“The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles
Published by Atria Books
Finished 3/10/21 – 5/5 stars

When I picked up this book I didn’t realize it was Historical Fiction…..I just thought it sounded like a good story. Turns out it is a WONDERFUL story and I learned something new as a bonus. Not only did I not know about The American Library in Paris that recently celebrated its 100 year anniversary, I had no idea of the role its librarians played in World War II. They sent books to troops and brought them to the local hospitals so that wounded soldiers could have some entertainment. During the Nazi Occupation of Paris, these librarians also risked their lives to bring books to Jews and foreigners that were no longer able to enter the library. This is the telling of their love of books, people, and friendships. And to top it off, there is a coming of age story mixed in to go with it. Sometimes those types of side stories are a distraction to the main story, but not with this book. They actually compliment each other well and give further insight into the main character.

I highly recommend this book. It has great characters, beautiful descriptions, a nice flow, and quotes of other best sellers woven in. Pretty sure the author is a big fan of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” – that one has multiple references throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this book for an honest review in return. I honestly loved this book so that is easy to do.

Oh my stars this book!! I can’t remember one that had so much going for it and I mean, a book about a library full of books! How can you go wrong?
I loved the many POV’s that this story was told in-Odile telling her story of life during the occupation of France, Lily during the late 80s has befriend Odile and is learning about life from her. As well as being Lily’s mentor, she tells her bits of her life story and in chapters of memories, we learn about Odile’s brother going to war to prove himself to his father and what life was like for those on the frontlines, and Odile making friends while working at the library and secretly delivering books during the war and of course, falling in love.
Absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.

Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-paris-library.html

The Paris Library is the librarian’s dream book—a young librarian saves the world with books! With the Dewey Decimal System thrown in. Well, not exactly, but sort of. Honestly, it is much more than that. The book deals with a little-known aspect of World War II in France; its impact on the arts and culture of the city.

Odile Souchet is a young woman who has just gotten a job at the American Library in Paris. The library is one of the centers of American culture in Paris and the gathering spot for American scholars and researchers as well as American families living in the city. After the invasion, Jews are not allowed to enter the library, so Odile and the other librarians send books to the Allied troops stationed around France and sneak books to their Jewish patrons, an obvious act of resistance. When she realizes that her father and other police officers are putting the city’s Jewish population into internment camps, she feels confused and betrayed. Especially by Paul, her fiancé, who is a police officer as well. She does everything she can to continue to serve her patrons and save them from capture. As the war ends, Paul is involved in one final, major act of betrayal which causes Odile to forsake everything and escape Paul, her family, and the library that has given her strength.

Juxtaposed with this story line is the story of Lily, a teenager living in small-town Montana in 1983 and yearning for a bigger life. Odile is her elderly, reclusive neighbor. Lily wonders how this French woman ever got to Montana and sets out to understand her story. The friendship the two form ends up being healing for both of them and moves the story forward in unexpected ways. It, in itself, is a lovely story.

Just recently, I read of some art work that was hidden from the Nazis and recently recovered. So, reading about the hiding of first editions of classic literature and the defiance of librarians was not unexpected. I have always maintained that librarians are among the champions of the rights of the people, and it was affirmative for me to read of these women and men and their fight to protect the library, its books, and its patrons.

The author, Janet Charles, was the program manager at the American Library when she started to hear the stories of the resistance and the brave librarians at the American Library. This caused her to do a great deal of meticulous research into these brave souls, many of whom are portrayed in context, although Odile is the creation of the author. Additionally, the author grew up in small-town Montana so she understands well Lily’s need to move into a bigger world.

The Library Journal has a very astute look at the library and the librarians who appear in the novel. The article talks about Miss Reeder, the director of the library, who appears in the novel, all the books that they delivered, and with Dr. Fuchs, the Nazi “Library Protector” who appeared off and on to inspect the library. Additionally, the author has included on her website some of the research she used in developing the novel. There are pictures, newspaper articles, and reports. It really resonates.

