I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was explored the darkness brought on by war, loss, feelings of neglect but comforted all of those with companionship, true care, kindness, and literature.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a novel based on historical events that depicts the American Library in Paris and its staff and patrons during the Nazi occupation and the years after. The novel switches between two time periods: one in Paris from 1939 to 1944, and one in Montana from 1983 to 1984.

The novel is suitable for readers who like historical fiction, books about books, and stories of friendship and courage. The Paris Library is an engaging and touching novel that honors the role of libraries and books in times of war and peace.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Janet Skeslien Charles for the ARC of this book, The Paris Library.

This book was an amazing story about resistance during WWII and the way it affected those people who lived through it. I absolutely loved how the author, Janet Skeslien Charles, wove this story of resistance by going back and forth between two time periods. The main character, Odile, was a librarian in the Paris Library during WWII and she played a key part, by using her occupation and books, in helping to resist the Nazis.

Later when she was older and living in America the reader is also shown how Odile survived the war and used her past knowledge and experience to help a young friend through her own trials of love and loss.

I thought Charles did an amazing job connecting the two time periods and showing the resilience of a woman who endures so much lost herself. She continues to keep fighting forward and she uses her personal experiences to help others to resist.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves WWII historical fiction, especially involving those brave individuals who resisted the Nazis.

This had a lot of elements that I enjoyed- a dual time, strong storyline and of course, detailed writing about a library. What I found compelling in this story is that it focused less on the war itself and more on the characters and how the war impacted the library. This is a great example of strong historical fiction. Compelling, well written and makes you think. Highly recommend.

Using books to join the resistance and help save her country. And a girl many years later wondering the story of her elderly neighbor.

This was a wonderful read. Anything that combines books with WW2 is a hit in my book. I will recommend this to any student who wants to learn a little about WW2 and loves books

I loved the two timelines and all of the history but this one wasn’t my favorite. I gave it 3/5 stars. There was some drama to drive the plot but overall it was quite dry and not all that engaging. It was fun to read and I do recommend it for historical fiction lovers.

I have become very picky about historical fiction. For me, it needs an interesting hook. The author had me at a book about a library and its occupants, Additionally, like many historical fiction books, much of this was based in reality and real people. Very good read. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This book had me at WWII - and set in Paris? - added bonus!
I loved the concept of this book and it was so well executed. It kept me engaged.
This is a perfect read for fans of Kristin Harmel and and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale.

This book has a dual time line which I enjoyed. I love the power of books and how they affect people. The writing is strong, and I love the focus on family - both natural and found family. The author did a great job with characterization and pacing.

This was a good historical fiction but it did feel similar to other books I read at the time. If this is your genre, you’ll enjoy this book. However, if you like to be surprised in your reading choices, consider skipping this one.

Fantastic story. I appreciated the 2 “side-by-side” stories set in the different time periods. It made the overall story have so much depth. Definitely recommend.

Simply put, an absolutely delightful and moving read ! Quickly fell in love with the characters, setting and writing style. Very engaging storyline which held my interest all the way thru.

I had high hopes for this one, then time got away from me and I was unable to read it priro to publication date. Regardless, it did not live up to the hype in my own mind. I struggled with some of the characters and getting invested. The author hints at some topics in the current timeline that I thought woudl be explored more but then they just fizzled out which was a bit of a disappointment, such as Odile's visit to see a fiend, or goig back to Paris to reunite with some of her library friends/patrons. And the bullying of Lily by Tara Ivers, it goes on and on then just nothing? I woudl have liked to see something more I guess. Also, during the war, is she that educated to run a library but then also so sheltered she did not realize what was happening to all the Jewish people around her? Their apartments etc? The concept of the Library and saving books (first editions, etc.) from the Nazi's is intriguing and I would like to have heard more of that. Overall the story and concept were there, it was developed too slow for me. I am glad that Lily saved Odile and they formed a strong bond.

***I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

This ranks as one of my favorite reads in 2022…I had to keep reading and basically ignored all household chores to get it done! Librarians fighting against German-occupied Paris…how much better can it get? Told in a dual timeline, this narrative embodies the power of words and knowledge, and dare I say, the importance of reading. I loved all of the book titles mentioned in this book - so many great books!

The Paris Review by Janet Skeslien Charles is the story of Odile, a young woman in the 1940s who works for the American Library in Paris. This book follows her as the library remains open through WWII. We also follow Lily, an adolescent girl in Montana with a mysterious French neighbor…It took me a bit to get into this book. By the middle it hooked me and I couldn’t put it down. However I’m sad to say that the ending had me very confused, it felt abrupt. I was anticipating this read quite a lot and the ending had me wanting more.

This book ticks off so many things on my list! Dualing timelines? Check! Paris? Check! Libraries?! check check check! I highly recommend this book.

A story told in both in 1939 France and 1983 Montana. A riveting tale of the lengths people took to protect their freedoms during World War II. Perfect for World War II fiction fanatics and biliophiliacs.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I tried reading it twice, but just couldn't get into it either time. I absolutely adore libraries, and books about books--and can see why this was so popular with other readers--but I find the writing style just wasn't for me. It was very difficult to feel immersed in the story, which is a shame. (I'll still give this 3 stars, as there was nothing terribly wrong with the story--it's more of a "me, not you" situation!)

I have tried multiple times to get into this book but for some reason I just can't. I'm sure its just me because it has glowing reviews. I thank you for the opportunity to read and review it - unfortunately this one was a DNF for me.