and I can’t wait for our next boat experience with them!

Absolutely perfect day!

Absolutely perfect day! The charter was just as advertised and the crew was great. Nacho chef’d up some delicious food and the drinks were flowing the whole time. The crew was very flexible and let us stay out another couple of hours as well. 10/10 experience.

Thank you team Tulum Charters!

We had a fantastic experience on the 47′ Sea Ray Flybridge Yacht​! We were a group of 6 for my bachelorette trip (we were supposed to be 8 and the boat more than could have accommodated us) and had an absolute blast. The crew was super friendly and the ceviche and fajitas they served exceeded our expectations! Sadly the sea conditions made it impossible to snorkel but we still had the best time hanging out in the warm water with a big float and enjoying the gorgeous surroundings.

Thank you Tulum charters

We had the best time on our charter! Even though weather kept us from a longer sail, we had a beautiful and fun time. The food, drinks, and staff were incredible. Chris and team were very responsive and also helped organize transportation.

We had a great time

We had a great time with great service, food and beverage. The waters were choppy so it made the full experience difficult but the captain and his team did what they could to make the best of our yacht experience. The catamaran was great with plenty of room and a great layout.

Absolutely amazing

My parents and I are huge snorkeling fans. We are always looking for secluded beaches and local reefs to explore. We got a sports boat that took us to a bay we had never even heard of. IT WAS AMAZING! There was nobody there and the reef was beautiful. We even got to see a turtle and an eel. Since we were already in the water, the bartender got his floating bar and got into the water as well, serving us drinks while we enjoyed the sea and the sun. My mom got a little seasick and had to lay down but there was still plenty of room for my dad, my brother and I to sit comfortably on the boat. We are excited about new destinations to explore. You will see us back soon!

We loved our 5 hour catamaran trip

We loved our 5 hour catamaran trip out of Cozumel for our party of 16! We had limited time coming from a cruise ship and the crew really packed in all the fun snorkeling, beaches, good food and drinks we could have hoped for! The boat was clean and modern and the team knew exactly where to show us the best snorkeling and guided us on two snorkels showing us stingrays, pufferfish, turtles, and more!

The charter was by far the BEST part of our whole trip

Chris was FABULOUS from start to finish answering my numerous emails prior to booking.

I will certainly be returning to this amazing excursion

Chartering our own private catamaran was the highlight of our bachelorette getaway experience! As the planner of this excursion, I was overwhelmed with the many options and competitors that surfaced with a simple google search. In the end, I found Tulum Charters who offered the best pricing, most variety of food/snack choices to meet our special diet preferences (we had some vegan attendees), a large array of ship and excursion options and a crew of sailors that added to the already beautiful scenic view ;). When I return to the Cancun/Tulum/Playa Del Carmen area, I will certainly be returning to this amazing excursion, whether that’s with a group of ladies or even with the hubby and kids.

100% satisfied

The staff were incredible!! Would highly recommend and sail with them again.

We highly recommend Tulum Charters for your boat excursion!

We had an amazing time sailing with Tulum Charters! We were able to arrange transportation through them, and when we arrived we were greeted by the crew who welcomed us aboard and got us settled with drinks and a fruit platter right away. They were extremely accommodating with our requests and they even had a bonus surprise for our bachelorette! The food was amazing and the boat itself was beautiful. Booking and payment was easy and seamless as they took card, but bring cash for dock fees and tip. We highly recommend Tulum Charters for your boat excursion!

I have to say this was one the most memorable experiences of my life

I had an amazing time celebrating my bachelorette trip on Tulum Charters. Chris was very responsive and easy to work with. The weather wasn’t suitable for sailing out to the ocean but Chris had a backup plan that made for an amazing afternoon and relaxing time. Diego, Rodrigo and max were amazing hosts and helped keep the good times rolling. They had refreshments ready for us since we stepped on the boat and did everything they could to ensure we enjoyed ourselves. Once we stopped sailing we spent most of our time in the water and learned how to paddle board. I have to say this was one the most memorable experiences of my life. I will definitely be bookmarking Tulum charters for the next time I’m back in Tulum.

Had a fantastic experience

The crew were super nice, fun, and inviting. The snorkeling was beautiful and educational. We will definitely be back again.

I will always recommend Tulum Charters from now on!!

We had the pleasure of being on board for a post wedding activity for all of our guests to enjoy. It was the absolute BEST decision we made and I know all of our guest had a BLAST! So easy to communicate with 5 months out all the day until the day before with all of my changes and add ons! As the bride, they made the day so special and I didn’t have to worry about anything! Staff on board was top notch especially Maria!!!!!!

I would highly recommended this crew, this company, this boat

Armando, Luis, and Juanito were the best in attending every of our needs. They were excellent hosts. I would highly recommended this crew, this company, this boat, food, drinks, everything was excellent.

Highly recommend

Highly recommend tulum charters for your experience in tulum. Chris and team were very responsive and catered to our specific schedule and date very well. We had an amazing time on the boat, great food, and fantastic service. We will definitely use them again the next time we’re in Tulum!

What a wonderful experience!!

The entire family enjoyed themselves. The crew and Chris did an excellent job making sure all our needs were met. Chris was extremely helpful and responsive with all my questions and concerns. He picked the perfect excursion for our family, ages 6-82. Couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon.

Highlight of the trip

We booked a private catamaran cruise through Tulum Charters. They picked us up from our resort. We did a 4 hour private catamaran cruise for the 24 of us. We sailed around, anchored for a bit and got to snorkel and swim. They had pool floaties for the ocean. I will say, where we anchored wasn’t the prettiest view, a ton of construction on shore and I’m not fully sure why we stopped where we did, but it was a blast nonetheless. The guys on the boat were amazing. They had a full bar, served chips, guac, and shrimp ceviche. We hooked up one of our phones and played music the whole time. One of the guys even took one of our people out into the ocean to swim with him because she was scared but wanted to try it. I have nothing bad to say about that trip and it ended up being around $130 per person after tip, transportation, and dock fees which was totally worth it.

Overall, would recommend

We booked our charter to celebrate my sister’s bachelorette with a group of 12 girls. The boat was great and the crew was amazing! we had a choppy day but still were able to go out and snorkle a bit before coming back to the more still waters in the marina. Highly recommend bringing Dramamine for your group! Overall, would recommend and book again if we are back in tulum.

Highly recommend booking through Tulum Charters.

The experience overall was fantastic. The food was delicious, the vessel was spacious and perfect for my friends and me. But most importantly, the crew was out of this world fun. They were so attentive but also did a couple things to make my trip unique and super fun.

We will book with them again

The crew and the experience was amazing, the food and drinks were exceptional , we felt so comfortable, 100 percent when we return to Tulum we will book with them again

Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Visited Tulum for the first time ever to celebrate my Bachelorette and had an amazing time with Chris and Tulum Charters! This was definitely the most memorable outing we did with all my girls! The guys were completely amazing and made it their top priority for us to have a blast and we did!

Beyond expectations

What an amazing day sailing to Isla Mujeres with Tulum Charters. The crew was amazing, and the food they prepared was beyond expectations. I hope to have the opportunity to sail with them again in the near future.

Thank you!!!

Was a perfect day to celebrate my 50th birthday party.

Definitely recommend

Very accommodating, understanding and welcoming. Would definitely recommend this company.

Thank you for all!!!

I had such a great time with my friends everyone was very professional and super kind they made it fun and easy to accommodate all our wishes !

We had the BEST time!

Me and my friends had the BEST time with Tulum Charters! The catamaran was big and beautiful, the crew super fun and helpful, the drinks and food were delicious! They even added lots of amazing decoration for my friend’s bachelorette. Very highly recommend it!

Every detail was perfect

Booking was easy, the vessel and crew were awesome, and we had a great time. We chartered a medium size yacht to take us snorkeling at different locations not reachable swimming. The food was great. Thanks to Chris for caring about every detail of our experience. I highly recommend them.

Exceeded expectations

Our experience with Tulum Charters exceeded expectations. From start to finish Chris was on top of ensuring everything from planning to arrival went smooth. The catamaran was in excellent condition and was perfect for our group. The crew on board was fantastic. I would def recommend Tulum Charters if you’re looking for a private experience while in Cozumel.

A breathtaking bachellorette party

Oh-my-G! My friends and I had the best time ever. They surprised me with the most breathtaking bachellorette party. They booked a luxury yacht with a private chef and never-ending margaritas. Would definitely repeat.

Fantastic afternoon/evening

Food presentation was great. Attention to our wants was outstanding!!! Snorkeling, sailing, sunset … perfect. The team from Tulum Charters were so good and the boat (and we are picky) was so clean. Great day! I would go again today if I was still in the area.

Definitely would recommend!!!

The staff were very informative and friendly! The food was good. It was my birthday so they decorated which was very nice. Definitely would recommend!!!

Thanks again for making it a great Xmas Eve

We rented a boat for 6 hours – crew was excellent – waters were a bit rough – but the Captain was great and the crew took excellent care of those not feeling that well. Snorkeling was great, food and drinks were good and overall a fun day had by all (even those that had a bit of ocean sickness).

The crew were truly amazing

Seas were a bit choppy but we managed to get to a secluded bay and had an absolutely wonderful day. The crew were truly amazing. Our experience would not have been possible without them.

These guys and this experience was 10/10

For starters, we couldn’t have asked for a better Captain and Crew. It was five of us ladies, all out celebrating my 30th Birthday. This was indeed the highlight of our trip and we haven’t been able to stop talking about the experience. Our Chef, Yovaz prepared the most delicious tacos and ceviche and our bartender made sure we had a drink in our hand 24.7 The crew was amazing, helping us around the boat and made sure we had the greatest experience. I would recommend this trip a million times. These guys and this experience was 10/10 Thank you all for such an amazing experience. We love you all!!!!!

The staff on board was amazing!

Wonderful experience once we got on the yacht. We arrived on time however we did have to wait for someone to greet our party of 8. We could not sail to the original location bec of winds which was a bummer, so unfortunately we had to stay in a nearby cove/inlet. That was really disappointing bec we wanted that sailing experience, but it was the best decision for safety. The boat was newer and clean, but the staff on board was amazing! The lunch was amazing and they catered to our every need! I would def book again, hoping we could sail the next time.

Best experience!

Staff were amazing and very helpful.

Thank you for an amazing adventure!

We celebrated a bachelorette party with this amazing crew. They were all so nice and accommodating.

Close to perfect

The whole package was perfect, from booking with Chris, transportation and arrival personnel at the marina, our private family cruise was as close to perfect and only because of bad weather, the crew were great with a special shout out to Maria { The Best } Host ……. ever !

Thank you for a wonderful day!

Thank you for a wonderful day at sea! Our group of 6 were celebrating 4 birthdays on this trip and your crew of Rodrigo, Diego, and Max were amazing. They were attentive to our every need. The food was great throughout the day. Great job with the ceviche, guacamole, and skewers. We were concerned that we might need to bring snacks as we would be on the boat for 8 hours, but there was not a single time when any of us thought there was anything missing. They took us to a couple of beautiful beaches, showed us where to snorkel so that we could see tons of fish, talked to us about the area and history, and in general were great throughout the day. We would highly recommend the boat and experience!

We had a great time sailing with tulum charters

We were treated so well by the staff and had the best time! Since we were celebrating a joint bachelor/bachelorette group they got us going with good drinks right away and the food was delicious!

Wouldn´t have chosen any other company, crew, or catamaran!

Wouldn´t have chosen any other company, crew, or catamaran! All went smoothly from start to finish. The excursion on the catamaran was fabulous, especially with the first class service from the crew. The chef in particular was welcoming, personable, and catered to our needs – vegetarians onboard, freshly brewed coffee to start the day, and made to order cocktails. The only thing I would change the next time around… book an overnight excursion!

Worth every penny!

Tulum Charters was an excellent experience from start to finish. Chris was extremely helpful with everything from planning to execution of the boat.

The boat crew was phenomenal! I cannot thank them enough for making our sail so special. The crew went above and beyond to accommodate our group and they ensured that we had a great time. Thank you crew!

If you’re considering booking with Tulum Charters, do it!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TULUM CHARTERS!!

The crew was absolutely incredible! Chris was there every step of the way with planning the event the months prior. We stayed at the Dreams Riviera resort so they provided shuttles for us to and from. Maria ran the crew with such kindness and so accommodating with the food and drinks. This event was for my cousins wedding so the crew surprised them with flowers, cake and a celebratory toast! There wasn’t a time somebody didn’t have a drink! She speaks English very well, along with the crew, so you don’t have to worry about a language barrier (if you don’t speak Spanish). Unfortunately the waters were rough when we sailed and a large number of the group got sick so we weren’t able to sail out to clear waters.

What an incredible trip!

Carlos and the crew couldn’t have been more fun or more hospitable. They made my 33rd birthday on the water so incredible for me and all of my friends. It was quite the day out on the water, and I absolutely would refer this company to anyone going on vacay in Playa.

I can’t say enough good things about the service

We arrived by taxi. The only thing that would made this experience better would be to have someone waiting by the taxi area. However, the staff was excellent! Everyone was friendly, helpful, and great with the kids. While snorkeling the wind kicked up and everyone stayed calm and they were able to get everyone in the boat without a problem. I can’t say enough good things about the service, cleanliness, and service.

Thank you Tulum Charters!

We had an amazing time with Tulum Charters. Our crew was accommodating, made exceptional snacks and drinks for us and made sure our bride and bach crew had the best yacht experience!

The crew was the best I’ve ever had on a sailing charter

Took a sail on the 44′ sailing Catamaran and had a great time. The crew was the best I’ve ever had on a sailing charter. Not only knowledgeable and safe, but fun to be around. They were professional and showed us a great time; even going so far as to have a Birthday cake ready for the party we were celebrating. I would highly recommend sailing with this team!

We had a group of 12 on a catamaran and it was amazing

The crew was amazing. Our tour guide Pablo was extremely accommodating. The food was delicious! I recommend Tulum Charted if your in the area.

Thank you so much for a great day on the water.

Thank you for an amazing day!! We could not have asked for nicer people to spend the day with. Our crew was so wonderful and made our day one to remember. If you book with Tulum Charters, you will not be disappointed. The only regret we have is not booking the longest trip they had available 😉

Great experience with Tulum Charters

We were in Tulum for a bachelorette party and Chris helped us find a private boat for the weekend. The waves were a bit choppy and some of us were starting to feel nauseous so we turned around to hang out where the water was calmer also know as the “party zone.” The crew was phenomenal, they served yummy drinks and apps (everyone was asking for seconds on the guacamole and ceviche). They knew how to get the party started and it was the highlight of our trip. Most of us lost our voices from having so much fun. I did take down a star for communication as it could have been better for pick up confirmation leading up to the day. Other than that, I would recommend booking with Tulum Charters!