The Kirkus review concludes that The Paris Library is a “novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries.” Although there are a monumental number of World War II books out and about these days, The Paris Library deserves readers’ attention.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Atria Books and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

An absolute treasure!

This story is told in alternating time times to draw the history of the past into the present. In 1939 Paris, Odile Souchet fulfills her ambition to work at the American Library in Paris. She always wanted to follow in the foot steps of her Aunt Caroline who was a librarian. The only thing more important than the library to Odile is her twin brother Rémy.

In 1983, Lily lives in a small town of Montana dreaming of lands far away. She is curious about her elder neighbor from Paris. Mrs Gustafson always keeps to herself and seems lonely since the death of her husband Buck. The neighbors only referred to her as the “war bride” since she moved to Montana with Buck after his recuperation from the war. He has been promised to his high school sweetheart before the war. Lily becomes interested in why this elegant woman would move to Montana from Paris. She decides to interview Mrs Gustafson for a school paper.

Lily is pleasantly surprised when the woman agrees to come over for tea. Lily gradually learns that Odile Gustafson lived in Paris during a dangerous period of war. When Odile agrees to give Lily French lessons the two gradually build a bond. The once lonely Odile becomes an important part of her life as well as her family. The stories of the past begin to help heal Odile of guilt and remorse and teach Lily valuable life lessons to take with her as she graduates high school. They both learn that life has more meaning when shared with others, both the good and the bad.

This is a beautiful story based on true WWII stories of the heroic librarians at the time. In particular, the American Library in Paris where Odile and her fellow librarians work with the Resistance to move books from the library that might otherwise be destroyed. They contrive a way to send books to the soldiers and bring books to Jewish people no longer allowed in the library. In the midst of war, they find love and friendship but also secrets and betrayal.

The themes of the past continue to the present as does the human condition’s tendency to fall prey to jealousy and loyalty. A wonderful story about the tribulations of family loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness, fear and courage, friendship and commitment.

I am not sure how I left this one sitting on my shelf for almost a year! I was unsure going into The Paris Library how I would like a more character based narrative. Typically this style does not work for me but something about this one just clicked. I loved the friendship between Odile and Lily. I loved the description of the American Library and it's patrons.

However, the one thing that did bother me was how sheltered Odile was to the struggles of the Jewish patrons she was assisting. I understand that she was probably sheltered but there comes a point where even the most sheltered of women would notice things.

I was going back and forth between four and five stars the entire book but after the ending I knew it had gone into my five star reads pile. If you love WWII fiction and a good book about books I highly recommend this book!

Just when I thought I was tired of reading historical fiction books set during WWII, The Paris Hours comes along to remind why this is such a fascinating time period to write about! I could have done without the present-day storyline, but I felt fully engrossed in the parts of the book that took place during the war. The author was able to fully transport me to the Paris Library and I cared deeply not just about the people but about the books. It's hard to imagine a book lover, not falling in love with this book!

This one was a very slow read for me. I actually stopped three or four times and couldn't get into it long enough to stay interested.

I loved the storyline and learned a lot about what happened in that time period. I really enjoyed the characters, but I didn't feel an attachment with them like I had hoped I would. That's what made me drop my rating of this book.

This was definitely a feel good book during such a dark time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for my free e-ARC version of The Paris Library. I loved it so much that I decided halfway through reading it that I wanted the hard copy and went and purchased one for myself.

The Paris Library is a historical fiction that takes place at the American Library in Paris during WWII. While reading this book, I learned so many new things, looking up facts as I read along the way. The ALP is 100 years old and still stands!! In the novel, the library operates underground during WWII, lending books to Jewish members barred from libraries. The novel celebrates libraries as an important part of our communities, accessible to all people, and a safe haven that treats everyone with compassion and dignity.

The Paris Library will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. It is a story for all who truly love books, libraries, and enjoy a blend of fiction and history. As a person who finds solace and peace by escaping through literature, I found myself resonating with so many quotes, saving them as I read along. So, it's no surprise to me that this book is already a New York Times bestseller and USA TODAY and Washington Post bestseller #1.

