4.5/5⭐️ to The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for early access to the ebook to review!
This was such a beautiful & immersive novel! We have a dual timeline with two primary narrative perspectives: Odile in Paris in 1939, and Lily in Montana in 1983. Although they were joined by a couple other side narrators (who also added an extra layer to the story, which was awesome), these two ladies shone and were a delight to get to know & love. Their voices shone distinctly, which is important since we have multiple main characters, and the writing beautifully shared their emotions, hopes, and fears. I adored following Odile as she explores the American Library in Paris. She has such a passion for library science and books, and I was so excited when she got her dream job at the library. As news of impending war, and eventually a Natzi occupancy of Paris, reach the library I really felt the tension. I adored how this tight community to the library (another of my fave aspects of this book), really pulled together to keep the library going and keep each other’s spirits up. They secretly deliver library books to Jewish patrons, and keep safe books that would be otherwise destroyed and lost.
Moving forward nearly 45 years we meet high-schooler Lily. She is a quirky but lonely teen who is just living life with her friends & family. Plus there’s that eccentric French lady down the street (Odile!) that no one in the community really knows, and who seems to have a secret. I loved how these two characters ended up connecting, and how they helped each other through their secrets & traumas. Odile becomes a mother & mentor figure in Lily’s life, helping her break out of her shell and deal with losing her mother, and Lily helps Odile re-enter & reconnect with the community and deal with her own demons. I feel like the author did a great job of making Lily feel real, raw, and authentic. She did a great job of dealing with the difficult topics such as loss of a parent & war, and the joys of relationship & fighting for important things. In the realm of WWII historical fiction, I thought this was a fresh new voice & story! I hadn’t read any historical fiction in a while, and this book reminded me why I love it so much! Please check out this book, out in stores now!

I volunteered to read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. The book is well written and the characters are described well. I absolutely enjoyed this author's writing style. It takes you back in time you are the characters then and in the present time. The pacing of this story is great. You are the characters in this story. I highly highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is in stores now for $28.00 (USD). It is a enjoyable book. I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future. I really enjoyed Odile's character. This book is really enjoyable. I highly highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

The Paris Library is a novel that I highly recommend even with the abundance of choice in WWII historical fiction. The importance of the American Library and the commitment of those who worked there is a reminder of how important books are, perhaps even more so, when the world is in chaos. Readers will enjoy the many books that are named over the course of the novel. They would make for a good TBR list.

All good novels tell stories about characters. This one is peopled with those that readers will get to know with all of their strengths and flaws. Some are good, some not so good and some a mix of the two. All are brought to life.

Odile is a young woman when the story opens. She lives with her father, who is in the police, her brother, an idealist, and her mother who eventually learns that her husband is involved in an affair. Odile has always loved books and lands her dream job at the American Library. There she meets a wide ranging group of patrons and staff. Her brother’s fiance, Bitsy, also works at the library. Odile gets to know Margaret as well; she is a British ex pat and another key protagonist.

Each of these characters faces the war, issues of loyalty and friendship and disillusion. Their intertwining stories are well depicted as are the many settings in the novel.

Odile’s romantic interest for much of the book is Paul. He, too, is a policeman. Readers will follow as some of his decisions make Odile even more aware of the cruelty of war.

As is true of many novels written today, there is a dual story line. This takes place in Froid, Montana where Odile came to live. There a young girl befriends Odile and tries to figure out her own life in the aftermath of her mother’s death. There is much that Odile has to teach her young friend.

I both listened to and read this story. The narration was flawless with individuals coming to life with different voices and accents. It was a wonderful listen.

I highly recommend this book. I hope that readers will enjoy it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an early digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I think if you enjoy books about books, then you’ll adore this one about The American Library in Paris during the WWII era. It has beautiful writing, strong female roles, and a strong community and family by choice dynamic.

I can’t really pinpoint my issue with this one, but I know that it didn’t pique my interest as much as I’d hoped. I didn’t much care for the characters or how long the story was. By the end, I knew this was only a three-star read. That doesn’t mean that it’s a bad book, because I’ve noticed that it’s beloved by so many readers in the community. It’s really awesome to see so much hype for it. I think it deserves it regardless of my rating. I’d definitely read more from this author. I’m sad I didn’t love it as much, but it is what it is.

I really wanted to like this book and there were parts of it that I found fascinating, like the story of the American Library in Paris. But the characters just didn't interest me and there was so much of this book where nothing happened. It just became too tedious for me to read. It was just too long and the story itself wasn't very compelling.