We had a blast!!!

My wife and I were looking for a fun experience with the kids. We had never rented a yacht before. Chris from Tulum Charters was super friendly and helpful. He showed us a ton of options and had all the patience in the world. We had a blast!!!

We had a great time with Tulum Charters.

There were 70 of us, and unfortunately it was too windy to go into open waters, but plan b worked perfectly. The food, drinks and staff were amazing and everything went great.

We had so much fun!

We had an incredible time during our experience ! The team – Rodrigo, Max and Diego were amazing always catering to us and made sure we always had drinks. The food and appetizers were so delicious and perfect for the heavy drinking we were doing.

They truly made our experience great and I would book again (with the same team).

They were so amazing!  Would definitely rent from them again!

The staff was so amazing!  They greeted us upon arrival and proceeded to direct all 20 of us onto the boat seamlessly. The boat was spotless and well stocked with any drink you could ever want! Once we were all on the boat we set sail to the most amazing snorkeling spot ever!  Turtle and stingray were present as well as a plethora of fish. All the while the staff was working so hard preparing our lunch and making sure our drinks were always full. Music was always playing using our own personal playlist. Lunch was delicious!!!  I cannot say enough about the staff in this boat. They were so amazing!  Would definitely rent from them again!

If I could give 10, I would. I planned this catamaran trip as a surprise for my boyfriend’s birthday, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The crew was friendly, professional, and attentive. The food and beverage offerings were fresh and delicious. I expected a normal open bar, rum and coke type offerings, but the drinks were all freshly prepared with fresh fruits and garnishes. Fresh watermelon jalapeno mezcal margarita? Amazing. The ride itself was enjoyable with minimal choppy water, and we were taken to a location that was super private and fun to hang out as a group. Would 100% book this again if I had the opportunity.

I am already planning another trip through Tulum Charters.

We booked a trip for our girls trip while on a cruise. They were wonderful to work with and extremely helpful. Chris was very quick to respond to any questions we had. The day before our catamaran trip he messaged us to make sure we were set for the trip. The day of our trip we had everything we needed to get to the marina and the Captain was there waiting on us upon arrival. We had an amazing time, the drinks were flowing, food was good, and the staff on board were the absolute best.

We had a fantastic time. Worth the money for the experience for sure. Our crew was wonderful.

One of the best times ever!

I would definitely recommend them! The workers were so nice and made it even more fun! We did snorkeling, paddle boarding, floaties, walks on the beach. the food was amazing also!

Will be back again

From helping us arrange transportation to and from our hotel to checking up on us after we got back, from start to finish every aspect was fantastic. The staff on the boat was the best, part- taking fantastic care of our two kids, 8 and 4. It looks like they not only cater well to adults only but also do a great job with families. Will be back again booking with Chris for our next trip .

Everything was absolutely flawless from start to finish

We had a great experience with Tulum Charters. Everything was absolutely flawless from start to finish. We chose to go to Yanten and had the reef all to ourselves. I also cannot remark enough how attentive and kind all the crew were with my family all the time. Definitely, one of the highlights of our vacation in México and we will, for sure, repeat in a future trip.

They truly made our day so special.

We had the most amazing time! The crew went above and beyond to meet all our needs and could not have been nicer. They truly made our day so special.

Everyone was very happy with the quality of our excursion

We had a wonderful time using their services! The crew was friendly, the food was delicious, and the drinks kept flowing!

Truly the highlight of our trip

The crew was amazing. The food was amazing. The communication was amazing. If i could give more stars I would. Thank you!

EVERYTHING about the trip was fabulous!

Chris patiently answered the numerous emails I sent leading up to the trip. The staff that greeted us at the port was friendly and organized. The boat staff was FANTASTIC! Hospitality overload. They made sure we were enjoying ourselves and NEVER sat down. A memory that 26 friends will cherish! Highly recommend!!!

From start to finish this was an amazing tour!

Tulum charters took care of everything. Great communication with Chris to set it up and then the Captain Ruben and crew made the 4 hour tour memorable for 40 HS seniors class of 2024 and 30 parents. The Catamaran we rented was the 65 ft , there was plenty of room for all of us. We all had so much fun and it was the highlight of our Mexico trip. We got the Catamaran in Maya Riviera very close to the Barcelo resort. Highly recommend.

There are so many things I would like to say about our birthday yacht experience, but there is not enough room on this sheet! From the moment I reserved the experience until we stepped off the boat, the entire team was attentive and paid close attention to details  (great communication – including remembering food allergies, hanging an unexpected birthday sign, and explaining where to meet them at the dock). They treated us (6 women) with the utmost respect and took great care of those of us that got sea sick (there was a storm that day) and rescued a friend who floated away nearby, but couldn’t make it back alone. The drinks and food were not only yummy, but a pretty presentation! We were able to sync our bluetooth and have our own playlist. It was a great time and worth every penny (which was very affordable considering the price of nonprivate group charters). I hope I am getting their names correct – thanks to Rodrigo, Diego, Max and Chris! We will be back!

Easy to book

Crew and boat were very nice and service was impeccable. Family had a great time.

Truly a great experience

From the moment the driver picked us up to the time we got dropped up, everything was taken care of for us. Chris scheduled transportation to and from for a large group, which relieved us of a significant headache. The driver was professional and timely. When we got to the launch, we were greeted by a great hostess who promptly brought us to the boat where we met a spectacular captain and crew. The time of the water was fantastic in every regard. The food, drink, and music will have us planning trips back for sure!

We will definitely be back.

Our group had an amazing experience. The staff was excellent, kind and fun!

Incredible experience from start to finish

Communication pre tour was great. Boat was beautiful and the crew was absolutely amazing. They took care of all of our family friends on the trip. Highly recommend!

Would highly recommend

Boat and crew were amazing. Would highly recommend this charter.

We had an epic day with captain David and crew! Amazing 4 hr snorkel trip to Cozumel complete with freshly made lunch, drinks. The service was exceptional, super friendly, kind and pro crew. The boat was immaculate and we loved every minute! Didn’t want it to end!

They are the BEST in the business!

We booked Tulum charters for my bachelorette celebration. This was everyone’s favorite activity – We had the most incredible time! Our yacht experience was top notch with an amazing crew & delicious food! We were blown away by the hospitality & anytime we travel to Tulum, we will absolutely book with Tulum Charters again.

We had a great time!

It was a perfect trip. Our captain and first mate exceeded our expectations. Both were very friendly and social. The boat was prefect for what we were looking for. Would definitely go back for another trip!

Our boat crew was absolutely incredible!

They went above and beyond. For example, one of the crew members jumped into the water to look for my friend’s sunglasses and found them! One of our friends couldn’t swim and he towed her out to the shore! The boat was clean and the ceviche was yummy.

We will absolutely be booking with Tulum Charters again

Our crew of 17 had an absolutely phenomenal day!!!!

We sailed with Armando, Guicho, and Laura, and the service and safety was exceptional! The whole staff worked their butts off to ensure we were consistently fed, and always had a beverage in hand.

The locations that they took us to were exceptional, and due to conditions some small changes had to be made. However, the places that we ended up, especially to wind down the evening were perfect. The private cenote was so peaceful and incredibly beautiful. To round out the day, we were taken to a bay harbor close to the marina where we were able to relax, swim, and enjoy an absolutely beautiful sunset.

While we didnt get the snorekling experience we had hoped for, the overall choice made everyone happy as we were able to have a much more relaxing experience than fighting choppy water.

Every need we had was handled, and the boat was incredibly clean and the perfect size for our group.

Tulum Charters was amazing!

They were incredibly professional, pleasant and even accommodated a last min change request to make my BFFs birthday celebration unforgettable! I would highly recommend them and plan to use them again next time I’m in the area!

Thanks for a great experience!

We had an amazing time on our yacht. The day was beautiful and our crew could not have been better. Aldo was an amazing addition, was great to be around and put so much thought into his bartending! The food was definitely way better than other boat food and we loved that Roma was on board to take photos as well we bought them all after.

THE BEST EXPERIENCE ANYONE CAN ASK FOR!

I would come back just for this ! The crew makes you feel so special and loved and they truly cater to everything you need.

The service, details of the decor, the delicious taste of the food, the open bar, birthday cake, and customer service was beyond anything I ever expected.

I am telling EVERYONE about Tulum Charters. This was the highlight and best ending to my trip.

I don’t know how it could have gone any better

We Rented a 39 ft Catamaran for a family outing in Cozumel. The transaction was super-easy. The price was very fair. The boat was beautiful, the crew was excellent — very helpful, polite, well-organized. I don’t know how it could have gone any better. It was an excellent trip and I would definitely use Tulum Charters again!

I would definitely book another charter.

My friends and I booked a 4 hour charter for a bachelorette party. From the time I booked Chris was very responsive to all of my questions. He assisted us with coordinating transportation to and from the marina. The charter staff was amazing! I would definitely book another charter.

We had an amazing time on the 46′ custom catamaran!

My wife and I got married in Mexico and we booked this as an excursion for all of the 27 people who came down for the wedding. Everything about the experience was top notch – from the communication during the booking process, the captain generously changing the date at the last minute due to weather conditions, and the crew on board the catamaran the day of. The crew (Maria in particular) made this an amazing experience and a memory we’ll get to share with our friends and family for a long time.

They showed us a great time!

We had a wonderful time sailing with Tulum Charters! We had a van that was arranged for us, to pick us up and bring us to the sailing location, which was very convenient. The team who handled us were all very kind and made our experience sailing, as well as, swimming in the waters very memorable. They showed us a great time!

Exactly what I was looking for

We booked a private yacht to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Juan made the most delicious cocktails while we enjoyed the sunset in Puerto Aventuras. The booking experience with Tulum Charters was flawless and I got exactly what I was looking for.

Thank you Tulum Charters for such a memorable day on the water.

This private charter was a gift my fiancé and I wanted to give our guests for traveling to Tulum for our wedding. We are sailors and have been on many charters…..the crew exceeded beyond our expectations!!! Our friends and family could not stop raving about how amazing the experience was – from snorkeling with sea turtles, to boom-boom shots and going down the slide, everyone had a blast!!! The captain and crew were full of energy and had our whole wedding party laughing and having a great time. This charter was a core memory of our wedding week and worth every penny.

Thank y’all so much for making great memories! 🙂

I rented a boat for a few hours to celebrate life and we had a BLAST. The boat was just perfect for what we needed for the day and Chris was responsive and flexible throughout the entire process. I also have to give a shout-out to our captain, manager and helper who was freakin’ awesome and a trooper for dealing with us. Thank y’all so much for making great memories! 🙂

Honestly I wish we could have done it twice!

This was our favorite thing we did while in Tulum. We received excellent service from the moment we drove up to the dock! Our crew members (David and Marco Javier) were incredibly friendly and kind. The boat was spotless and we were treated to some delicious ceviche and snacks while on board.

Great day on the water!

From the start, we had a wonderful experience. Chris conveniently helped arrange transport from our resort so we didn’t have to worry about anything. The weather was iffy but once on board the captain and crew navigated around rain showers and worked to find a place where we could swim and snorkel safely. We had a couple people get sea sick, unavoidable, and Frank and his team provided excellent care. Everyone loved the boat, drinks and snacks and amazing crew!

Such a fun time with Tulum Charters

We celebrated a bachelorette and the deck crew was so much fun! The lunch from the chef was amazing we love it!

Their prices are hands down better than any other charter

Chris’s communication is amazing: quick, clear and thorough!

We were celebrating 2 birthdays and they went above and beyond to make us feel special. The staff were amazing and sadly, I can only remember Angel’s name right now, but everyone were lovely, put up with our crazy dance music, crazy group members and kept our drinks full the entire time. We were in Mexico for 10 days and did A LOT and this was a highlight for many in my group! Plus, their prices are hands down better than any other charter.

In one word, INCREDIBLE!!!! Diego and crew were above and beyond accommodating. They will be a definite booking next time we are in town.

100% recommend

We had a great experience with Tulum Charters, they made sure our group had an amazing time. Their food and drinks were delicious and the captain and his crew were all so genuinely sweet and accommodating, I would 100% recommend their services to anyone interested in booking a private yacht experience.

I can’t say enough good things!

This trip was amazing! The staff was wonderful and extremely attentive! I can’t say enough good things! Best way to celebrate my birthday!

Fantastic experience!

Crew were super cool, boat was in perfect condition, food was delish, and the ocean was gorgeous. The place where we stopped to snorkel – the water was crystal clear, turquoise. Definitely one of the highlights of our Tulum trip 🙂

I would recommend to anyone!

The whole experience was lovely! We had the 44′ Catamaran for just the two of us. The crew was extremely friendly and eager to be of service. The food was great! The water felt amazing, and the drinks were flowing. I would recommend to anyone! Only thing I would add to it, maybe have a crew member actively taking photos.

Fantastic and friendly

Our catamaran experience was phenomenal. Chris made booking easy and his communication was excellent. The crew (Max, Diego, and Rodrigo) was fantastic and friendly. Our group was able to relax, get some sun, and enjoy the amazing shrimp ceviche.

Anyone I know that will be coming to Mexico, I will be recommended this.

It was truly an incredible experience. The crew, Vicky Captain boy Eddy Angel and Ivana made our experience a million times better. From the beginning to the end, the crew made this adventure one to remember. Not only that, the entire booking process was smooth and such a great experience! We couldn’t snorkel due to the waves but we made the most out of it by doing other activities. The food, drinks and music were all 10/10. This experience is unforgettable and we will definitely be returning if we come back! Hopefully we can get the same crew because they were all fantastic! Thank you so much for making our experience extra special! Anyone I know that will be coming to Mexico, I will be recommended this.

Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

We had an absolutely fantastic day aboard the 45′ catamaran from Tulum Charters! Our group of 15 couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Setting off from the Hard Rock Riviera, the journey to Puerto Aventuras Marina was quick and easy. The marina buzzed with activity, a delightful sight to behold as we arrived.

Upon arrival, the staff greeted us warmly, taking care of all the necessary arrangements swiftly. After a brief walk to the boat, we received some quick housekeeping notes before diving straight into the enjoyment with ice-cold margaritas in hand! Amidst the hustle and bustle of the marina and the dock-side condos, we felt a thrill of excitement building up.

