I loved this story! Told in a duel timeline which I love! Heartfelt characters and story... highly highly recommend!

Thank you to Atria Books for my copy of The Paris Library in exchange for my honest review.

Historical Fiction can be a ticky genre for me, I tend to either be totally drawn in and fascinated by the story, or bored by it. I'm very happy to say that The Paris Library fell in the first category! The dual timelines, strong lead characters, and beautiful story makes this one a must read for anyone that enjoys the Historical Firction or Women's Fiction,

The story is told in alternating time lines of Odile in the 1930s - 1940s in Paris, and of Lily in the 1980s in Montana. In her older age, Odile is very quiet and private, and when her young neighbor, Lily,comes knocking on her door one evening it is the beginings of an unlikely friendship that will save them both. What unfolds is a story of trust, bravery, struggle, and heartache.

Odile has always dreamed of being a librarian at The Paris Library. During the years she is there, she finds relationships that will change her for better and worse, and she will become braver than she ever imagined. Her story was so powerful and heartbreaking.

Odile comes in to Lily's life with clandestine timing. Lily is a young girl at the time, and goes through her own hard times. The friendship and love that Odile shows her, and the lessons she learns from her, will shape the woman she becomes.

The Paris Library is based on the true story of the heroic work done by the librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II. This story features key themes of friendship, family, and the power of literature. I loved that this book gave a new perspective to the World War II time period. If you like historical fiction but find a lot of WWII fiction too “heavy,” this book is for you. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to read The Paris Library and enjoyed the details of this historic library that survived WWII and still lives today. Otherwise, I struggled to finish this book as it seemed like multiple books I have read. I read many books each year and it's my hope your adventure into the years preceding WWII and during the war will be exciting and enjoyable.

I Received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
This was quite a nice book. The subject about a library during WWII was pretty cool but I tend to have an issue with transitioning timelines which affected my ability to get into it.

I was drawn to this book, based on the name alone and my interest in Paris and libraries. I have read a lot of historical fiction set during World War II. This was different in that it was about protecting the books, but similar to others about the tough times during the war and the horrible treatment of the Jewish people. I loved reading the authors notes at the end of the book and to find out that some of the people in the novel were based on real people. This book was about friendship, family, and love of books and so much more,
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it.

One of my favorite genres is historical fiction, and I love when I find a new author, (to me), who writes a story about something I know nothing about and makes it come to life vividly and beautifully.
The Paris library is a story in two time periods, also one of my favorite types of storytelling, Paris 1939 and Montana 1983. Both time periods feature Odile, a Parisian, who introduces the reader to the glorious American Library in Paris. As a lover of books and libraries I enjoyed the brilliant descriptions of the library's subscribers as well as its setting.
The Montana story line is just as enjoyable as we meet the older Odile. Her close relationship with her young neighbor, Lily, helps us discover Odile's journey from Paris librarian to Montana widow.

An excellent book.

I love Historical Fiction, especially when it’s been inspired by a true story, so I was very excited to receive an ACR of “The Paris Library” from NetGalley. Set partially during WWII in Paris, the story follows Odile and her fellow librarians who help keep the American Library open during the war. The second timeline is set in the ’80s, where Odile now lives in a small town in Montana next to a curious teenage-aged girl.

While kind of slow at times, this book had plenty of twists that kept me interested and ultimately did not end the way I anticipated. I think this would be perfect for fans for “The Book of Lost Names” and “Beneath A Scarlet Sky”. It was such a unique perspective of the lives of librarians during the war, that I think any book lover will appreciate and love its plot.

This fabulous novel explores the meaning of friendship, loyalty, and most important, the need--- and the desire---for information. It illustrates how important libraries are, even in these days of Google and the internet.

The library in this novel is The American Library in Paris. A real, still-functioning library in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, ten minutes from the Eiffel Tower, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. From their website: “The American Library in Paris was established in 1920 under the auspices of the American Library Association with a core collection of books and periodicals donated by American libraries to United States armed forces personnel serving their allies in World War I. The Library has grown since then into the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. It operates as a non-profit cultural association…”

I loved looking at the website photos to help clarify my visions of what the library looked during the novel’s time frame (1939-1944). That is one timeline in this fabulous story. The other is 1986-87 and takes place in Montana.

The war years’ part of the story mostly takes place in the library. There is a whole cast of employees and patrons that readers get to know as the noose of the German Occupation grows tighter and tighter. However, the main protagonist is Odile (Oh-deal) Souchet. The Montana part of the story gives readers full-circle about what happened after the war.

Odile has just landed her dream job at the library. She is so happy to be there, she doesn’t even mind that her parents are desperately trying to find her a husband. Her dad, a police commissioner, is always bringing single officers home for Sunday dinner. Odile has no interest in marriage.

