A terrific book about the power of literature and friendship during the war. Amazing characters. Simply enchanting.

We are living in a current climate where the government wants to censor what we are reading. A lot of people, myself included, have started to see the parallels in this sort of censorship and the censorship that was happening at the hands of the Nazis during WW2. Set primarily in Paris during WW2, The Paris Library offers a look at the workers of the American Library in Paris. When they are faced with hardships in their work and personal lives, the love of the library and books is what brings them together. They fight to ensure the written work does not get censored by the opposing regimen. In a more present-day setting in the U.S. we see one of those workers, Odile, as an older woman now, and her young teenage neighbor as they form a friendship. Although there is a lot of WW2 historical fiction available, I found The Paris Library to stand out for many ways. Having a new setting outside of Germany of the book and a love letter to readers as well. I wish this book wasn't as timely as it is, but like in the book we have to fight for what is right no matter the costs.

I finally recently read this book which has been sitting unread on my Kindle for a long time. This is historical fiction, telling the story of French (and foreigners) who lived in Paris and visited or worked at the American Library during World War II when it was under Nazi occupation. There is also this other storyline of a young teenager Lily in 1983 in Montana, and how they interweave was interesting.

As a result of the dual storylines, there are a lot of characters in the book which did make it tricky at times. I would suggest reading it on a Kindle so you can use their x-ray feature to remember who people are, or keep a list on paper nearby. It is definitely plot driven, and actually is based on a true story. It was pretty cool to read at the end who is a real person, and what happened to them. Overall, this was an interesting look at a rough time in history - a time period that included the Holocaust but wasn’t a main part of it. I liked some characters more than others, but the ones I liked I really adored. I wasn’t ready to let them go at the end, and would definitely suggest this one if you haven’t picked it up in the past almost 4 years. Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the digital copy of it!

The 1939 story, split from its successor, would get four stars and at least a little more love from me. I really, really, really did not like the Montana 1983 part. At all.

My principal issue was with the motivating incident. I did not believe for a second that the response of moving to the ass-end of nowhere much was the kind of response someone as emotionally intelligent, as resourceful and resilient, as Odile would come up with. As a result, I disinvested in the entire proceedings. That's fatal to a good read.

However, I think the Romance of It All will carry lots of readers right over that hurdle, so I still say it's worth a gift card.

Was a little heavy at times but otherwise great read. Would definitely recommend it to others interested in historical fiction.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a beautifully woven tale that blends historical fiction with personal growth. Set against the backdrop of World War II, it follows the lives of librarians at the American Library in Paris and the power of books to connect people even in the darkest times. The alternating timelines between the 1940s and 1980s add depth, revealing how past choices resonate in the present. The characters are compelling, and the love of literature shines throughout the story. A must-read for anyone who enjoys books about courage, friendship, and the enduring impact of libraries.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a historical fiction novel that takes place in two different time periods: Paris during WWII and Montana in the 1980s. In 1939 Odile is a young woman going against social norms and her parents’ expectations by getting a job at an American library in Paris. Little does she know that the Nazis will soon be invading Paris, threatening everything important to her. In 1983 we get to know Lily, a young girl in Montana whose solitary elderly neighbour Odile helps her and her family in a time of great need.

I always appreciate a book based on real events, and the author’s notes were well worth reading. When the Nazis invaded Paris, the American Library of Paris stayed open but was subject to book censorship, as well as certain patrons barred from entry due to their Jewish heritage. Obviously the war brought much greater horrors to Jewish people at the hands of the Nazis, and losing basic rights like being able to patronize a library was only the beginning. Still, when I think about the hope and escape that books have brought me in my darkest times, I can understand that the librarians were willing to put themselves at risk in order to bring books to their Jewish patrons.

While I enjoyed the story, Odile’s relationships with others felt a little shallow, as we were mostly told about them, rather than being a part of their development. At one point, another character was declared her ‘best friend’, and I felt like I had missed something, as it seemingly came out of nowhere. The romance felt like an unnecessary distraction also. I think adding more depth to these relationships would have pulled me in and given the story a much greater emotional impact.

Many thanks to Atria Books for an egalley of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Rating: ★★★☆☆

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles was an intriguing read, though it didn’t fully captivate me. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel explores the power of books and the resilience of the human spirit through the lens of a Parisian library. Charles weaves together the stories of two women—Odile, a librarian during the war, and Lily, a teenager in 1980s Montana—who are connected through their love for literature.

The historical detail and portrayal of wartime Paris were well-researched and vividly depicted, offering a glimpse into a turbulent period of history. However, while the premise was compelling, I found the pacing uneven at times, with some parts of the narrative feeling rushed while others dragged. The characters were well-developed, yet I struggled to fully connect with their journeys, which affected my overall engagement with the story.