Despite the slightly choppy seas, the crew graciously offered us the option to stay closer for swimming, but we opted to embrace the waves and set course northward towards the reef. It was an exhilarating journey, with moments of bumpiness adding to the excitement. Fortunately, the spaciousness of the boat allowed us to find our perfect spot, whether it was upfront to feel the sea spray or cozying up with the captain.

Throughout the day, we were well-provisioned with an abundance of food and drink. From ice-cold beers to expertly crafted margaritas and unlimited tequila, we lacked for nothing. The snorkeling experience at the reef was nothing short of  spectacular, complemented perfectly by cheeseburgers sizzling on the grill, accompanied by fresh guacamole and shrimp ceviche.

It was a day beyond compare, thanks to the exceptional crew of Tulum Charters. Opting for a private charter proved to be the ultimate choice, ensuring every moment was tailored to our desires. If you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure on the waters, look no further than Tulum Charters—they’ll take care of you from start to finish.

I will recommend to all our friends and family

The whole crew (Fernando, Beto and the team) went above and beyond to make sure my bachelorette was fun! Even though the weather was very choppy due to the hurricane that was close, everyone had a blast! Thank you for a great time! I will recommend to all our friends and family

We had the best time

I actually booked this for a client for a photoshoot after their wedding. The crew was super friendly. The port spot they took us to wasn’t the best if you are looking for relaxation. It was super busy with other boats and party-goers playing loud music. We were there just for photos so it didn’t really matter to us! If you want to party then this is for you haha, though I’m sure they have more relaxing ports!

Thanks for giving us a fantastic memory.

Hi Chris, we had an absolutely fantastic time with our group of 14. The staff was unbelievable, they were kind, funny and always kept our drinks full. We would 100% rent from Tulum charters again. We thought a great addition to your service would be some drone shots. Cheers.

Look forward to booking again with Tulum Charters

The boat is very well appointed and easily accommodates large groups. The crew is extremely attentive, always making sure that all guests have everything needed. The food, drink, and service is top notched and I look forward to booking again with Tulum Charters.

An experience of a lifetime

We traveled as a large family from 3 years old to 65 years old. The entire experience exceeded our expectations. The crew was friendly and helpful. The beverages and food were wonderful and plentiful. We would highly recommend investing your time with Tulum Charters for an experience of a lifetime.

We had a blast!

Our crew workers on board was very attentive! The boat was very spacious, our group of 15 enjoyed every minute of it!

Going back in few months!

It was an amazing experience!! Definitely would do it again!! Chris communication was great and quick! He updated about weather and transportation and answered all my questions! Going back in few months! Thank you!!

Would book again with Tulum Charters!

Amazing experience. Booking was super easy with Chris. He was responsive and made sure we were accommodated with dietary restrictions. We had a super fun time on the boat. Crew was very professional and caring.

We had an absolute blast!

The crew had drinks and fruit waiting for us and the food/drinks were top notch. They even had a birthday cake for me at the end! If you are looking for a personalized party boat Tulum Charters gets my vote every time!

I recommend 1000%

Sailing with Tulum Charter was probably the best experience of my trip. The crew was wonderful, they took great care of us and made the experience even more fun. The food was the most delicious we had during the trip. Thank you so much for having us! I recommend 1000%

If you are questioning booking, don’t!

I booked the charter for my friends bachelorette party and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! Throughout the whole process of me planning the charter, Chris was extremely responsive and was able to answer all of my questions. He went above and beyond to make sure that I had all the information I needed before booking.

The day of the charter, the crew met us and they all were extremely welcoming. They accommodated for one of the guest who had a nut allergy which was amazing. They were also all super fun and made sure that we had a fun time!

Staff was fantastic

From the start to the end, our boat ride was truly fantastic!

Highly highly recommend Tulum Charters!!

We had a post-wedding celebration with Tulum charters, which exceeded all expectations! We had a relatively large group with over 30 guests, and the staff onboard could not have been more attentive. They helped us arrange bottles of prosecco for a mother’s day toast to celebrate all the moms in our group, and even gave us a cake to celebrate our wedding. The planning process with Chris was also excellent. He was super responsive with answering all of our questions, and made sure the day went off without a hitch. Highly highly recommend Tulum Charters!!

It was absolutely magical

We took a group of 18 adults and kids on a 4 hour catamaran trip to celebrate my birthday. The boat, crew and food were amazing and snorkeling around a coral reef was incredible.

Thanks again for an unforgettable day!

Our group of 6 sailed with Tulum Charters for their 5 hour experience. The crew was extremely accommodating and friendly! They allowed us to enjoy the trip as a group while providing a 5 star experience.

Although the snorkeling was interrupted by rough seas, the lagoon was great for relaxing and having a drink. The open bar had everything we wanted and the chef cooked like 20 chicken tacos that were delicious, along with fresh guacamole and ceviche.

10/10 would recommend not only this experience, but Tulum Charters specifically.

WE HAD A TIME!!!!!!

Wow! What an experience!

Our hosts, Max, Alan, and our amazing chef, thank you. You made a fun experience amazing. Oh goodness the ceviche (just caught mahi mahi) and guacamole was off the charts! Not to mention the sailing experience and water fun, paddle boats, snorkeling. I really feel this team of hosts went the extra mile. Thank you!

I am keeping Chris’s/Tulum Charters’s contact info for their next outing!

I booked the charter for other guests. The booking process was simple, and I appreciated the flow of communication throughout the entire process. Chris listened to the primary’s requests and accommodated when possible. From the guests, I heard Captain Miguel and his crew were stellar, as was his homemade spread of food. I heard back from many charter companies, but I am keeping Chris’s/Tulum Charters’s contact info for their next outing!

10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND! 🙂

I was in Tulum celebrating my 30th Birthday with a group of my friends. I had scheduled the 46′ FP Catamaran with Chris ahead of time and I am so grateful I did. We had the BEST experience and it was the perfect ending to an incredible trip. The boat crew could not have been any more accommodating & entertaining!

I highly recommend booking a trip with them!

I cannot say enough good things about our 4 hour excursion. We went with Laura, Capitan Armando and Shuber ( not sure of that spelling). The service was top notch and they were genuinely great people.

I cannot say enough nice things about the crew

Our experience could not have been any better. The crew, captain, and chef were all super nice, friendly, and let us have all the fun we wanted while staying safe. The chef was fantastic and made the best ceviche we have ever had, they even made a separate portion for my brother with shellfish allergies. I cannot say enough nice things about the crew, they allowed us to be silly and make the most of our time. I would 100% recommend this boat and crew to anyone.

I took 15 of my friends and family on a charter for my bachelorette party. From the beginning Chris was amazing and communicative. Booking was so easy!

The weather wasn’t ideal for sailing, unfortunately, but we didn’t even notice once we docked at this gorgeous little cove. The staff was OUT OF THIS WORLD. No one went a second without a drink in their hand. A friend got seasick and they quickly jumped in to assist. The food was fresh and SO delicious! The staff engaged with us and kept the party going as well as guiding those who wanted to snorkel and explore. Everyone said it was the highlight of their trip! Thank you, thank you!

Such a great way to end an incredible trip.

We booked a four hour sail that was the most memorable part of our trip. The crew was super great, and the chef on board is not only a great chef, but it felt like he and the crew were our friends highly recommend this tour. Next time I will book multiple days. Thank you again.

I can promise you won’t be disappointed

Big thumbs to Chris and the amazing crew we had for our group of 40 on board the 65’ Catamaran! Communication with Chris leading up to the trip was great and he always got back to us with answers to our questions. When we got on the boat the large crew made us right at home, great music, great food and lots of beverages!

One thing that we didn’t expect was the awesome fishing we had on the way to the reef including a triple header. Then with the fresh fish they filleted up a large plate of sashimi which was gourmet. Snorkelling at the reef was a big hit as well with almost our whole group going out for a well guided tour of the coral reef and many fish.

All in all this boat trip was the highlight of our 2 week Christmas vacation! Again the crew was awesome and I can promise you won’t be disappointed!!

Tulum Charters was great

We did a private, all day snorkeling tour along the coast to three different spots. The food, drinks, and service on the boat were awesome and fresh. We had more than enough to eat and drink. The snorkeling was spectacular, along two healthy reefs. We had three workers on the boat — one to drive, one to cook, and one to snorkel with us. The service on the boat was above and beyond. Also, Chris was in constant contact with us. We could not decide on a trip because of weather, but the weather cleared the day before, and Chris was able to get a boat at the last minute the day before.

Everything was amazing from beginning to end

Everything was amazing from beginning to end. Our crew was so fun and really made sure we had a great time. The drinks were delicious, lunch was amazing, and the sandbar we were taken to was the perfect spot to drink and hang out.

10/10 recommend using Tulum Charters

We had the most beautiful wedding day with Tulum Charters! Frank, Enrique, and Jonathan offered the most thoughtful service while we were aboard! The small details added a special touch to our nuptials. I couldn’t have asked for a more dreamy experience. Every request was fulfilled and we left the day feeling like we were in a dream! 10/10 recommend using Tulum Charters if you are traveling to Cancun area!!

Would 10/10 book for my next trip, without reservation!

I booked Tulum Charters 46′ FP Catamaran for a group of 15 girls, myself included, to celebrate my sisters bachelorette. Everything was exactly as described and the crew went above and beyond to make sure that our crew had a truly memorable day at sea.

The open bar was delightful, with drinks of all kinds that were made with tender love and care. The ceviche was made in-house with fresh catch fish and served at lunch time, they did not let us go hungry. Additionally, we docked the catamaran in a cove with other party-goers. The crew, Armando, Laura, and Luis were the true treasure of the trip, they let us play our own music and playfully danced along side us which delightfully contributed to our wonderful day. They went above and beyond to help us celebrate our bride.

The company also set up a ride to and from the docks from Tulum which was very helpful so that we knew we were in the right place.

The crew made the day fantastic

We chartered a boat for our 40th bday. We had an amazing time getting to enjoy the day from the boat. The drinks and food were amazing and the day couldn’t have been better!

Booked this for a bachelorette party with 13 girls. It was amazing, from the transportation from our resort to getting on the boat and the whole ride everything was great. The crew was amazing, we never had an empty drink, they took as many photos as we wanted and they were so much fun. The seas were a bit rough and anytime one of us had to get up they were there to help us walk around the boat. One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. I recommend this to everyone and will be back for another boat trip with Tulum Charters.

Would definitely call on Tulum Charters again in future

Chris from Tulum Charters is amazing to work with. He coordinated transfers to the catarmaran for 2 groups staying at 2 different resorts. Both groups arrived within minutes of each other. Chris’ communication and coordination skills are amazing!

The catarmaran was fantastic! We had an amazing 4 hours of fishing, snorkeling and swimmimg. The crew were absolutely the best. Drinks flowing constantly to a group of 15 along with various nibbles of fruit, guacamole and ceviche all served fresh. The chef also prepared the fresh fish caught which was amazing.

I highly recommend this company and would definitely call on Tulum Charters again in future.

Thanks Chris and please forward thanks to our boat crew from the Canadian/Irish families.

If I ever come back, they are definitely on my Things To Do list

Came to tulum to celebrate a bacherlotte party, and while our stay was filled with cenotes, private chefs, day/night clubs, the best activity was our experience on the Tulum Charter. Our bacherlotte party consisted of 6 girls and with this charter crew….they made sure every single one of us was having a great time! The boat was so clean, appetizers were amazing and perfect snack/afternoon meal. If I ever come back, they are definitely on my Things To Do list.

I told the Skipper and crew we were coming in hot and heavy. They were prepared, polite and professional. We had a blast. I highly recommend booking through Tulum Charters!

The team was so fun

We had the best experience for my bachelorette!! The team was so fun and wonderful. Great communication the whole time!

5 stars all the way

5 stars all the way. Would have given them 6 if I could. Everything was exceptional from start to finish. Chris made booking easy and the crew went above and beyond to make our experience extra special. I will definitely be booking here again! Well done!! I highly recommend this company for anyone looking for this type of adventure.

The staff was exceptional.

It was my 40th birthday weekend. The food was delicious and the water was gorgeous. We had a great time and would highly recommend to loom Charters for anyone who wants to be treated well.

I definitely recommend sailing with Tulum Charters!

We had the best time with Tulum Charters. We had a fairly large group of people and they made sure we had everything we could possibly ask for. They kept the food and drinks coming throughout our entire experience and made sure everyone was having fun.

Would definitely recommend!

I can’t say enough about the great experience we had with Tulum Charters. I was a little hesitant because they didn’t have many reviews (although the ones they had were great) but we decided to go for it and I’m so happy we did! The online booking was easy. The weather was questionable and they stayed in constant contact with us prior to our trip. The boat was beautiful and the staff were fantastic! We went out to the reef to snorkel and then to a sand bar to lounge. They prepared a world class meal for us and anticipated our every need. They always had drinks available and towels ready for us. They put a floating bed out for us at the sand bar and had the snorkel equipment ready to go. It was an absolute perfect experience and an amazing day that became the highlight of our trip.

All around fantastic

Tulum charters was all around fantastic!!! We were there for a bachelorette and all 10 of us had the best time and did not want to leave when the charter came to an end. The staff was absolutely amazing, doing anything from folding our towels while we were out swimming to serving us the best lunch and drinks! Truly 10/10 experience and highly recommend everyone to use them.

Thanks for a phenomenal evening on the water

This yacht and its crew were amazing to say the least. They went above and beyond to make sure we felt safe and had the best time ever. The crew were knowledgeable, friendly and super attentive. This was a highlight on our Girlzzzz Trip. I would DEFINITELY use Tulum Charters again!

The staff was absolutely amazing!

I am leaving a five star review, because the staff was absolutely amazing! They were super attentive, professional, and kind. The food was outstanding, and the staff were extremely accommodating. The boat was beautiful and clean. They even had a congratulations sign! How thoughtful:)

The cons/what I wish I would have read ahead of time: The water is extremely rough because of the location. Although they gave an option for us to stay docked, I agreed to continue going out because we had planned to snorkel and I thought perhaps the water would get better but it didn’t. While half of the people on our yacht Did not feel seasick, the other half spent the entire three hours vomiting over the side of the boat. It was the most nauseous and tortured I had ever felt sailing. Note, this was not a particularly rough day per the crew and is normal/better than some days. I have been on many boats around the world. admittedly, I have been seasick before, but nothing compared to this level. If you do book a yacht, I would strongly advise you stay docked or take medicine for seasickness. The crew said that there are people who get sick on almost every trip. I was so sick that even when I got out to snorkel, I couldn’t keep the mask on because I was continually vomiting as I was swimming, which had never ever happened to me and I did not even know was possible. Take this advice as you wish. This has nothing to do with the company or the staff, but simply the conditions of the location where people snorkel in Tulum.