A perfect blend of history and fiction, The Paris Library shows us how literature can provide an escape from pain, fear, and sorrow. More than that, the book shows us how reading unites us, and the power that comes from knowledge, community, and human connection. Exploring the consequences of our choices and the relationships that define who we are, The Paris Library shows us that true acts of heroism are oftentimes found when no one else is listening or watching.

I was sad when this book was over because I didn’t want it to end. I loved the Author’s Note that followed and appreciated the fact that Janet Skeslien Charles actually worked at the ALP, where she learned about the true story of the courageous staff who kept the library open during WWII. She spent several years researching for her book and based it on real events and actual people. I was surprised to learn that real names were kept for some of the characters in the story. In addition, many letters that are used throughout The Paris Library came from real denunciation letters not only trying to denounce Jewish people but accusing people and the library of disobeying the Germans. In writing this book, the author taught me about a piece of history during WWII that I had never heard of before. She captures the voices of courageous librarians well, and I felt like I was truly in the library while reading the book.

I loved this book and was reminded of how important our libraries still are today, especially in this digital media age where facts and fiction are often blurred. Thank you Janet Skeslien Charles for reminding your readers that we must continue to protect and value our libraries and appreciate that we still have them. I hope many readers and book lovers will consider adding The Paris Library to their shelves!

A beautifully written story! I can't stop thinking about The Paris Library, this is one of those stories that you want to keep reading and reading and when the last pages come, you don't even want to read it you just want to keep getting to know more and more about each character and stretching the story even longer.. I loved it!

The American Library in Paris celebrated it’s one hundredth birthday last year and this was a beautiful tribute to those who managed to keep it open through Nazi occupation in World War II.

Odile’s story takes place beginning in 1939 in Paris, wanting to work in the library as a young woman, and alternates with her life as an elderly widow in Montana.
I enjoyed both timelines, but especially loved learning about the library and it’s history. Most of the supporting characters in the novel were workers and patrons of the ALP. They risked their lives to help each other, to save the library and protect the books from being destroyed. This is a lovely book for book lovers.
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Initially coming into this novel, I read that it was based on true events. I did not believe it would be expanded as much as it did with an epilogue by the author reflecting on her experience creating the novel and using history as a canvas to share this magnificent story. The setting is placed between two locations and decades ex. Paris, 1939 and Montana, 1983. The setting in France takes the reader to the American Library in Paris and shows the advancement of the Nazis entering Paris and our protagonist Odile Souchet’s experience gaining and losing everything she has held dear. The novel moves through space and time to the 1980s in Montana where Odile is now an elderly woman who is befriended by a teenager named Lily. Odile’s experience in Paris as a member of the resistance is something that interested me as Odile’s character was flushed out examining her relationships both romantic and platonic. I enjoyed reading on Odile’s journey including the gains and losses she experienced at a young age and the nuggets of wisdom carried throughout her life. I enjoyed Odile’s story far much more than Lily’s but appreciate the impact she had on Odile and the vulnerability she brought to their friendship. Overall I give this book 3.5 out of five stars and on Goodreads rate this a solid four-star book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel.

The Paris Library was a gripping historical novel, based in true events, taking place during WWII. A seamless dual timeline told in a relatable tone of young women expressing much bravery at challenging times. Thank you NetGalley, publisher and author for the copy for review. All opinions are my own.

4.5 Stars

The Paris Library was a wonderful book, especially for lovers of books and libraries. Honestly, I'd gotten a bit tired of reading books set during WWII, but I couldn't resist this one because it is set in Paris during the Nazi occupation of France during the 1930s. It tells the story of a young French girl named Odille who gets her dream job of working at The American Library in Paris. The story also unfolds in a dual timeline in the 1980s with the story of young, teenage Lily who befriends Odille, now a lonely widow living in Montana.

Odille is a wonderful character and so were the many brave characters who worked there and sacrificed to keep the library open during the occupation and smuggled books to patrons who were not allowed to come in because they were Jews, all the while risking arrest. It was very inspiring to read of how they were so determined to fight against censorship, hide books from the Nazis, and provided books to the soldiers so they could have some kind of solace during the war.