This story came to life for me. I felt like I was getting to know friends. Odele, in 1939 Paris, following her passion for books by working at the Paris Library. Reality shook her perfect world when the Nazi's overtook France and her reality became fear of going hungry, being imprisoned, or killed. Odele courageously risks her safety to deliver books when it is forbidden. The other is Lilly, living in 1980's Montana. She is trying to navigate teen angst of not being like the other girls and dealing with major family dynamics as well. I really liked the way their lives intersected and some chapters were cliffhangers as the story shifted to the other character. I had to stop myself from skipping ahead! Both stories had the thread of resilience, friendship, love, and loyalty in common. I must admit, I am not certain I agree with a couple of decisions that Odele made and in fact may have shouted," What!?" more than once.

Beautifully written. It forces you to look deep inside yourself and evaluate your own soul. This chunk of history had me so emotional.

I admit, this was going to be a three star book for me until the end. That packed a PUNCH, right in the feels. WWII is the flavor du jour right now, so the market is saturated with WWII themed/inspired books. Some are better than others and I have to say, if you are debating which WWII fiction based on fact book to read, I highly recommend this one.

I admit, I kept putting this one down, not because it was bad, but because the characters were so REAL that when they did embarrassing things/got in trouble or were in trouble, I was so invested in them, I couldn't take the stress and had to put it down until I was calm enough to continue reading.

This is a really amazing read. A few family members read it as well and also enjoyed it, which is amazing because we all have very different tastes when it comes to book enjoyment and we all really liked this one.

Highly recommended and just a warning, THAT ENDING, OOF! I LOVED it, made me tear up, but in a good way.

All I'm going to say is REACH OUT to others. If you are thinking about someone, CONTACT them, let them KNOW that they matter to you. Or take a chance to be friendly with someone you don't know all that well. Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes.

Despite really liking this book so much, only 4 stars, because I couldn't take the realistic stress all that well. Considering the time we are in right now, any stress is not a positive, but this wasn't a bad book and I HIGHLY recommend it.

My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

There has been only one other book that I have read that created such strong emotions in me and had me tearing up at the end. This book is phenomenal to say the least. The author has worked at the American Library of Paris and spent years carefully researching its history to write this novel. She successfully took true historical facts about the library and the people that cared for it and fashioned it into an addictive historical fiction. I was drawn to the characters and cared what happened to them. The switching back and forth of the main character, Odile's life between WWII and the 1980's was flawless. I can't say enough good about this book so you should read it for yourself.

First, I'd like to thank Simon and Schuster Canada and Netgalley for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm rating this one a 3.5 but rounding it up to four stars. I enjoyed the story a lot, especially the characters. What I really enjoyed was that this book was based on a true story about a group of people who worked at the American Library in Paris during the second world War. They often worked in secret, delivering books to those who needed them. These librarians were so passionate about their jobs and I really liked the main character Odile.

A book about books! For a book lover, what's not to love!? I liked the setting of the library and could almost picture what the stacks of books looked like. I was entertained throughout the story and wanted to keep reading. So why the 3.5 stars?

Honestly, it just dragged a little bit in the middle for me. Not enough to want to stop reading, but it just hit a bit of a lull. While I liked the characters, I didn't feel overly attached to them. I felt like I wanted just a little bit more from the story.

But overall, if you're a fan of historical fiction you will enjoy this story! It was about family and friendship and hope in hard times. And I'll always be a sucker for a book about books!

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

Set during the period before and during WWII, The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles brings the American Library in Paris to life. The library was a source of learning and community for the subscribers and staff. The library staff delivered books to homebound Jewish subscribers and shipped books to soldiers in the field. The dual timeline connects Odile, a librarian in 1939, with Lily, a high school student in 1983 Montana. Their connection as the story unfolds provides reflection and resolution that only time can bring. This well researched novel explores friendship, family, jealousy, and betrayal. What causes people to turn on those they love? References to the Dewey Decimal System and classic literature were woven into the narrative. Bibliophiles and WWII historical fiction fans will not be disappointed!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Paris Library is a wonderful story about the American Library in Paris during WWII. I'm not a huge historical fiction fan, but I'm always suckered in by a story that takes place in Paris. I loved the dual storyline and the quote, “Sometimes I like books more than people.” This book is historical fiction at its best and a beautiful story that will move you. And the cover is perfection! Thank you Atria and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's early in 2021 still; but I feel this is likely to be one of my top historical fiction recommendations of the year. I absolutely loved it. The Paris Library takes a slightly different approach to telling the story of the occupation of Paris during WWII than most novels in this highly saturated genre. WWII fiction has boomed in the last few years and certainly there are millions of stories to be told that are all different. It's appropriate that as many of them be told as possible; not only so that we can learn from history, but I find that I always appreciate my current life more after reading about the harsh conditions of that time.