We loved our experience.

We wish we could’ve stayed out longer! The boat was a blast, great speakers, good food, good alcohol and the captain and first mate were so helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone.

Cannot recommend enough!

Everything was just great. The captain and crew were friendly, funny, and very professional. Myself and 4 friends did the 3 hour sunset sail on the catamaran. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was amazing and the bar was really open lol. We were made do feel very welcome and safe at all times.

Staff was great!

Absolutely the best day on our trip to Tulum. Chris was amazing and helpful. I would recommend this tour over any others. Not only is the value great, but the staff was so fun and professional.

Great trip with fantastic crew

Great trip with fantastic crew. We didn’t know how it would be sailing with 3 kids including a 1 year, old but the crew made it all so easy and nice for everyone.

Definitely booking again

Crew were extremely professional and very friendly. The Surf and Turf (beef tenderloin and lobster tail) was delicious! Drinks were good and the sunset was beautiful. Will definitely be booking another sail with this boat (44’ Lagoon catamaran).

Spectacular

From start to finish for this private catamaran experience was spectacular. Chris was very responsive via email during the planning and answered all of my questions. Our crew was the best we have ever had on a catamaran rental. Kind to our children, very attentive, anticipated our needs, and customized the charter to what we wanted to do.

Amazing, safe, fun experience all around!

10/10 experience from booking to saying goodbye to our crew! Chris was super helpful with the booking process and gave clear directions every step of the way. The weather was windy and they called to confirm our trip and give a heads up to try and accommodate new plans. When the weather didn’t cooperate we were given a discount and still had a wonderful experience in the cove. Captain Victor and Max (I believe were their names) were so fun & attentive — making great drinks, food and shots. We had platters and drinks available the second we stepped aboard! They also took time to blow up tubes for us to float in while serving drinks. We had control of the music & the sound was perfect!

Tulum Charters was amazing

I don’t even know where to begin. From the very beginning of my search, to the very end everything was done in a timely and efficient manner. I set this up with Chris, and he responded to my emails right away and made sure I had all the information we needed. The crew was AMAZING and so fun, I felt like we were all on vacation together. Laura specifically was amazing! HIGHLY recommend them for your charter, you won’t regret it. We were there for a bachelorette trip & had the time of our lives.

We had an incredible experience!

The seas were rocky so we actually stayed in the cove and had a blast. The crew was incredible helpful, engaging and so much fun. They made our experience so memorable. Thank you!!!

We had a wonderful time on Tulum Charters

Our three staff members were so friendly, fun and attentive. They even decorated the sail boat for our bride (bachelorette party)! They made sure we had everything we needed and the food was SO yummy!

IT.WAS.AMAZING!!!

We originally booked a 42′ catamaran for a party of 16. A day before, Chris reached out and told us this vessel was having problems and if we were ok, they would put us on a 55′ yacht. We said yes, and am so glad we did. IT.WAS.AMAZING!!! One problem was that there was not enough snorkeling gear on the boat, but we did go in shifts and that worked out fine. I would recommend you check before sailing to ensure that the equipment meets the demands of the group for sanitary reasons. Food, staff, facilities were awesome.

We will definitely reach out and secure another excursion.

Secured another vessel through Tulum Charters. This time we chose the 25 ft. Sea Ray SDX, which made for a fantastic ride. My husband, I, and our family appreciated the knowledgeable Diego and Rodrigo shared about nature, the environment, and specifically the reefs, their conscientiousness about all, and their willingness to educate us, which included accompanying us to the reef for observations. On a small boat a friendly, personable crew is a must, and throughout the excursion Diego and Rodrigo made everyone feel at ease, accommodated our requests, and conversed with all. In the future, if in the area, we will definitely reach out and secure another excursion.

I will book with them again

We had a wonderful time. The crew, the food and drinks were awesome.

We had the best experience!

The crew and food were amazing. On top of that they made my birthday special with a surprise flag and birthday cake.

Would definitely recommend

We had a group of 20 take a 5 hour ride on the 65’ catamaran. It was a blast! The staff was phenomenal, cold drinks and great food. Everyone had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend Tulum Charters for future sails.

Would definitely recommend to friends and be back!

We had the best time with our crew! The food was excellent. The boat crew were so nice and accommodating.

Thanks guys!

We had a wonderful trip on the Lagoon Catamaran. The food was wonderful and the crew was so attentive to our every needs! Thanks guys!

Can’t wait to go back

It was the best experience we had. The Yacht was Beautiful and clean, all you can eat and drink, lol, Food and drinks were delicious . The crew really respectful and attentive making sure we had the best time!! Also really easy to set up the reservation, they answered all my questions right away. Can’t wait to go back. Thank you guys for such an amazing time!!!

I 1000% would recommend

We booked the luxury catamaran for a 5 hour charter for my bachelorette party and it did not disappoint.

The boat was beautiful and clean.

There were generous portions of food, including fruit, ceviche, chicken tacos and even cake! Everything was delicious. We did not leave thirsty or hungry.

The crew was super accommodating and exceeded our expectations. They went above and beyond, taking care of us the entire time. They were friendly and fun.

I would highly recommend this company to anyone visiting Mexico. I hope to go back soon just for these guys!

The food and drinks they served where the best.

The crew was professional, friendly and VERY accommodating. Basically they told us it was our boat, what would you like to do, then we did it.

10000/10 recommend this experience!

This boating experience was the absolute best! The staff was so attentive and kind and made sure to keep us hydrated and fed. They also brought us out snorkeling which was amazing! The chef made delicious fresh cut fruits and chicken fajitas / quesadillas and tequila sunrises were amazing. I felt safe, cared for, and had the best time ever!

I also worked with Chris to schedule pickup and drop off from our airbnb and it couldn’t have been smoother.

We had the best possible time, and can’t wait to come back

My husband and I chartered a catamaran to go snorkeling, and had the best experience with Tulum Charters. Before we stepped foot on the boat, Chris helped us choose the right experience/date/vessel for us, and was great about providing details for what we could expect, with maps and photos of where to meet our team. When we arrived, the boat was gorgeous and in fantastic shape. The crew was knowledgeable, incredibly friendly and extremely capable. The waters were a little choppy as we headed to the snorkeling site, and the crew made sure we were comfortable and having a great time. When we arrived, I decided at the last minute that I’d rather stay on the boat while my husband snorkeled above the coral reef. He went out with one of the crew, Max, who was an excellent and knowledgeable guide. I stayed back and enjoyed the bar and some tunes and the excellent vibes. After a while, my husband came back aboard and we enjoyed some fresh made delicious snacks – guacamole, ceviche, and some sandwiches. The drinks were also fantastic. On our way back, we encountered a big wave unexpectedly, and a quick acting crew member grabbed our backpack and saved it from landing in the ocean! We had the best possible time, and can’t wait to come back and book with Tulum Charters again.

Just book it!

Where do I begin?! First off booking was a breeze and Chris was very responsive and helpful at each step along the way. We booked a 5 hr catamaran and the shuttle service for our group and everything was absolutely seamless. Chris even reached out via email when I missed our cab driver’s call. Now for the boat crew, WHAT A PHENOMENAL CREW!!! We were celebrating my bachelorette and they had the entire boat decorated, sailed a flag that said “Bride”, and even had a surprise cake at the end for me 🙂 They also brought the party and the food was sooo good! Accommodated our party’s allergies and everything. I would recommend this crew and experience to anyone. Please look no further or think twice. Just book it! You’ll have the time of your life!!

We had a BLAST!!!

We had a BLAST!!! Soooooo much fun. The crew was FANTASTIC… the food and drinks AWESOME!!! I would say 10 out of 10. Very professional and fun at the same time. Boat was BEAUTIFUL!!!!

It was absolutely great

10 of us were on the yacht having a time. They took care of us and fed us. The only problem was our communication with transportation, but that was eventually worked out.

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nytimes book review the personal librarian

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Book Reviews

J.p. morgan's personal librarian was a black woman. this is her story..

Karen Grigsby Bates

I have a confession: I am not a fan of the passing trope. From Nella Larsen's 1929 classic, Passing , to the original Imitation of Life (the 1934 movie starred the incomparable Fredi Washington as Peola, the little girl who wanted to be white) to Britt Bennett's 2020 novel The Vanishing Half , the notion of a Black person posing as white to escape her Blackness just felt ... tired.

"Deep down, all Black people want to be white." I heard that in a social psychology class, repeated as if it were a truism. It's not. At several points in childhood and as an adult, I've loved the notion of being rich, but being white? I cannot imagine it. I wouldn't be me.

And that, basically, is at the crux of The Personal Librarian , a new novel by Heather Terrell (writing as Marie Benedict) and Victoria Christopher Murray. Their heroine, Belle Da Costa Greene, was one of the most prominent career women of her time. As the personal librarian to financier J.P.Morgan, she pursued and curated a collection of rare books, manuscripts and art that became world-renowned.

Passing as white causes a family split

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'passing' across the color line in the jazz age.

'The Vanishing Half' Counts The Terrible Costs Of Bigotry And Secrecy

What the world didn't know was that Belle Da Costa Greene was Black. Or, in the parlance of the day, colored. Greene was born into a prominent family of pale Black Washingtonians in 1883. Her parents were intellectuals. Her father, Richard T. Greener, was the first Black graduate of Harvard. He was also an ardent race man, and spent his life pressing for racial equality. Greene's mother, Genevieve Fleet, determined that racial equality wasn't going to happen in her lifetime, and after the family's move to New York, she declared them white in the 1905 NY State Census. That subterfuge became the cause of a huge rift — her parents separated, and Belle's family subsequently lived as white.

Belle Marion Greener became Belle Da Costa Greene — the Da Costa name an allusion to a fabricated Portuguese grandmother, a convenient explanation for Belle's olive complexion. (Contemporary portraits show an attractive woman who many Black people would immediately recognize as kindred; apparently Gilded Age white folks were easier to fool.)

Belle meets J.P.

The family's entire fortunes — where they lived, their occupations, everything — were completely dependent on Belle's white identity, as her mother constantly reminded her. When she became friends with financier J. Pierpont Morgan's nephew when they both worked in the rare books library at Princeton, young Morgan suggested to his uncle that he consider Belle as his personal librarian. In an interview, something about the young woman's intelligence and humor appealed to Morgan: She was hired on the spot.

As the two began to work closely together, Morgan came to trust Belle's vision and expertise. He knew that under her astute eye his collection would be more than an assortment of rarities only one of the world's richest men could acquire. Belle could provide an important missing link: context. And indeed, the Morgan Library became known as a private collection of rare books, manuscripts and art that competed with esteemed public institutions such as the British Museum. As the literal face of the library, Belle became a power in her own right, courted by art dealers, embraced by the socially powerful, profiled as an elegant careerist at a time when working women were rare.

Paying a price for a new life

But as Benedict and Murray show, there was a terrible cost to maintaining that façade. Belle was cut off from her beloved extended family in DC: "Once Mama made the decision that we would live as white," she says. "We could not take the risk." And while she had many lovers (including famed art historian Bernard Berenson), she could marry none:

I've always known that, because of my heritage, a traditional relationship would not be possible for me ... because a marriage means children, and that is something I cannot hazard. Without the fairer skin of my siblings, I could never risk bearing a child whose skin color might reveal my deception.

Benedict, who is white, and Murray, who is African American, do a good job of depicting the tightrope Belle walked, and her internal conflict from both sides — wanting to adhere to her mother's wishes and move through the world as white even as she longed to show her father she was proud of her race. Like Belle and her employer, Benedict and Murray had almost instant chemistry, and as a result, the book's narrative is seamless. And despite my aversion to the passing trope, I became hooked.

Belle Da Costa Greene is not front and center of the Morgan Library's story now. But she will be much more visible when The Morgan celebrates its centennial as a public institution in 2024. Which is fitting, as it was she who persuaded Jack Morgan to donate his father's astonishing library to the city. It's a gift that honors J.P. Morgan, his descendants — and the personal librarian who was critical to the Morgan's success.

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THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN

by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2021

Strangely stuffy and muted.

The little-known story of the Black woman who supervised J. Pierpont Morgan’s storied library.

It's 1905, and financier J.P. Morgan is seeking a librarian for his burgeoning collection of rare books and classical and Renaissance artworks. Belle da Costa Greene, with her on-the-job training at Princeton University, seems the ideal candidate. But Belle has a secret: Born Belle Marion Greener, she is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard, and she's passing as White. Her mother, Genevieve, daughter of a prominent African American family in Washington, D.C., decided on moving to New York to live as White to expand her family’s opportunities. Richard, an early civil rights advocate, was so dismayed by Genevieve’s decision that he left the family. As Belle thrives in her new position, the main source of suspense is whether her secret will be discovered. But the stakes are low—history discloses that the career-ending exposure she feared never came. There are close calls. J.P. is incensed with her but not because of her race: She considered buying a Matisse. Anne Morgan, J.P.’s disgruntled daughter, insinuates that Belle has “tropical roots,” but Belle is perfectly capable of leveraging Anne’s own secrets against her. Leverage is a talent of Belle’s, and her ruthless negotiating prowess—not to mention her fashion sense and flirtatious mien—wins her grudging admiration and a certain notoriety in the all-White and male world of curators and dealers. Though instructive about both the Morgan collection and racial injustice, the book is exposition-laden and its dialogue is stilted—the characters, particularly Belle, tend to declaim rather than discuss. The real Belle left scant records, so the authors must flesh out her personal life, particularly her affair with Renaissance expert Bernard Berenson and the sexual tension between Belle and Morgan. But Belle’s mask of competence and confidence, so ably depicted, distances readers from her internal clashes, just as her veneer must have deterred close inquiry in real life.

Pub Date: June 29, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-593-10153-7

Page Count: 352

Publisher: Berkley

Review Posted Online: March 30, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2021

HISTORICAL FICTION | GENERAL FICTION

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by Marie Benedict

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New York Times Bestseller

by Kristin Hannah ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

A dramatic, vividly detailed reconstruction of a little-known aspect of the Vietnam War.

A young woman’s experience as a nurse in Vietnam casts a deep shadow over her life.