In the other storyline, Lily befriends Odille when she interviews her while writing a report for school about France. Surprisingly, the two form a bond, which is good since Lily faces a tragedy and needs Odille to help her through it. It's a friendship that helps both the young girl and the older woman tremendously.

I have to admit that I much preferred the story that took place in Paris most of all and think the story could have been better without the storyline with Lily, but that's just me. All in all, it's a beautiful story of friendship, bravery, a tale of betrayal and its aftermath, an exploration of the horrors of the war but also how people overcome adversity.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a novel following a young librarian working in the American Library in Paris during World War II. Ms. Charles in an award-winning author, this is her second novel.

In 1939, Paris, Odile Souchet has her life on track. She’s working in her dream job at the American Library in Paris, a great boyfriend working as a cop, and a loving family. When the Nazis conquer France Odile realizes how fragile her reality is, how fast people change, how choices between bad and very bad must be made. Odile survives the war by concentrating on one thing: saving books from the Nazis.

Lily lives in a small town in Montana, she’s writing a report about France and in usual teenage chutzpah approaches her French neighbor, the “war bride”, for an interview. As Lily and Odile grow closer, the past is discovered, secrets unveil, and the two find they have more in common than they thought.

I made it no secret that I really enjoy books about books, and, of course, books about World War II. Even though my kids tell me that at this point, at least for generation Z, dads and WWII is now a meme.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is told through the eyes of two young women, living in different times. The first is in 1939-1944, where Odile’s sheltered life is being shattered, the second is in 1983, through the eyes of Lilly who is also dealing with big changes in her life, albeit not a world war.

The most interesting part of the book, for me, was the description of the American Library in Paris, where Odile works. Since Odile just started working there, we learn with her about the library, its goals, mechanizations, and the peculiar characters which work and frequent the building. I enjoyed reading about the way the staff worked during the war to continue operations, support Jewish subscribers, sending books to soldiers, and saving valued manuscripts from Nazi hands.

The romantic parts were not my cup of tea, and I thought they were out of place. Odile and her boyfriend / fiancée romp throughout Paris in abandoned, yet fully furnished apartments. I understand this point of the story, which becomes clear later on I could have done without the flowery descriptions of their love making.
But that’s just me.

I also thought Odiel’s reaction to the realization of what people close to her did to survive during the war was somewhat disproportionate. But I found it interesting the author chose to write about it, how the world Odiel thought was coming together, is still falling apart, and how people who loved her, and she loves, will do horrible things out of necessity – and for her sake.

The author worked at the American Library in Paris in 2019, and her love to the place shines through. The book concentrates on life in Paris during WWII, how the Parisians lived, and the affects the war had on them, not realizing at the time how lucky most of them were.

There are so many books out there about Paris during WWII and this one honestly felt exactly like all of the other ones I’ve read. Yes, it was interesting to read about the American Library and it kept running during the war, but boy I’m impressed that a book about WWII could be so uneventful. I understand that the author based this on a true story but I wish she has embellished it a bit more. Also, all the characters collaborating with the Nazis was not handled well. The story acknowledges that the Nazis were bad but i was surprised at the lack of consequences, or even discussion about any of this. It happened, it was acknowledged briefly, and then everyone moved on.

With the title and setting, I was excited for a new look on Paris during WWII, and instead got more of the same tropes.

THE PARIS LIBRARY by Janet Skeslien Charles is a Booklover’s dream, a historical fiction novel that takes places in iconic Paris centered around the prestigious American Library there during WWII. A Library that can count Edith Wharton as one of its founders and was open to the public allowing access to books for all. As with many books we cherish themed around libraries and bookstores, the reverence and adoration of books along with their importance, comfort, knowledge, vehicle to empathy, and cultural legacy is celebrated. I lost track of the amount of amazing literary quotes and bookish odes studded like gems throughout the pages, catnip to bibliophiles everywhere. I particularly enjoyed a return to the glory of the Dewey Decimal system through protagonist Odile, who not only has memorized it, but sees and classifies the world through its numbers. Charles also introduces the concept of bookmates (your soulmate in books by sharing love for the same books). Interesting assertions and thought-provoking questions abound in the reader’s mind as a result, such as ‘Do you have a bookmate’ and ‘What would your Dewey decimal number be’?