Perspectives & the American Library Setting
Before we get into the deep war talk, I just want to touch lightly on some of the super cool ways that Janet Skeslien Charles narrates this novel. This is a split perspective book from the past to 'current day'. We have our core story during WWII in Paris that features Odile's perspective most of the time. The second story is in the 1980's and features a teen girl's view of the world where her neighbour is Odile; obviously later in her life. While the split perspective with years in-between is super common in historical fiction these days it's rare that the main character of the past is a support character to the future. I really enjoyed this view of Odile and her choices.

The cutest part of The Paris Library is the Duey decimal system references that Charles uses. When Odile is struggling to relate or trying to remember something she will often indicate a word or phrase followed by it's top or secondary Duey decimal number (ie: Shakespeare, 822 or Infidelity, 306). This was adorable and it intrigued me at times as you could see that the topics were in the same batch of numbers or were very different from one another. A clever way to keep reminding us that this library has no computers, no easy searching, and is laid out in the same order libraries or bookstores were at one time. As someone who had a Duey decimal catalog for their libraries into my early teens I really loved this throwback. If you're too young to remember the Duey decimal system then take a quick look on Wikipedia to understand the layout and use.

We are also reminded of the set-up and use of the library many times as Charles refers to our characters updating sign-out cards, adding bookplates to new books, bundling holds, and delivering them to those who can no longer enter the library. For most of our characters the library is a refuge and an essential piece of keeping sanity and mental health in check during the war. For others it becomes a reminder of what is forbidden to some by the Nazi's and how everything is now censored. For me, the reader, the library represented a fixture that was so changed by the Nazi's occupation of France that it was never the same again; just like our characters. So in a way it was a character in the story. And really what book lover doesn't want to read about a library?!

Why The Paris Library is Different?
Let me be very honest and clear, the violence and gruesome moments of the war are significantly toned down. While there are still beatings, mass killings, etc., when we are in the past; it's not near as difficult to read as many WWII stories of late. We never see or encounter a concentration camp, we see people put on trains a couple times; but it's from Odile's perspective (whose only 20-something at the time) and her view of the world is very tinted by rose coloured glasses.

This view is really what makes Charles story so different. It's the war from the perspective of a woman just starting her life. She's naive and trying to make huge life decisions about a career, marriage, and shaping her life. How the war affected those decisions and shaped Odile's later life are the real 'learning's' (if you will). I feel like many of us, including myself, that live in first world, non-war torn countries, are very lucky to live the way we do. But also that we are just as naive as Odile was about our own surroundings.

Perspective
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly brought circumstances surrounding many of us to light in a lot of ways. For example I knew, but didn't really understand what it meant to: have neighbours who are using the food bank every week to feed their children, coworkers who live alone and see no one without an office or event to attend, friends who get groceries and carry them on transit every couple of days. These are difficulties, of varying degrees, that many of us perhaps were 'aware of' but didn't really understand until the pandemic hit. I'm much more empathetic towards others these days; and want to be more aware of reality than ever before. It's difficult and overwhelming; and frankly depressing, but it's critical we are all in this life with eyes wide open so that we can change the circumstances.

It was the same for Odile who heard rumours of 'death camps' and people stripped from their homes; but she never truly understood it until it was late in the war years. She too feels guilty and helpless once she starts to see what is actually happening. This is a story we could all benefit from as it reminds us that we should not assume certain things and be sure to seek the truth.

The Moral
Many historical fiction books have strong morales at the end of them that are almost child-like in nature. WWII fiction usually focuses on the importance of life, individuality, freedom, and what I'll call (as a Canadian) multiculturalism (be it in race, religion, sexuality, etc.) as things we must focus on and ensure we provide to everyone.

In the Paris Library our morales are a bit different. While certainly the library is full of interesting foreign characters we meet; it's also about how important knowledge is. A giant building full of books is only truly valuable when certain 'subjects' or texts haven't been stripped out. Knowledge is power. Had many known what was truly happening, or believed those rumours (almost all of which were true) about what the Nazi's were actually doing to people, we can't help but wonder, could more have been done? It's impossible to argue either way as we must remember that people were at gunpoint, at risk of starving, at risk of being persecuted themselves if they defied the orders given. Yet Charles ask the question of the reader that I have often asked myself; would I have acted different knowing what I know today?

Overall
I could talk about this book for thousands of words. The characters are vibrant and relatable (given most of them were real people that makes sense); the setting of the American library itself is unique from other WWII books, the naivety of Odile and others is refreshing, and the way Odile teaches our 'current day' teen is commendable. There is something for everyone to learn from The Paris Library.

This is a WWII book I can recommend to absolutely everyone as the gruesome events in it are toned down or only alluded to in comparison to those in say The Tattooist of Auschwitz or The German Girl. While I know that may disappoint some people to hear; but I think it opens things up for many people to read a WWII historical fiction book that otherwise might not be able to stomach it. Don't get me wrong there are still awful things, history is still abided by, and the war is still obviously brutal; however, this perspective is one that many readers are likely to be able to relate to and I believe can learn from.