When we learn that the farewell party in the opening scene is for Frances “Frankie” McGrath’s older brother—“a golden boy, a wild child who could make the hardest heart soften”—who is leaving to serve in Vietnam in 1966, we feel pretty certain that poor Finley McGrath is marked for death. Still, it’s a surprise when the fateful doorbell rings less than 20 pages later. His death inspires his sister to enlist as an Army nurse, and this turn of events is just the beginning of a roller coaster of a plot that’s impressive and engrossing if at times a bit formulaic. Hannah renders the experiences of the young women who served in Vietnam in all-encompassing detail. The first half of the book, set in gore-drenched hospital wards, mildewed dorm rooms, and boozy officers’ clubs, is an exciting read, tracking the transformation of virginal, uptight Frankie into a crack surgical nurse and woman of the world. Her tensely platonic romance with a married surgeon ends when his broken, unbreathing body is airlifted out by helicopter; she throws her pent-up passion into a wild affair with a soldier who happens to be her dead brother’s best friend. In the second part of the book, after the war, Frankie seems to experience every possible bad break. A drawback of the story is that none of the secondary characters in her life are fully three-dimensional: Her dismissive, chauvinistic father and tight-lipped, pill-popping mother, her fellow nurses, and her various love interests are more plot devices than people. You’ll wish you could have gone to Vegas and placed a bet on the ending—while it’s against all the odds, you’ll see it coming from a mile away.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9781250178633

Page Count: 480

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: Nov. 4, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2023

FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | GENERAL FICTION | HISTORICAL FICTION

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by Kristin Hannah

PERSPECTIVES

BOOK TO SCREEN

LONG ISLAND

by Colm Tóibín ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2024

A moving portrait of rueful middle age and the failure to connect.

An acclaimed novelist revisits the central characters of his best-known work.

At the end of Brooklyn (2009), Eilis Lacey departed Ireland for the second and final time—headed back to New York and the Italian American husband she had secretly married after first traveling there for work. In her hometown of Enniscorthy, she left behind Jim Farrell, a young man she’d fallen in love with during her visit, and the inevitable gossip about her conduct. Tóibín’s 11th novel introduces readers to Eilis 20 years later, in 1976, still married to Tony Fiorello and living in the titular suburbia with their two teenage children. But Eilis’ seemingly placid existence is disturbed when a stranger confronts her, accusing Tony of having an affair with his wife—now pregnant—and threatening to leave the baby on their doorstep. “She’d known men like this in Ireland,” Tóibín writes. “Should one of them discover that their wife had been unfaithful and was pregnant as a result, they would not have the baby in the house.” This shock sends Eilis back to Enniscorthy for a visit—or perhaps a longer stay. (Eilis’ motives are as inscrutable as ever, even to herself.) She finds the never-married Jim managing his late father’s pub; unbeknownst to Eilis (and the town), he’s become involved with her widowed friend Nancy, who struggles to maintain the family chip shop. Eilis herself appears different to her old friends: “Something had happened to her in America,” Nancy concludes. Although the novel begins with a soap-operatic confrontation—and ends with a dramatic denouement, as Eilis’ fate is determined in a plot twist worthy of Edith Wharton—the author is a master of quiet, restrained prose, calmly observing the mores and mindsets of provincial Ireland, not much changed from the 1950s.

Pub Date: May 7, 2024

ISBN: 9781476785110

Page Count: 304

Publisher: Scribner

Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024

LITERARY FICTION | HISTORICAL FICTION | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | GENERAL FICTION

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by Colm Tóibín

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clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian had two identities. It took two authors to tell her story.

Historical fiction writer Heather Terrell (who also writes under the name Marie Benedict) was introduced to Belle da Costa Greene between bookshelves at New York’s Morgan Library over 20 years ago. The docent — whom she has tried to find since — told her about a Black woman who passed as White and worked as J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian in the early 1900s. Terrell wasn’t yet writing historical fiction about women — she was a lawyer — but the story lingered in the back of her head.

Once she read Black author Victoria Christopher Murray’s work two years ago, she knew she found the partner she was waiting for to tackle da Costa Greene’s story. To write about a Black woman who passed as non-Black with an author she had never met was a process, especially when the editing coincided with the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and a pandemic .

Female-centered historical novels are dogged by questions of accuracy. Hence the author’s note.

The Washington Post talked to Terrell and Murray about what it was like to work on “ The Personal Librarian ” when so much of the world was falling apart.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: I feel like any kind of collaboration is difficult — especially when you’re crafting one character. How is creating a fictional narrative arc possible in conjunction with another mind?

Murray : I had written six other novels with another author. So I always say that I’m in the Guinness Book of World Records. A lot of people, after they write one book with an author, they never want to see that person again. So I’m in the Guinness Book of World Records, because I got the two best writing partners ever. It was so easy. You have a person to talk through everything with. When we finished “The Personal Librarian” and I had to start my next book, I felt so alone.

Terrell: I felt adrift.

Murray : Exactly! I know from the outside it looks like it’s something that’s very difficult to do. But when you find your soul mate writing partner, it is almost easier to write with them than to write alone.

Where did Agatha Christie go when she disappeared in 1926? Here’s one theory.

Q: Can you talk about beginning the editing process in June of 2020? What was it like to edit a book about a Black woman who existed during a time of intense racial strife during another time of intense racial strife and solitude?

Murray : It was — I don’t even know the words — it was a safe place for me to land. Every day, when we got on the phone, we got to see each other. As we were talking and editing together, we would just say, this is why Belle passed as White. This is why she did it. We spent the first hour of every day talking about the situation that was going on around us. We were talking about the world and then we talked about the book.

Terrell: We knew before we wrote the book that the parallels were clear. Belle’s father fought for equality in the years of reconstruction after the Civil War. He was a big advocate of the Civil Rights Act of 1875, and he fought alongside people who are maybe a little bit better-known, like Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. And in response to this promise of equality, there was a horrible explosion of racism in our country — segregation and Jim Crow laws. And that’s what Belle had to deal with. That’s why she was forced to pass as White. The dream her father had of this equal world where people would be judged according to their merits and not the color of their skin, that promise kind of disappeared as Belle became an adult.

Here we are envisioning Belle’s world and her place and the really terrible, hard decisions she had to make to put her father’s legacy and teachings in her past. And at the same time, the same things are happening in our own world. So every day, we’re processing the modern explosion of racism, which had been going on but it was becoming more and more apparent. Belle’s life, at least for me, became more alive, more real. But for me personally, every day I’m looking at the world through Victoria’s eyes and Belle’s eyes. And I am just getting angry.

Murray : It was a horrible experience, but what was also so great about it is how we both knew how Belle felt. Because now we didn’t have to imagine it, we were living it. I mean, once I read about Belle da Costa Greene, I knew what she was going through. I knew that every day she went out of her house wearing a mask. I knew all the questions and things that she had to have inside, but she couldn’t ask out loud. Heather always says, “Belle could never be her authentic self.”

20 books to read this summer

Q: For Marie, why did you decide to take on a co-author? For Victoria, I would love to hear your perspective on the #ownvoices wave in the book world [identifying diverse books written by members of that group] and how that might operate in conjunction with Black Lives Matter and this book.

Terrell: Belle da Costa Green has been hovering at the periphery of my imagination for decades. Once I turned to writing exclusively about historical women, she was always there. But it did not feel right or appropriate for me to try and tell the story of a Black woman without a Black woman. I think, as an author of fiction, you can envision a lot. But there are certain stories that deserve to have a storyteller who has had those experiences themselves or had similar.

This was a leap that I didn’t want to take or feel like it was right to take myself. I feel so blessed — I literally picture Victoria and I holding hands and leaping over that abyss together. And I am so fortunate that she took that leap with me.

Murray : I just honor Heather for even thinking, maybe I should include Belle’s other authentic voice — because Belle did live partially as a White woman. Most of the time, [Black] voices are not heard. That’s where the #ownvoices matter comes in — because so often, other people have been trying to tell our stories. And when people tell our stories, the stories are watered down.

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Q: We’ve talked about how much Victoria’s voice was needed in bringing Belle to life. But because she navigated so much of the world as a “White” woman, do you think Marie’s perspective was also needed to create this narrative?

Murray : I do not believe that a Black woman could have done justice to Belle, just as I believe a White woman couldn’t have done her justice either. We had to find a way to blend these two lives together for her and that’s what I think we did.

Terrell: But at the end of the day, when Belle put her head down on her pillow, she was a Black woman. She had to wear a White mask to survive in this racist world. She was really brought up by both of her parents to celebrate her Black heritage and the importance of equality. It was very important to us to find a place for Belle to be her authentic self. She never had a family of her own. She couldn’t, because she couldn’t risk what her child might look like. I spent a lot of time thinking about the sacrifices, sacrifice of her culture, sacrifice of her heritage, sacrifice of her personal choices, her family, in order to succeed in the world and pass. Victoria helped me understand what that weight would have been like.

Q: What do you hope readers get from this book?

Terrell : Our greatest hope is that White and Black readers have the experience of reading the book, seeing the different sides of Belle’s life and coming together to have their own frank conversations. I think it’s only in having those honest conversations, owning our own authentic views and experiences, that we can actually cross a divide.

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Reading Ladies

The personal librarian [book review].

June 25, 2021

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Genre/Categories/Setting: Biographical Historical Fiction, African-American Women, the Gilded Age, New York City, Passing as White

N*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyWritesStrongWomen #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary eARC upon my request. All opinions are my own.

The Personal Librarian is the fictionalized biography of Belle da Casta Greene , personal librarian to business tycoon, John Pierpont Morgan .  Belle curates a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for the Pierpont Morgan Library . In addition to becoming powerful in the art and book world, Belle develops a reputation as a shrewd negotiator and earns her place in New York Society. However, she has a well-guarded secret…..she is passing as white.

My Thoughts:

Writing:  The Personal Librarian is told in a straightforward chronological timeline (with some childhood flashbacks) from one perspective. I love historical fiction when it’s based on a real person and her accomplishment(s). Readers can depend on Marie Benedict for a well-researched story. Because Belle lived a private life and burned her private correspondence to guard her secret, the authors had limited primary documents and had to heavily imagine parts of Belle’s story. I love that Benedict teamed with Victoria Murray for adding authenticity to Belle’s voice as she wrestles with the costs and consequences of passing as white. Although the history is informative and interesting, it’s Belle’s reflections that are the most compelling parts of the story.

Belle is a fascinating, smart, determined, driven, and clever young woman who is driven by success (instilled in her by her mother) as she makes her way in a male-dominated and racist world. She is a bit aloof and always on guard to protect her secret and this doesn’t make her entirely likable but I do admire her, and hearing her (imagined) perspective helps me better understand the challenges and racism she faced.

Recommended: I’m recommending The Personal Librarian for fans of well-researched and well-written historical fiction, for readers who love inspirational stories of real women taking risks and facing and overcoming challenges, and for book clubs.

Related: You might also like The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe, the fictionalized biography of a woman who attends Vassar while passing as white.

My Rating: 4 Stars

The Personal Librarian Information Here.

Meet the Authors, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

Is The Personal Librarian on your TBR or have you read it?

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32 comments.

Lovely review Carol.❤📚

Thanks Sandy! 🙌

Yes, this is not only a good book, but an important one as well. Too bad it wasn’t released on Juneteenth! My review will come out on the 29th – publication day.

Looking forward to your review Davida!

Sounds good and what a glorious cover!

It’s a fascinating story!

Such an interesting story, one that you wouldn’t think about. Great review!

Thanks! It’s a fascinating story!

This one has been on my radar. Glad to see your review!

[…] ***UPDATE: 4 Stars. Historical Fiction. Interesting. Full review here. […]

[…] The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Murray […]

Great review, it really sounds well done!

I think the passing as white would take a tremendous amount of courage and daring!

This one sounds interesting!

A fascinating woman!

This book sounds excellent. I can’t wait to read it!

Susan http://www.blogginboutbooks.com

Great review! I love library settings.

And this is an extraordinary library!

This sounds like a very interesting story. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to leave with the fear of discovery hanging over your head all the time. I will have to see if my library has this one. Great review, Carol.

It’s a fascinating story Carla. It reminded me of The Gilded Years, the story of the first black woman to attend Vassar while passing as white. So intense.

Well written historical fiction novel. We have also reviewed this novel. Do read our review and share your comments https://gobookmart.com/the-personal-librarian-by-marie-benedict-and-victoria-christopher-murray/

I’m on the waitlist at the public library for The Personal Librarian. Having read Marie Benedict’s The Other Einstein, I look forward to reading another one of her novels. I’m intrigued by books written by two people. I’d love to know more about the process Ms. Benedict and Ms. Murray used to bring the various facets of this story together. I can’t wait to read it!

I hope you enjoy this fascinating story Janet!

[…] THIRD DEGREE: Another fascinating story about a young woman living in New York City (with connections to a library) features Belle in The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. […]

[…] * * * The Last Chance Library The Paris Library The Lost and Found Bookshop The Jane Austen Society The Bookish Life of Nina Hill The Library of Lost and Found The Night of Many Endings Cloud Cuckoo Land The Personal Librarian […]

[…] Bookish Life of Nina Hill The Library of Lost and Found The Night of Many Endings Cloud Cuckoo Land The Personal Librarian 84, Charing Cross […]

[…] together and how it challenged and grew their friendship. They coauthored one book before this one, The Personal Librarian. I’m eager to see what they do […]

[…] The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray […]

[…] I haven’t read Victoria Murray’s solo work, but I can highly recommend the two books she has co-authored with Marie Benedict, The First Ladies and The Personal Librarian. […]

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The Personal Librarian

By marie benedict and victoria murray.

Book review, full book summary and synopsis for The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Murray, a historical fiction novel about the black woman who became J. P. Morgan's personal librarian.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of Belle da Costa Greene, who is hired by J. P. Morgan to serve as the curator and librarian of his newly-constructed library, the Pierpont Morgan Library. As she acquires valuable works and becomes a society darling, she worries about keeping her secret -- that she's a black woman passing as white.

In this story about a truly unique woman, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray have offers a narrative about a woman finding her place in a world where she must hide her true identity.

(The Full Plot Summary is also available, below)

Full Plot Summary

The one-paragraph version: Belle de Costa Greene is a light-skinned black woman who is passing as white. She gets a job as J. P. Morgan's personal librarian for his newly constructed Pierpont Morgan Library in 1906. Over many years, she works to acquire and curate J. P. Morgan's collection of rare and ancient works and art, and she eventually becomes indispensable to him, even required to attend family events. They have a mutual attraction, but she decides against pursuing it. When Mr. Morgan passes away in 1913, he provides for Belle in his will, and she stays on as librarian. The book ends with Belle successfully convincing Jack (J. P. Morgan's son) to make the library public in the early 1920's.