As the Nazis goose-step down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, most Parisians flee the city, except for the library employees and a few faithful patrons. The employees stay behind because they believe in their mission, to provide information and entertainment.

What happens in this novel is not unlike what is happening at libraries in 2021. They are doing their best to stay open and meet patrons’ needs. I work at a library (not on the frontlines though) and felt a symbiotic relationship with Odile and the others. Even when they were in danger (as our staff is with the coronavirus running amuck), they showed up to complete their mission---even if that meant home deliveries and hiding patrons of a certain religious persuasion.

I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. I also recommend visiting The American Library in Paris; website at americanlibraryinparis.org.

The Paris Library receives 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

This is another fun take on a WWII novel. Is there anything that readers love more than reading about other readers? yes, we also love reading about libraries! This book has both and is a book of hope set against a backdrop of war and loss. It also has a dual timeline, which is always fun. 3.5 stars.

I learned so much from this novel—and so much of this story was familiar to me. I didn't know anything about the American Library in Paris before reading this book. I am amazed at the strength and determination of the librarians who went to great lengths to continue to provide service and books during the war. But I guess that shouldn't really have surprised me, because from working in libraries, I understand how passionate library people can be.

I loved the fact that I was learning so much about a library of the past but I also loved how the author really 'got' the people and nuances of the library world. It was amusing to see characters that I have known in real life, personalities that I recognize from my own library experiences. And what a great, interesting cast of characters they were.

The Paris Library was an amazing read and one that I can highly recommend. It's the perfect World War II historical fiction story that will especially appeal to anyone familiar with libraries. This book about a great library and its people will always have a special place in my heart

The Paris Library is absolutely marvelous, and it's become one of my favorites. I love the era(s) in which the book takes place, and the way that the story is told. In the 80s, Lily is the exact age I was, so it was so easy for me to relate to that time period. And books set during and around WWII are among my favorite types to read, so the fact that that was Odile's "timeline" made this even more enjoyable for me.

The characters are wonderfully well-written. I loved the patrons of the library; they are unique and colorful, and I think you will love them.. The relationships between and among characters are completely believable....even one which you'd think impossible. I love that the characters grow and change throughout the book.

I love how important saving the books and keeping the library open is to the characters....and how important books are to them in general. Can you imagine our world without stories?

There is so much to love about The Paris Library, and much of what I love would spoil the book for you if I shared it. If you're reading this review, I'm sure you're a book lover, and this book is for book lovers! You'll love it even more if you are a fan of historical fiction. I cannot recommend it enough.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Paris Library for free. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own and may differ from yours.

The year is 1939, WWII is on everyone’s mind as the war is moving closer to home. Impressed with the American’s Dewey Decimal System, Odile decides that an American library is where she wants to works and lands a position at the American Library in Paris. Odile loves her new position: being surrounded by individuals who care and enjoy reading. This truly becomes her second home and her refuge.

We move to the year 1983. Lily has heard that this woman in her neighborhood was a war bride yet to Lily, she didn’t match what Lily envisioned. For school, Lily interviews this neighbor and discovers what a treasure Odile really is. While Lily feels like her own life is crumbling apart, she finds a true friend in Odile and someone that she can confine in. Although they are generations apart, Odile finds that being with Lily, she’s able to share the story of her life and her talents, which brings her tremendous joy.

I enjoyed how the author alternated the stories throughout the book. As I read, I had to keep reminding myself that this was a true account, that this story actually took place. Although at times, I didn’t want one story to end, I was excited to get back into the lives of all the characters. I had a hard time in the beginning chapters getting settled into the book but after those few chapters, I enjoyed it. I loved how everyone who was a part of the library tried so desperately to make sure their subscribers had access to the materials that they wanted. It wasn’t just making sure that the books were safe during the war but getting them out and into the hands of the individuals who really needed them, during this difficult time. Doesn’t this sound like what we are going through now, to a point? Is your own library meeting the needs of the people that it serves during this uncertain period in our history?

Odile’s relationships had me up at 3:30 in the morning as I couldn’t sleep thinking how things were going to work out. Between her father, her brother, her girlfriends and her romance, it’s a wonder I slept at all the past couple nights. I appreciate the author’s research in putting this book together as it was a fantastic read and one that I highly enjoyed.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you @librofm @atriabooks @netgalley @jskesliencharles for this #gifted ALC and ebook.