Kudos to Charles for the extensive research done for this book. I loved the afterward notes, the biographies of the real characters, and admitting to where she may have altered things to hit her story. This is often my favourite part of any historical novel and Charles certainly delivered to ensure it was clear what is truth and what is not.

My final note on The Paris Library is to add it to your TBR for sure if you read a lot of historical fiction, consider adding it if you are intrigued, and if you usually avoid war novels maybe try it out. You might find this one a little more palatable without diminishing how awful the conditions were.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles was a story I read in two days. I could not wait to get back to this story of how the library had a huge role in WWII and keeping books in the hands of soldiers.

The Paris Library was as emotional as expected. All WWII novels are heart wrecking at one point or the other. And they do start to feel similar unless the author manages to put a unique spin to it. I loved that the author focused on The American Library of Paris. And can't wait to visit it myself.

I ended up listening to the audiobook and had some difficulties keeping the different POVs and timelines apart from each other. The women all started to sound the same.

I'm also not a fan of dual timelines in historical fiction, and I wish the authors would focus on just one, instead of back and forth.

Also I do love to learn new things when I read historical fiction, but sadly besides the knowledge that The American Library of Paris existed I didn't learn much else. I feel this book is perfect for someone just starting out with WWII novels.

Nevertheless the story was a captivating and easy read/listen, wich many female characters that were enjoyable to read about.

What a subject! I knew nothing about The American Library or about its story during World War II. The book juxtaposes two storylines, starting in 1939 and 1983, respectively. This literary device can be tricky and even contrived, but the author interweaves them well..

We start in 1939 with Odile Souchet in her new job at the American Library in Paris, just before the Nazis take over the country. She and her fellow librarians use the library and their books to fight for the Resistance.

In 1983 we meet Lily in Montana, a teenager whose mother is dying. She becomes friends with her widowed neighbor (Odile, now elderly) who tells her stories of the war but leaves personal doors closed.

The book is historical fiction, but the historical element is based in research. Many characters are real-life people who really risked their lives to save the library and fight as best they could. The terrors of the time are evident.

This is an excellent lover for book- and library-lovers! Humanity, books, and the passage of time are central to the plot. Well delivered and it deserves the anticipation as an engaging contribution to society and literature!

“Books and ideas are like blood; they need to circulate, and they keep us alive.”

This book speaks to book lovers. Inspired by the true story of librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II, courageous librarians who did what they could to ensure that literature and the spread of ideas would continue to connect people, even in the grips of war.

This book follows a dual storyline; following the friendships Odile Souchet had in 1939 Paris, before and during the occupation, and later on in life, with a teenager named Lily, in Montana in 1983. The books we read shape our perceptions, and color the stories and life lessons we tell others. Odile is no different, as she draws upon her favorite books to guide her life's passions, and to impart her life's lessons to Lily, a lonely teenager struggling to cope with her own loss. It was well written, sprinkled with lines and quotes from other novels.

“Sometimes I like books more than people.” If this line resonates with you, then so will this book.

Finally, while I try not to judge a book by its cover, I must admit to being a sucker for anything that includes a dreamy landscape with the Eiffel tower in the background.

The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles, is a wonderful read. The action happens on two fronts: in 1939, when the Nazis march into Paris and into the life of a young librarian named Odile, and in 1983 when a lonely teenager named Lily discovers a surprising connection to an elderly neighbor.

This novel weaves romance, heroism, and family into an absorbing story. Recommended.

This caught my eye because it has to of my favorite places: Paris and the library in the title, and it's set during World War 2 which is a favorite time period of mine. So obviously I had to read it. The story is dual time line which I enjoyed. I really liked the storyline of Lily in the 1980s. The storyline in Paris during the was is good but hard to read in some places given what was going on in Paris during that time. I would have liked more of an ending and more of the 1980s storyline but overall I liked the book.

The Paris Library is a poignant, fast-paced historical fiction novel based on real-life events. Told from multiples perspectives and jumping between two time periods, the story mainly focuses on Odile and Lily. Odile is a young woman in Paris in 1939 as the German invasion looms in the background. Odile get a job at the American Library in Paris where she works alongside a diverse cast of characters, from Miss Reeder, the American directness to Margaret, the a British woman living in Paris with her husband and daughter. As the war begins to close in on Paris, the characters face decisions and situations that change the course of their lives.

The second setting is Montana, 1983. Lily is a 13-year-old girl who faces an enormous tragedy and finds herself befriending Odile, now an older woman who has lost her husband and son. Throughout the book, there are parallels between the lives of young Odile and Lily culminating in a heartbreaking revelation.

I loved this book and think that fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale would also greatly enjoy it.