Belle de Costa Greene is a light-skinned black woman who is passing as white. Her birth name is Belle Marion Greener . She is the daughter of Genevieve Fleet , woman from a prominent black family, and Richard Greener , a civil rights activist. Belle's parents separated because of Genevieve's decision to have their family pass as white. Belle is working at as a librarian at Princeton University when the cousin of infamous banker J. P. Morgan refers her for a job as J. P. Morgan's personal librarian for his newly-constructed Pierpont Morgan Library .

Belle starts the job in 1906, moving back to New York to live with her mother and siblings, all of whom are also passing as white. Over time, Belle gains the trust of Mr. Morgan and greater responsibilities. As she makes major acquisitions, it raises Belle's profile when she is featured in newspaper articles as a woman succeeding in an entirely male industry and building up an impressive collection of works. Belle is flirtatious and ostentatious, which makes her a society darling. The job also improves the financial security of her family as Belle is given multiple raises.

However, Mr. Morgan's daughter Anne Morgan continues to be wary of Belle. On multiple occasions, she asks Belle about rumors about her heritage (Belle claims to be of Portuguese descent). To fend her off, Belle counters by saying that she has also heard rumors about Anne -- that Anne is in a relationship with two other women, Miss Elsie de Wolfe and Miss Bessie Marbury .

Through her job, Belle meets Bernard Berenson, who wrote a book of art history that Belle's father had gifted her as a child. Though he is older than her, married and lives in Italy, Belle finds herself attracted to Bernard. When she learns that he's in an open marriage, Belle allows herself to pursue a romance with him. Eventually, however, when she's on a work trip to Europe, she becomes pregnant by him. He demands that she get an abortion. When it goes poorly and she is hospitalized for two days, he doesn't go to see her. Belle returns to New York heartbroken.

When Belle's grandmother on her mom's side dies, they finally go back to D.C., where the Fleet family lives, for a visit. For a long time now, they've had to stay away in order to distance themselves from their black ancestry. Later, Belle learns that her mother wasn't always set on passing as white. Belle's father Richard had been hired as a professor at a newly-integrated university when they were younger. They both became involved in activism for equal rights upon seeing the resistance people had to being de-segregated. However, eventually most Reconstruction-era policies were dismantled. The university went back to being whites-only, and Richard and Genevieve left with people spitting and throwing garbage at them. It was that experience that launched Richard's civil rights career, but it also led Genevieve to believe that the only way to survive was to take advantage of their light skin and pass as white.

In present day, since she began working for him, Mr. Morgan's most desired work had been the William Caxton edition of Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur . When Belle finally acquires it in 1911, they both give into their mutual attraction and share a kiss. However, Belle decides that a romantic relationship is not a good idea, given Mr. Morgan's history of cycling through mistresses. Afterwards, it causes her relationship with him to change as he becomes increasingly needy and jealous.

In 1913, Mr. Morgan passes away. He leaves Belle $50,000, which is enough to provide financial security for her family for the rest of their lives. After Mr. Morgan's death, his son Jack takes over the running of the library. Jack recognizes how valuable Belle has been for the library and keeps her on as librarian. Additionally, Anne's paramour Bessie encourages Anne to accept Belle, and Anne makes her peace with Belle.

Belle briefly reconnects with her father, and she tells him about her conflicting feelings about passing as white. But he recognizes that doing so allows her to do meaningful work, and he encourages to stay on her path if it allows her to keep doing it. Belle then starts to think about her legacy and how turning the library from a private collection into a public institution would make her work more meaningful. Meanwhile, Belle has been seeing Bernard again, but ends up realizing how selfish and uncaring he has been towards her and breaks things off with him.

The book ends with Belle successfully convincing Jack to make the library public. Many years later, as she burns all her records (to protect her identity and her life's work by extension), she wonders if people will someday learn that the personal librarian to J. P. Morgan was a black woman.

For more detail, see the full Section-by-Section Summary .

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Book Review

The Personal Librarian tells the story of Belle de Costa Greene, a black woman who became the personal librarian to the famed banker J. P. Morgan by passing as white. While the book is historical fiction, Belle de Costa Greene was a real person who managed to achieve a status in society that was noteworthy, even if she didn’t have to overcome the limits of race.

Authored by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, The Personal Library draws from a lot of historical events and pulls in many real-life details about Belle’s life. There’s clearly a lot of research that went into this novel, and Belle becoming so successful as a black woman in a white male field is an innately interesting story in and of itself.

An Artist’s Sketch of Belle de Costa Greene

That said, the book as a whole is a little slow-going. The actual story running through it is a bit sparse, likely due to a lack of sufficient detail about Belle’s life, so it gets spread out fairly thin throughout the book. I don’t doubt that Belle was a fascinating woman in person, but in some parts of the book it felt like the writers were struggling to put together enough of a storyline to make it into a book.

Read it or Skip it?

I think lovers of historical fiction who don’t mind reading a somewhat leisurely-paced novel will enjoy this book. The book did go by a little slowly for my tastes, but overall it represents such a unique little slice of history that I enjoyed it all the same.

This is definitely one where I’d recommend reading the Historical Notes at the end if you’re going to read it!

See The Personal Librarian on Amazon.

The Personal Librarian Audiobook

Narrated by : Robin Miles Length : 12 hours 22 minutes

Hear a sample of The Personal Librarian audiobook on Libro.fm.

Book Excerpt

Read the first pages of The Personal Librarian

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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—her complexion is dark because she is African American.

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.

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I have enjoyed this book very much. I read the reviews and it confirmed my sense that the book was moving at a slow pace. I always wonder if this just me or do others feels this too. It did no diminish t my enjoyment of the book. I would definite recommend this book.

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Book Review: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Title: The Personal Librarian Authors: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray Publisher: Berkley Publication date: June 29, 2021 Length: 347 pages Genre: Historical fiction Source: Purchased

The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian—who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, from  New York Times  bestselling author Marie Benedict and acclaimed author 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 on the New York society scene 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 build 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—her complexion is dark because she is African American. The Personal Librarian  tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths to which she must go—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

The Personal Librarian is a fictionalized depiction of the life of historical figure Belle da Costa Greene, a powerful figure in the New York art and rare book world of the early 20th century. A novel about Belle should have been powerful, but instead, it left me cold (and very tempted to DNF).

The set-up is intriguing: Belle’s family is Black, and her father is a renowned, outspoken figure in the fight for racial equality, justice, and civil rights. Yet (according to the novel), her mother realizes that her light-skinned children will have a better shot at successful lives, free from the rampant racism, violence, and segregation of their time, if they pass as white.

From her teens onward, Belle presents herself socially and professionally as white, and uses an invented Portuguese ancestor (and the invented name “da Costa”) as a way to explain her darker complexion. She makes connections while working at the Princeton library that lead her to J. P. Morgan, whose driving ambition is to create an unrivaled personal library full of rare and valuable treasures. When he hires Belle as his personal librarian, her ascent to influence, social acceptance, and power in the world of collectors and dealers gets its start.

Belle’s story should have been fascinating, but I have a feeling I would have been better off reading a biography rather than reading this novel. Too much is invented or assumed. Belle’s internal musings on race and identity provide the background for her decisions and actions throughout the book, but given that the real-life Belle destroyed all her papers and letters before her death, we can’t actually know what she was thinking or feeling.

There’s a romance (of sorts) with a married man that lasts for years of Belle’s life, and this is documented in real life through her letters to him (which he kept, while she destroyed any letters that she’d received) — but the fictionalized version of this story makes assumptions and adds incidents that apparently are not established by more than speculation.

Beyond the question of fact versus fiction, I simply did not enjoy the writing. I felt at arm’s length from Belle throughout, and frankly, I was often bored. The writing is surface-level, jumps ahead by months at a time, and didn’t let me feel connected to Belle as a person. Her emotions are understandable only because we’re told what she’s feeling, not because they’re tangible in any way.

Reading this book made me ponder a bit too about what I appreciate in historical fiction — and what I don’t. In general, I think I appreciate historical fiction more when it focuses on ordinary/unknown people in historical settings, even up to and including brushes with or relationships with real people, rather than taking a historical figure and inventing thoughts and feelings for them that may be nothing more than speculation. I’m sure this factors into why I didn’t especially care for The Personal Librarian .

As I’ve mentioned, Belle herself seems like a fascinating historical figure. You can read more about her via the Morgan Library & Museum’s website, here . I’ve given The Personal Librarian three stars — I’m glad that this book introduced me to Belle’s life, even if it didn’t particularly work for me as a reading experience.

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10 thoughts on “ book review: the personal librarian by marie benedict and victoria christopher murray ”.

It’s a fascinating story! I thought a bit dry. It must be difficult to write a story without a lot of primary source information. I appreciate that she cowrote this with an own voices author. They also wrote The First Ladies which you may find more engaging!

Thanks for the recommendation. I have read a couple of Marie Benedict’s book before and enjoyed them, but I don’t know how excited I’d be to read another just yet.

I think her writing partner livens up her writing a bit! I think you’d love First Ladies!

I do like the sound of Belle’s story, but it’s too bad the book just wasn’t engaging enough to really like.

Yes… she herself is fascinating, and I’ve been finding all sorts of interesting articles about her online!

That’s too bad. Belle’s story is so interesting I was hoping this book would be better. I struggle with historical fiction when it’s centered around a real person rather than an interesting event or time period, maybe because I’d rather just read a really good biography rather than a fictionalized story about them.

I think we have the same preferences. I’m glad to have been introduced to Belle, but didn’t feel like I could actually rely on this book to give me a real picture of who she was and what her impact was.

Oh well… not every book is for everyone. I really enjoyed it.

I’m glad you did! 🙂 I appreciated learning about Belle, but something about the approach just did not work for me.

Well, it wasn’t Benedict’s best book, but I wonder if collaborating might have been part of the problem.

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BookBrowse Reviews The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

Summary  |  Excerpt  |  Reading Guide  |  Reviews  |  Beyond the book  |  Read-Alikes  |  Genres & Themes  |  Author Bio

by Marie Benedict , Victoria Christopher Murray

Critics' Opinion:

Readers' Opinion:

• Historical Fiction
• Mid-Atlantic, USA
• New York State
• Early 20th Century
• Black Authors
• Strong Women
• Books about Books
• Top 20 Best Books of 2021

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A fictional glimpse into the life of Belle da Costa Greene, a Black woman passing as white who managed banker J.P. Morgan's private library.

The Personal Librarian drew a robust positive response from our First Impressions reviewers, receiving a rating of 4 or 5 stars from 70 out of 77 readers. The book is a collaboration between the novelists Marie Benedict and Victoria Murray. What the book is about: The fascinating story of Belle da Costa Greene begins for the reader in 1905. She went from working at the library at Princeton University to becoming the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan. Even though her father was the first African American man to graduate from Harvard University, she lived her whole life as a white woman (Elizabeth K). The story provides a fascinating look at the process of building and collecting a library of rare books, manuscripts and art. But, it is also the story of a beautiful, intelligent and witty black woman, living as white (Sherilyn R). Readers enjoyed peering into the world of art and antiquities in early-1900s New York high society. The characters with whom Belle mingles have volumes written about them — Vanderbilt, Elsie de Wolfe, Lillian Russell, Oscar Wilde, Steichen, Stieglitz, Bernard Berenson and of course the collector himself, J.P. Morgan (Margaret S). I found the book to be particularly interesting in the descriptions of the sumptuousness of the library, the fashions of the time, the paintings and other artifacts owned by the Morgans and their friends, and the preciousness of the manuscripts and tomes sought for the collection (Dorinne D). Many were pleased to discover a captivating protagonist based on a fascinating real-life figure. I came to love the heroine's balance of professional chutzpah and vulnerable heart (Jessamyn R). Belle da Costa Greene was, historically, a very powerful woman and yet has never crossed my radar. The authors describe a woman of great intelligence, style and depth one can never know enough about (Carole A). This portrayal of the diminutive (in stature only) Greene and her ability to navigate a purely (white) man's world with her wit, tenacity and intelligence is unforgettable (Patricia L). Some felt the book dragged at times despite its interesting characters and subject matter. I felt that the characters were well-drawn, but thought that the book moved very slowly from major issue to major issue without sufficient build-up to propel the story forward (Erica M). The style of writing in this book reflects the restricted customs and repressed emotions... which makes it a slower and perhaps less exciting read (Karen W). However, readers saw the novel's great potential for stimulating book club discussions, with some suggesting it would pair well with Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half . This book is an interesting counterpoint to The Vanishing Half , since the time and financial status are so different (Karen W). Coincidentally, both of my book groups had just finished reading and discussing The Vanishing Half . Hours could be spent discussing these two books together, even though they are different in many ways. This is a terrific book club book (Marianne D). Ultimately, reviewers felt that The Personal Librarian is an important work for its social and political context, with many layers that make it worth the read. Focusing on both racial and gender rights in the first half of the 20th century, the story line shows both the progress we've made and the work still ahead. I feel certain that both book clubs I'm involved in — one for women only and the other for both men and women — would be pleased with this selection (Patricia E). The Personal Librarian not only shows us how far we have come in our struggle against racial inequality and injustice, but also reminds us how much more is left to be done. ... It's a great story and the discussion possibilities are endless (Christine P).

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'Personal Librarian' tells pioneer's tale through mix of fact and fiction

Personal Librarian 

Authors: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray 

Berkley, 347 pages, $27 

Imagine being a young woman in the early 1900s with the moxie to convince the American titan of industry and finance, J.P. Morgan, to hire you as his personal librarian over candidates with stronger credentials. Imagine this young woman is a light-skinned Black American passing herself off as white. 

This is the premise of the recently-published historical novel, “Personal Librarian,” by bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. With meticulous research, the authors have created a fictionalized, intimate portrait of the real-life Belle da Costa Greene, a person you’ve probably never heard of. In her time — early to mid-20th century — she was famous and celebrated in the international world of fine art and rare books. How she accomplished this is told through a seamless blending of fact and fiction that kept me hooked throughout the reading. 

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At the age of 20, Belle’s life began in earnest when she was introduced to the fierce and fabulously wealthy Morgan by his nephew. At her mother’s urging and to her father’s dismay, Belle elected to discard her real name, Belle Marion Greener, for the pseudonym she lived with for the rest of her life. This was not a capricious move. In Belle’s time gender bias and racism were especially rampant, certainly in the rarified circles in which Morgan moved. His was a world apart from Belle’s true heritage, though she hailed from an educated family (her father was the first Black American Harvard graduate) and she herself was college-educated. 