In the same vein as the books that parody bookshop customers and regulars written by Wigtown Scottish bookseller Shaun Bythell, there is quite the varied cast of characters who patronize and staff The American Library in Paris. They are as essential to the fabric of the library as the books themselves, but unique in their various nationalities, ages, and personalities. Yet all are united in their support of the Library and its community as well as its causes, mission, and projects. In particular, Janet covered the work that the Library did during the War with the Soldiers’ Service operation (getting thousands of books into care packages with notes and magazines to Allied soldiers on the war front) and its fight to stay open to all throughout the War. The latter became increasingly difficult as Nazis raided various libraries’ collections, banned certain books from circulation, and forbade Jewish subscribers from entry. The library staff and regulars rallied behind their belief of books for all and hand delivered books to their Jewish patrons, risking arrest and evading checkpoint capture or discovery of their mission. The American Library staff and patrons also hid and sent away books to keep them safe from being stolen by the enemy. Books provided solace and bibliotherapy to Parisians as Paris was overtaken by Germans and many fled the city in streams to the safety of the country. French villagers also became refugees in their own country, escaping occupied areas to free zones. As food became scarce and bodies went hungry, readers could still devour books feeding their souls and minds as well as using books to escape to a better place.

The author worked at The American Library in Paris as a programs manager, and still splits her time between Paris and Montana today - just as the book splits its timeline between the two. She appears to be a fierce and staunch advocate of libraries and everything they can provide for communities and do for all, and I couldn’t agree more!

I know what you're thinking — not another WWII historical fiction?! But hear me out! This story that follows two young women — one a librarian in Nazi-occupied France and the other a teen in small-town Montana — is a total love letter to books, Paris, and friendship.

Sweet, sweet Lily had no clue the impact she'd have when she knocked on her neighbor Odile's door — and how she would change both of their lives for the better. Definitely a tear-jerker (aka I definitely cried toward the end and maybe a little in the middle) but that's not entirely abnormal for any book related to the horrific war that is WWII.

Read if you loved Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

A delightfully written book for book and library lovers alike. Charles' sentences are worth taking the time to read over and over again; they are both lyrical and rich with description. Several passages seemed to encapsulate perfectly what words, books, learning, knowledge, and reading mean to people who enjoy reading and sharing great stories.

This book shares the story of The American Library in Paris amid the backdrop of Nazi occupation in France. The heroics of the staff are as inspirational as they were dangerous. The story is rich with character development and historical research.

The story unfolds in Paris in the 1930's on the threshold of WWII. Odile, the main character, is too complex of a character to focus on in the span of one historical event, so Charles gives us Odile in again in 1980's in Montana. We further view the complexities of Odile's wartime realities through the eyes of Lily, her lonely, teenage neighbor who knocks on her door at just the right time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC. It was a joy. #NetGalley #ARC

The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles, is a delectable feast for lovers of books, Paris, WWII historical fiction, and novels that center on relationships. Any combination will do. This exquisite novel is a tribute to libraries, librarians and the importance of literature in our lives. Charles deftly intertwines fact and fiction to create a protagonist that we meet in Paris, as a young woman, working in the American Library. We also know her as the elder sage who befriends a teenage neighbor and her family. The Library itself becomes a character of heroic proportions, staffed by librarians of indomitable spirit, who managed to keep the doors open and the library functioning throughout the war.

Although the pacing is fast, this is a book to be savored. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Also, treat yourself to the Wikipedia article about The American Library. It is very informative and full of facts that you will appreciate having read the novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC. It was a joy.

So maybe I've read too many historical fiction books with dual timelines lately and I'm just burned out. Nothing about this one grabbed my interest and I didn't really connect with the characters. But don't be swayed by my moodiness, read it for yourself as many others really enjoyed it.