In summary, The Paris Library is a poignant tale that highlights the enduring power of books and their ability to provide solace during challenging times. While it didn’t entirely resonate with me, readers interested in World War II historical fiction and stories of resilience may find it worth exploring.

Janet has a delightful read in this book. This story is about a widow and how she forms a friendship with a lonely and beautiful young lady in a library in Paris. I'm a librarian by trade and love all stories that have anything to do with libraries. Found another author in historical fiction with Janet Charles. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this story.

dynamic, beautiful, and informative! i didn't know about this library or its librarian until i read this book. i'm glad I did though, it was such a fun adventure!

The two stories felt fairly balanced. I was a little more drawn to the "modern" day one (with Lily in it) but overall, it worked pretty well.

I loved the aspect of the library and how Odile's world was so carefully built (only for it to come crashing down).

The pacing of the book felt a bit slow...and yet it was the kind of slow that I enjoyed. I loved the details, the attention to various aspects of the 1900s and the whole immersion experience.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a perfect fit for readers who adore historical fiction, romance, and stories of courage and resilience, particularly those who appreciate the themes of family, friendship, and the transformative power of literature, as well as fans of authors like Kristin Hannah and Paula McLain.

I saw "librarians" in the description and quick-clicked before I realized it was a war novel. I should have known better- this was definitely a case of it's me, not you. I just don't love WW1 and WW2 time periods for novels, but if I DID- this would have been a winner.

This book was a wonderful read if you enjoy historical fiction and World War II from differing view points. I have recommended this to students, staff, friends and my bookclub. Everyone at my bookclub loved it! Thank you, Netgalley for this wonderful ARC!

I don't always enjoy historical stories but I did enjoy this one. As a book lover, the fact that at least part of the book took place in a library immediately piqued my interest. Of course this story has much more to it than that there's a library in it. The beginning of the book takes place during World War II and than we follow the main character as she journeys to America and continues to live her life. The relationships in this story are what truly make it as wonderful as it is, good and bad. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical stories.

"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles is a captivating historical fiction novel that intertwines the lives of two women against the backdrop of World War II. The story is inspired by the true events surrounding the American Library in Paris, which served as a beacon of hope and refuge during the Nazi occupation of France.

The novel follows Odile Souchet, a young French woman who dreams of working at the American Library, and Lily, a teenage girl living in Froid, Montana, decades later. As Odile navigates the challenges of wartime Paris and forms a deep bond with her colleagues and patrons, Lily discovers a connection to Odile through a series of letters and artifacts left behind by her grandmother.

Skeslien Charles masterfully weaves together the narratives of Odile and Lily, drawing readers into their respective worlds and exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of literature to transcend borders and unite people in the darkest of times. The author's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the era to life, from the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet streets of Froid, Montana.

The characters are richly drawn and relatable, each grappling with their own fears, hopes, and desires. Odile's determination to protect the library and its patrons from the horrors of war is both inspiring and heartbreaking, while Lily's quest to uncover the truth about her grandmother's past adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.

At its core, "The Paris Library" is a celebration of the enduring power of books and the importance of preserving knowledge and culture in the face of adversity. Skeslien Charles's novel is a moving tribute to the brave individuals who risked their lives to protect the written word and uphold the values of freedom and tolerance.

Overall, "The Paris Library" is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page. With its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and evocative prose, it's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and literary drama.

I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great historical fiction. Janet Skeslien Charles did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

his was a historical fiction novel set in Paris during the 1940s occupation. The story switches between the America Library in Paris and then 1980s Montana. The two stories weave together between the past and the present. It’s an emotional tale.

"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles attempts to immerse readers in the world of wartime Paris through the lens of a seemingly intriguing tale set in a library. Despite its promising premise, the execution falls flat, with characters that fail to evoke genuine empathy or interest. The narrative unfolds sluggishly, lacking the momentum to sustain engagement, as it shifts between past and present without compelling cohesion. While the historical backdrop holds potential, the novel ultimately fails to deliver a memorable or impactful reading experience.

In the same vein as The Last Bookshop in London, only taking place in Paris, and with dual timelines--this one didn't hit for me quite the same way. This one took place in the 1980s and the 1940s and for that, I loved it. Especially as a child of the 80s. 

I think the thing I didn't like about this was the characters. And I'm really a character-driven reader. If I don't connect with them, then I have a difficult time connecting to the book. And that's kind of what happened here. 

The writing wasn't bad at all. I think it could've been better if I'd just not gotten bored with the characters in the story.