While social issues are a thread of this book, the main thrust is the life Belle made for herself through her wit, intelligence, and single-minded determination to succeed at all costs. There were costs. Her father, a civil rights activist whom she dearly loved, abandoned Belle, her mother and siblings after they decided to live as a white family. Belle had to guard every word, move and emotion to avoid betraying her true ethnicity and ending a life and financial prosperity few people — Black or white — had achieved in that time. 

When Belle first met Morgan he owned a large collection of rare manuscripts, books and artwork. He hired Belle to organize and expand these works into a world-class Pierpont Morgan Library. His ambition was boundless, as was his wallet. Belle soon proved herself by acquiring priceless ancient works in New York, London and Paris out from under the noses of battle-hardened brokers and dealers — all older men. Over time she became accepted and acclaimed in these circles and she adopted upper-class style and demeanor. Morgan gave her more and more responsibility and came to depend on her. The book suggests there was no intimate relationship between them, though there were temptations on both sides. 

Belle stayed with the library after Morgan’s death in 1913 and, working with his son, ultimately transformed the private library into a public treasure of fine art, literature and music which remains on Madison Avenue in New York to this day. 

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy superbly researched and written historical fiction, especially the depiction of life in America in the early 1900s. This book is an excellent read for fans of stories of women who have struggled and triumphed against all odds. 

Jacksonville author Claudia N. Oltean (“Media Skills — The Lawyer as Spokesperson”) is working on a two-book historical fiction series set during Prohibition. 

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“The Personal Librarian” By Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: A Review

August 22, 2021 by Cassie Wefald

Home » Blog » “The Personal Librarian” By Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: A Review

by Marcia Allen, Collection Services Librarian

Remarkable achievement? Absolutely. Belle was a woman in what was considered a man’s world of acquiring valuable manuscripts and rare books. She developed a reputation as a shrewd assessor and dealer and attended international auctions at Morgan’s behest. Together, she and Morgan built a world-famous collection of rare books, as well as documentation and cataloguing to accompany it.

Even more stunning is Belle’s racial background. Belle’s father was an African American educator and activist who graduated from Harvard. Belle’s mother, hoping to provide advantages for herself and her children, identified the family as Portuguese rather than Black, thus avoiding racial barriers. Belle’s father was greatly offended by this misrepresentation and gradually distanced himself from the family. Belle, however, followed her mother’s wishes, as well as her mother’s determination that the girl become a great scholar. Throughout her life, Belle hid her racial background and carefully guarded her personal life.

What do authors Benedict and Murray offer in their fictional account of Belle’s life? First of all, they adhere to factual accounts of events in Belle’s life. They rely heavily on Heidi Ardizzone’s biography of Belle entitled “ An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene’s Journey from Prejudice to Privilege .” In researching that book and others, they learned how Morgan gradually began to trust Belle, sending her to auctions at his request and celebrating her acquisitions of treasured works. They learned of Belle’s affair with the married art historian, Bernard Berenson. They learned of Belle’s awkward relationship with Morgan’s daughter Anne, who may have discovered that Belle was Black, but who also had secrets of her own due to her lesbian relationships.

Beyond the careful research, the authors do a wonderful job of bringing Belle’ personality to life. That first interview with the gruff J.P. Morgan shows us a young woman who is not only knowledgeable about rare books, but who is also confident of her skills and not intimidated by Morgan’s reputation. Further interactions with wealthy personalities of the times demonstrate her grace and conversational ease. She quickly adapts to the expectations of the upper class and convinces the wealthy she is Morgan’s worthy emissary.

Some of the best sections of this book demonstrate her spunk. When Morgan’s daughter Anne tries to intimidate Belle with references to some kind of Greene family background in the tropics, Belle assures her that this is not so and also tells Anne she has ignored rumors of Anne’s friendship with a notorious character. When Belle learns that her lover Bernard Berenson had shared her secret Morgan collection plans with unethical art dealers, she accuses him of treachery and leaves him. Thus, the authors create memorable scenes in which Belle proves her strength of character.

To be sure, some of the scenes in the book have taken liberties with facts. This is because Belle destroyed her personal correspondence when she was older, and she asked Berenson to do the same. But Berenson kept the correspondence the couple shared, and much information about their lives is to be learned from his letters. As is often the case, Benedict and Murray present the facts that they learned and flesh out the story for a riveting narrative.

This fascinating novel is the product of a splendid collaboration between two gifted writers. Don’t miss this account of one determined woman’s journey to overcome terrible barriers and preserve history.

Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray on The Personal Librarian

Feature Image Credit: @abigailslostinabook

The Personal Librarian by co-author team Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is not your everyday historical fiction novel. It gives a woman the place in history she deserves, spotlighting her luminous career and highlighting her immense achievements, while also sharing her secret and personal inner world in a setting that would have been hostile towards her if her identity was revealed.

And the woman in question is Belle de Costa Greene. The true story behind The Personal Librarian : Hired by J.P. Morgan in 1905 to serve as his personal  librarian , Belle was the creator of the Morgan Library’s famous manuscript collection, and she became one of the most powerful people in the art world, and one of history’s most prominent  librarian s.

But Belle was hiding a secret: she was shielding her Black identity and “passing” for white.

In its glowing starred review ,   Booklist  said, “Every element of this blockbuster historical novel is compelling and revelatory, beginning with the bedazzling protagonist based with awestruck care on Belle da Costa Greene. . . Benedict and Murray do splendidly right by Belle in this captivating and profoundly enlightening portrayal.” Even while writing this novel, Benedict and Murray found themselves profoundly changed by Belle’s story. As they researched, edited, and discussed the issues of Belle’s time, they forged a friendship both women describe as transformative.

We talked with Benedict and Murray about the co-writing process, the surprising discoveries behind their research, and the five words they’d use to describe The Personal Librarian . 

How did this partnership come about  to write The Personal Librarian ?

Marie Benedict: The story of Belle da Costas Greene — the tale of the wildly successful personal librarian to J.P. Morgan who could only thrive by passing as white — haunted me for years, as did the context of her life and time. But I knew I couldn’t write this story by myself; I didn’t feel comfortable or right about trying to envision what it would be like to be an African-American woman in the years after the Civil War. I needed and wanted a partner, so I put the project on hold until I found the perfect one. Finally, I was fortunate enough to discover Stand Your Ground by Victoria Christopher Murray, and I hoped that I’d found my partner, as I read this important, award-winning novel about a white police officer shooting a black teenage boy told from two perspectives, the boy’s mother and the wife of the policeman. Thankfully, Victoria agreed!

Victoria Christopher Murray: The idea for The Personal Librarian was Marie’s. Belle had been a character she’d wanted to write about for a few years and she felt that she could only do Belle justice by having a co-author. Marie read one of my novels, then reached out to my agent through hers. It took me a while to get on board — that’s another story — but once Marie and I spoke on the phone, it was a done deal…and I’m so happy about that.

What made you focus on Belle’s story in particular? 

What are three things that surprised you while researching this novel.

VCM: The entire researching part was new to me since I’d never written historical fiction before, so just about everything surprised me (in a good way). I was surprised how sometimes I could research for hours, read a dozen articles to discover one juicy fact. (Example: It took me five hours once to discover that there were some who speculated that Belle was from Cuba.) I was also surprised that there was little information out there about Belle da Costa Greene, which was shocking because of her impact on the Morgan Library and being the daughter of Richard T. Greener.

MB: More than anything, I think I was surprised by how possible equality had been in the years  after the Civil War (as embodied in the Civil Rights Act of 1875, along with other legislation) and how quickly that equality was eviscerated afterwards when people became fearful. Our country had a chance to get it right in the years after the Civil War, and I cannot help but speculate as to where we’d be today if those efforts toward equality hadn’t been reversed. Belle’s boldness often astonished me, our version of her anyway. She lived her life out loud, and Victoria and I cane to believe that she used her audaciousness as a way of hiding in plain sight. It also certainly made her quite the celebrity in her day. And, the extent of Belle’s sacrifices took my breath away and often left me reeling on her behalf.

To you, what are the ethics of writing about historical figures?

MB: This is such an important issue and one I always consider when relying upon real historical figures as inspiration for the characters I create, one Victoria and I certainly talked over and over. Even though I/we write fiction and therefore the characters are my/our creation, I/we always try to respect and honor the historical women who inspire the stories. After all, it was their legacies and their crucial contributions to our society — often overlooked or suppressed — that prompted me/us to write the novels along with the desire to have those legacies known and celebrated by a wider audience.

VCM:  Again, this is a new genre for me, but I would say it’s important to research as much as you can about the character so the fictional parts of the story are as close to the historical figure as can be. Even though it’s fiction, I wouldn’t want to write anything that would be outside of the person’s character, values or their morals as I’d come to understand the person.

Both of your books span different time periods and genres. What time period has been your favorite to write about, and why?

VCM: This is the first time that I’ve ever written outside of the current decade, so I’m very comfortable writing contemporary stories. However, I’m intrigued by going back in history now, and I can see myself writing books set in the 20th century. I don’t think I’d go back too much further than that. 

MB: I guess I’m a little different than some other writers of historical fiction in that I don’t start with a fascination with a particular time period. Instead, I uncover an important and compelling historical woman and I follow her into whatever time period she leads me. Fortunately, I find all past eras intriguing, so I am delighted to be transported into different parts of history.

You both found yourselves changed by Belle’s story. What do you feel was so transformative about the process? 

MB: Victoria and I were knee-deep in edits on The Personal Librarian —zooming for hours most days during the early days of the pandemic — when the events giving rise to the Black Live Matters Movement happened and the protests began. While we were writing about Belle and the segregated and racist time in which she lived — researching lynching at one point — we were watching modern-day racism unfold before our very eyes and processing it together, incredulous at the parallels. As we did so, Victoria shared with me her own experiences with racism, and I began to get just a glimpse of life through her eyes — and it changed me. For me, our friendship and our conversations are the most important thing that happened as a result of The Personal Librarian .

VCM:  What changed me the most was writing with someone of a different race and having to share intimate thoughts. I had to share with Marie what it was like to be a Black woman in America. Of course, I’d had these conversations with my peers, but race discussions with someone who wasn’t Black were never too deep. However, for Marie and me to honestly and authentically write about Belle, I had to share my own experiences with racism and my own thoughts and beliefs about this country. That is something that as Black people we learn to be careful with, especially in a professional environment. But Marie gave me space…we gave each other a soft place to land.

If you could only describe The Personal Librarian in five words, what would they be?  

 MB:  Because the story of The Personal Librarian is really the story of Belle da Costa Greene (how we saw her, anyway), the words I’d used to describe the book are the words I’d use to describe Belle: Bold, Brilliant, Complex, Bittersweet, Vulnerable

VCM:  A bold and brilliant Black woman. (Sorry about the extra word.)

Want more? In our Ten Book Challenge: Book-It List feature, see the books that changed the lives of both Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray .

Here are 12 books to read that center around books and libraries >>

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Alice Munro, Nobel Laureate and Master of the Short Story, Dies at 92

Her stories were widely considered to be without equal, a mixture of ordinary people and extraordinary themes.

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By Anthony DePalma

Alice Munro, the revered Canadian author who started writing short stories because she did not think she had the time or the talent to master novels, then stubbornly dedicated her long career to churning out psychologically dense stories that dazzled the literary world and earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature, died on Monday night in Port Hope, Ontario, east of Toronto. She was 92.

A spokesman for her publisher, Penguin Random House Canada, confirmed the death, at a nursing home. Ms. Munro’s health had declined since at least 2009, when she said she’d had heart bypass surgery and had been treated for cancer, though she continued to write.

Ms. Munro was a member of the rare breed of writer, like Katherine Anne Porter and Raymond Carver, who made their reputations in the notoriously difficult literary arena of the short story, and did so with great success. Her tales — many of them focused on women at different stages of their lives coping with complex desires — were so eagerly received and gratefully read that she attracted a whole new generation of readers.

Ms. Munro’s stories were widely considered to be without equal, a mixture of ordinary people and extraordinary themes. She portrayed small-town folks, often in rural southwestern Ontario, facing situations that made the fantastic seem an everyday occurrence. Some of her characters were fleshed out so completely through generations and across continents that readers reached a level of intimacy with them that usually comes only with a full-length novel.

She achieved such compactness through exquisite craftsmanship and a degree of precision that did not waste words. Other writers declared some of her stories to be near-perfect — a heavy burden for a writer of modest personal character who had struggled to overcome a lack of self-confidence at the beginning of her career, when she left the protective embrace of her quiet hometown and ventured into the competitive literary scene.

Her insecurity, however powerfully she felt it, was never noticed by her fellow writers, who celebrated her craftsmanship and freely lent her their highest praise.

The Irish novelist Edna O’Brien ranked Ms. Munro with William Faulkner and James Joyce as writers who had influenced her work. Joyce Carol Oates said Munro stories “have the density — moral, emotional, sometimes historical — of other writers’ novels.” And the novelist Richard Ford once made it clear that questioning Ms. Munro’s mastery over the short story would be akin to doubting the hardness of a diamond or the bouquet of a ripened peach.

“With Alice it’s like a shorthand,” Mr. Ford said. “You’ll just mention her, and everybody just kind of generally nods that she’s just sort of as good as it gets.”

In awarding her the Nobel in 2013 , when she was 82, the Swedish Academy cited her 14 collections of stories and referred to her as “a master of the contemporary short story,” praising her ability to “accommodate the entire epic complexity of the novel in just a few short pages.”

As famous for the refined exuberance of her prose as for the modesty of her personal life, Ms. Munro declined to travel to Sweden to accept her Nobel, saying she was too frail. In place of the formal lecture that winners traditionally give, she taped a long interview in Victoria, British Columbia, where she had been visiting when her award was announced. When asked if the process of writing her stories had consumed her entirely, she responded that it did, then added, “But you know, I always got lunch for my children.”

During the presentation of the taped interview at the Swedish Academy, the Swedish actress Pernilla August read an excerpt from Ms. Munro’s story “Carried Away,” a multi-decade tale of dashed expectations that typified the complicated, often disappointing, world of her stories.

“She had a picture taken. She knew how she wanted it to be,” the excerpt read. “She would have liked to wear a simple white blouse, a peasant girl’s smock with the string open at the neck. She did not own a blouse of that description and in fact had only seen them in pictures. And she would have liked to let her hair down. Or if it had to be up, she would have liked it piled very loosely and bound with strings of pearls.

“Instead she wore her blue silk shirtwaist and bound her hair as usual. She thought the picture made her look rather pale, hollow-eyed. Her expression was sterner and more foreboding than she had intended. She sent it anyway.”

‘Our Chekhov’

Ms. Munro’s early success in Canada, where her first collection of stories, “Dance of the Happy Shades” (1968), won the Governor General’s Literary Award, the equivalent of a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, spread to the United States after her stories began to be published in The New Yorker in 1977. She was an important member of a generation of Canadian writers, along with Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje, whose celebrity reached far beyond the country’s borders.

Ms. Munro went on to win the Governor General’s award twice more, along with two Giller Prizes, another important national award in Canada, and many other honors. In 2009, she withdrew her collection “Too Much Happiness” from consideration for yet another Giller because she believed that a younger writer should have a chance to win it.

That same year she was awarded the Man Booker International Prize for her lifelong body of work, which the judges claimed was “practically perfect.” The awards committee commented that although she was known mostly as a short-story writer, “she brings as much depth, wisdom and precision to every story as most novelists bring to a lifetime of novels.”

“To read Alice Munro is to learn something every time that you never thought of before,” the judges said.

As her many-layered style developed, her short stories came to be neither short nor simply stories — she included 15 stories in her first book, but only eight or nine longer ones in some of her most recent collections. The greater length of each story gave her room to explore the psychological profiles of her characters more fully, and the resulting works are tightly woven tapestries of great tension, lasting resonance and stunning breadth that combine the emotional thrust of a novel with the pinpoint power of a masterful poem.

Over the years, her stories seemed to grow darker and more paradoxical, even though she often described her own life as ordinary and generally upbeat. Often her characters were simple people confronting unusual circumstances. But those situations could be odd, even bizarre, such as an accident in which a soldier who returned from war is decapitated after his sleeve is caught in a factory machine, or the actions of an unattractive girl who steals so much money from her parents’ store to pay boys for sex that her parents are forced to declare bankruptcy. The women in her stories tended to be emotionally pierced — divorced women, adulteresses and noble victims of life’s vicissitudes.

Like Faulkner, Eudora Welty and the other Southern writers she admired, Ms. Munro was capable of breathing life into an entire world — for her, the importunate countryside of southwestern Ontario and the placid, occasionally threatening presence of Lake Huron.

Cynthia Ozick called her “our Chekhov,” and the description stuck.

In a 2009 review of “Too Much Happiness,” Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times described the collection’s title story as “a brilliant distillation of her Chekhovian art.”

Never a Novel

Ms. Munro was able to live a life remarkable for its normalcy. Her days, like her characters’, were filled with quotidian routines punctuated by the explosive mystery of happenstance and accident.

Outside of a decade spent on the west coast of Canada during her first marriage, she lived with a great deal of satisfaction in the Ontario bramble she celebrated in her stories, quietly composing them in the house where her second husband was raised, not far from the place where she was born.

Perhaps the question that most dogged her throughout her long career was why, with her abundant talents and perceptive eye, she restricted herself to what is generally seen as the limited world of the short story rather than launch into the glittery universe of the novel.

“I don’t really understand a novel,” Ms. Munro confessed to Mervyn Rothstein of The Times in a 1986 interview. “I don’t understand where the excitement is supposed to come in a novel, and I do in a story. There’s a kind of tension that if I’m getting a story right I can feel right away.”

While one of her early collections, “Lives of Girls and Women,” is sometimes called a novel, Ms. Munro and her longtime editor at Alfred A. Knopf, Ann Close, considered it a collection of linked stories.

“Once I started to write that, I was off,” she told The Paris Review. “Then I made a big mistake. I tried to make it a regular novel, an ordinary sort of childhood adolescence novel. About March I saw it wasn’t working. It didn’t feel right to me, and I thought I would have to abandon it. I was very depressed. Then it came to me that what I had to do was pull it apart and put it in the story form. Then I could handle it.”

At times she swore she would never write a novel — almost dismissing the challenge as too great for her to even attempt. But at other times she seemed to wistfully wonder, as one of her characters might, how different her life might have been had she written a blockbuster novel.

“I’m thinking of something now, how it might be a novel, but I bet you it won’t be,” she said in a 1998 interview, just after publication of her widely acclaimed collection “The Love of a Good Woman.” She confessed that on occasion she had experimented with stretching her stories into novels but said she found that the stories “start to sag” when she did so, as though being taken beyond their natural limits. Still, the lure never completely evaporated. “My ambition is to write a novel before I die,” she said, also in 1998.

She never did.

Shortly before receiving her Nobel in 2013, Ms. Munro told several interviewers that she had decided to stop writing. As far back as 2009, she had disclosed her cancer diagnosis and that she’d undergone heart bypass surgery. Her declining health had robbed her of strength, but she also remarked that she’d been writing since she was 20 and had grown weary of what Del, a character in “Lives of Girls and Women” who is generally taken to be Ms. Munro’s proxy, says is a writer’s only duty, which is “to produce a masterpiece.”

“That’s a long time to be working,” Ms. Munro said, “and I thought maybe it’s time to take it easy.”

Rural Beginnings

Alice Ann Laidlaw was born on July 10, 1931, in the village of Wingham, Ontario, hard by the banks of Lake Huron. She was the first of three children of Robert Eric Laidlaw and Anne Clarke (Chamney) Laidlaw. Her father had tried his luck at the rather exotic undertaking of raising silver foxes and mink, but when that failed he went through a number of professions, including stints as foundry watchman and turkey farmer.

When Anne Laidlaw developed Parkinson’s disease, it fell to Alice, not yet a teenager but the oldest of the three children, to care for her mother, an experience that she wove through her writing. She was able to attend college after winning a two-year scholarship to the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, about 65 miles south of Wingham.

She majored in English but initially kept her ambition to write fiction to herself. She dropped out before completing her studies and married a fellow student, James Munro. She sold her first short work of fiction, a story, to the radio service of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The Munros settled in Vancouver and had two children; a third died at birth. Ms. Munro said the domestic demands of those years — balancing parenthood with her dream of writing, “getting apple juice, answering the phone and letting the cat in” — left her no time or energy for ambitious projects like writing novels. Instead, she dedicated herself to mastering the short story, a form that she felt she could manage in between raising her children and taking care of her house.

In 1963, Ms. Munro and her husband moved to Victoria, where she helped him found a bookstore, Munro’s, and gave birth to another daughter. The marriage ended in 1973, and she moved back to Ontario.

By then, her literary reputation in Canada was established. In 1968, her first book, “Dance of the Happy Shades,” a collection of short stories compiled over a dozen years, introduced readers to what would later be widely recognized as “Alice Munro Country” — the rigidly introspective landscape of solitary country roads and stolid houses of yellow brick within which shy lives and solemn secrets unfolded.

“Everybody knows what a house does, how it encloses space and makes connections between one enclosed space and another and presents what is outside in a new way,” she wrote in a 1982 essay. “That is the nearest I can come to explaining what a story is for me.”

Her stories are blanketed with countless small but sharp observations that animate Munro Country. For instance, in “Spaceships Have Landed,” a story in the collection “Open Secrets” (1994), the main character drunkenly flirts with her boyfriend’s friend, only to be grossly insulted by him. The next day, she calls him to the porch of her house and confronts him while using a piece of steel wool to clean freshly laid eggs.

Such details evoke a sense of the semirural Canadian backcountry, a quiet land where people never deliberately call attention to themselves and the ordinariness of life can be suddenly disrupted by accidents, arrivals and unanticipated departures.

Although Ms. Munro was most often described as a Canadian writer, her stories evoked not Canada itself but the bittersweet triumphs, mishaps and humiliations of small town life. And in the end, every landscape served as backdrop for her central themes, which were the unpredictability of life and the betrayals that women suffer or commit — scenes redolent with autobiography.

In “The Albanian Virgin,” a celebrated story featuring a rare exotic setting as well as the familiar Canadian landscape, the female protagonist runs a bookstore in Victoria and dreamily contemplates the errant directions taken by her life: “But I was not despondent. I had made a desperate change in my life, and in spite of the regrets that I suffered every day, I was proud of that. I felt as if I had finally come out into the world in a new, true, skin.”

A Publicity-Shy ‘Plodder’

Ms. Munro shunned much of the publicity usually associated with literary success and limited her book tour appearances and readings. She often referred to herself in a self-deprecating way; she said she had not “come out of the closet” as a professional writer until she was 40, and she called herself a “plodder” because of the slow and deliberate way she worked, often writing in her nightclothes for several hours in the morning and then extensively revising her stories before sending them off.

But to critics, there was nothing plodding about her stories, which were put together so seamlessly that the many flashbacks, flash-forwards and shifts in time and place that she employed happened without notice. She often started her stories at a point where other authors might end theirs, and continued them well past the climax or denouement that would have satisfied others less driven by the twists of fate. Inevitably, this left readers to work out who exactly the narrator was and how one character was related to another.

Eventually, though, every piece would fit together. “It’s like a child’s puzzle,” the novelist Anne Tyler once said of Ms. Munro’s work. “In the most successful of the stories, the end result is a satisfying click as everything settles precisely into place.”

After the turbulence and dislocation she went through before Ms. Munro turned 40, her life and career clicked satisfyingly into place when she returned to southern Ontario. She started seeing Gerald Fremlin, a geographer, and after a brief romance married him and moved into the house in Clinton, Ontario, where he was raised.

She is survived by her daughters, Sheila, Jenny and Andrea. Sheila Munro is the author of the 2001 memoir “Lives of Mothers and Daughters: Growing Up With Alice Munro.”

She embarked on an ambitious schedule of publishing a collection of short stories every three or four years, winning praise and admiration across Canada, where she comes close to being a household literary saint. After receiving her first Governor General’s award, she won it twice more, for “Who Do You Think You Are?” in 1978 and for “The Progress of Love” in 1986.

In 1998, she received the Giller Prize for “The Love of a Good Woman,” and in 2004 she picked up another for “Runaway.” After the National Book Critics Circle agreed for the first time to consider authors from outside the United States for its award, Ms. Munro won in 1998 for “The Love of a Good Woman.”

As if she were a character in one of her stories, plagued by bad timing and unlucky happenstance, Ms. Munro was not at home when the Swedish Academy called to tell her that she had won; it had to leave a telephone message. She was in Victoria visiting her daughter, who heard the news and woke her mother at 4 a.m. Still groggy when interviewed by the CBC, Ms. Munro admitted that she’d forgotten that the prize was to be awarded that day, calling it “a splendid thing to happen,” adding, “more than I can say.”

Struggling to control her emotions, she reflected on her success and what it might mean for literature. “My stories have gotten around quite remarkably for short stories,” she told the interviewer. “I would really hope that this would make people see the short story as an important art, not something you play around with until you got a novel written.”

Lisa D. Awano and Sofia Poznansky contributed reporting.

An earlier version of this obituary misspelled the given name of an author who praised Ms. Munro’s writing. She is Anne Tyler, not Ann.

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As the personal librarian to financier J.P.Morgan, she pursued and curated a collection of rare books, manuscripts and art that became world-renowned. Passing as white causes a family split You ...

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The little-known story of the Black woman who supervised J. Pierpont Morgan's storied library. It's 1905, and financier J.P. Morgan is seeking a librarian for his burgeoning collection of rare books and classical and Renaissance artworks. Belle da Costa Greene, with her on-the-job training at Princeton University, seems the ideal candidate.

Books Book Reviews Fiction Nonfiction May books 50 notable fiction books Books Book Reviews Fiction Nonfiction May books 50 notable fiction books J.P. Morgan's personal librarian had two identities.

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This is a previously-published edition of ISBN 9780593101537. The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan's personal librarian—who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, from New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict and acclaimed author Victoria Christopher Murray.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of Belle de Costa Greene, a black woman who became the personal librarian to the famed banker J. P. Morgan by passing as white. While the book is historical fiction, Belle de Costa Greene was a real person who managed to achieve a status in society that was noteworthy, even if she didn't have to overcome the limits of race.

About this book. More by this author. From the New York Times -bestselling author of The Mothers, a stunning new novel about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds, one black and one white. We have 4 read-alikes for The Personal Librarian, but non-members are limited to two results.

The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan's personal librarian—who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, from New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict and acclaimed author Victoria Christopher Murray.. In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P ...

The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan's personal librarian-who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, from New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict and acclaimed author Victoria Christopher Murray. In her ...

Belle da Costa Greene grows up to become J.P. Morgan's personal librarian and one of the most influential librarians in America. ALSO IN BOOKPAGE: Discover the origin story of Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray's co-authorship. Belle's unlikely rise to fame forms the heart of this engrossing, dramatic novel, and co-authors ...

The Personal Librarian drew a robust positive response from our First Impressions reviewers, receiving a rating of 4 or 5 stars from 70 out of 77 readers. The book is a collaboration between the novelists Marie Benedict and Victoria Murray. The fascinating story of Belle da Costa Greene begins for the reader in 1905.

Authors: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Berkley, 347 pages, $27. Imagine being a young woman in the early 1900s with the moxie to convince the American titan of industry and ...

The Personal Librarian. Berkley . Jun. 2021. 352p. ISBN 9780593101537. $27. Novelists Benedict ( The Mystery of Mrs. Christie ), who is white, and Murray ( Stand Your Ground ), who is Black, collaborate on an excellent book about Belle da Costa Greene, a powerful real-life figure in early 20th-century New York City. In 1905, J. P. Morgan hired ...

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Benedict and Murray do splendidly right by Belle in this captivating and profoundly enlightening portrayal.". Even while writing this novel, Benedict and Murray found themselves profoundly changed by Belle's story. As they researched, edited, and discussed the issues of Belle's time, they forged a friendship both women describe as ...

Book Review: The Personal Librarian. Synopsis: In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene was hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City. Belle became a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book ...

Author Talk in conversation with Kristian WeatherspoonThe Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and ...

A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan's personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a ...

Belle's abiding belief in the radiance of books and art; her passionate and tragic relationship with renowned art historian Bernard Berenson, who is also hiding his true identity; and her longing for her father, Richard Greener, the first Black man to graduate from Harvard, deepen this resounding tale of a brilliant and resilient woman ...

Told from Greene's perspective, The Personal Librarian deftly conveys her deep knowledge of medieval illuminated manuscripts, her skill in handling her mercurial, overbearing boss, and her prowess in navigating the rarefied circles of art dealers and Gilded Age society. But the book never loses sight of the cost incurred by her family secret ...

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She was 92. A spokesman for her publisher, Penguin Random House Canada, confirmed the death, at a nursing home. Ms. Munro's health had declined since at least 2009, when she said she'd had ...