This is a story based off the heroic librarians that helped protect the American Library in Paris while the city was occupied by Germany during WWII. The Paris Library not only tells of every day heroes, but also of friendship, family, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The Paris Library is a character driven WWII story, unlike any that I’ve read before. It’s told in a dual timeline and from different POVs (but primarily from Odile & Lily). While most WWII historical fictions I’ve read in the past are heartbreaking and tragic, this is story is a bit more uplifting with its focus on friendships both past and present. I love how much attention was given to the library and the Dewey decimal system; this really is a great read for any major book lover.

𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜: I loved the narration of this book! This is narrated by several different ladies, which gave the characters their own unique voice and helped bring them to life. Even with Odile’s accent (which I loved) I was able to speed up the pace and still understand her.

This is a fantastic historical fiction! I used to read a lot more historical fiction than I have in the past two years, but I am so glad I had a chance to read this one. If you like The Lost Roses and Lilac Girls, you will enjoy this story as well. It seemed very historically accurate and had some great quotes and memorable moments. Sometimes the writing became dense, but I think that was just to be expected with the subject matter.

DNF at 20%. Sadly, the writing style isn't for me at all and I am having difficulty become engaged to the story. YMMV.

This is a good book.
The writing is a bit disjointed but is thoroughly researched.
Great historical details.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a historical fiction set in the Paris American Library during World War II. The story is about the love and escapism of books during hard times, and the choices and secrets we keep. This book captures the library and the community it creates, really well while highlighting the power of books. The author, Charles heard this story secondhand when she was working for the Paris American Library making flyers, and became enamored with the story of community and survival. The story is well written and you can feel the history while reading it. The narrative has burst of excitement, and some bits of lull. I did feel Charles stuck a little too close to history at times, their's some deaths that I just wasn't impacted by, and I felt I should be. Not to sat the novel did not have emotional scenes but I thought the two main deaths could have more impact on the reader. I would compare this novel to Dear Mrs. Bird by A. J. Pierce and Lilac Girls by Martha Kelly Hall. I read the advanced reader's copy of The Paris Library thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles was published on February 9 2021.

The Plot: Odile has a passion for reading and the Dewey Decimal system. She's a french girl that has learned to speak english through books, and has frequented the Paris American Library all her life, and now wants the go for her dream job of working for it in 1939. She gets the job, where she is surrounded by books and fellow book lovers, it is the greatest year of her life. She has her dream job and her dream beau a Paris police officer, then the war hits and changes everything. We jump forward and meet Odile 44 years in the future living in Montana as a bitter old woman. We learn how a woman so full of life can live all alone. She meets Lilly a girl who reminds her of her yourself, she tells her story as a warning of choices. What happened to Odile in Paris from 1939 to 1944.

What I Like: The love and genius of the Dewey Decimal system to categorize library books. I like that the Dewey Decimal device is used by Odile to categorize her life. I learned lots, that the French soldiers could still send mail, and weren't treated great but not too bad as soldiers go. The people who had it worst are the women that dated Nazi soldier, no matter their reasons, had there head shaved and were beaten. I loved the friendships between Odile and Margaret and Odile and her brother's fiancé. The love of books and the library. There's a lot of book discussions that I found interesting, I'm adding There Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Thurston to my TBR, because of Odile affection for it, and the passages used in the book. The scene where Odile puts together where Paul, her beau, was really taking her to be alone. The final twist was a good one.

What I Disliked: It took the book a little too long to start connecting the 1939 story to 1983 story, I ended up liking it but it took a while to get there. There is two deaths in this book and I did not feel them like I should have, I was kind of shocked that there wasn't any lead up to them.

Recommendations: I will recommend The Paris Library, it is a good historical fiction that highlights the importance of books. The dramatic scenes are good and have some an intensity. If you love books about survivors of World War II then you will like this book. I rated The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles 4 out of 5 stars.

The Paris Library is a bibliophile's dream - there are so many beautiful quotes about the refuge books provide and so much discussion on a number of amazing titles.
Initially, I thought this aspect would easily be what I loved most about the book, but I also fell in love with both timelines and the characters in each of them.
The writing is beautiful and atmospheric and I love the research the author put into this book. She details the parallels to the true events that took place in the Paris Library during WWII.
I definitely recommend adding this book to your TBR for an escape to Paris.
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

The Paris Library is a perfect example of why I love historical fiction. This story brings a wonderful opportunity to learn something new and to connect with the experiences of those who came before us.
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With a wonderful blend of well-researched fact & fiction in Janet Skeslien Charles' story telling, I learned of the American Library in Paris and the courage of the women & men who kept the library operating "as a symbol of freedom and understanding, of service to all, a fine piece of democracy.”⁣
Dorothy Reeder ⁣
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I loved the use of dual timelines. I think this mechanism was used well to build tension and generate a sense of mystery. The dual timelines also highlight the valuable learnings we can take away from other's experiences as we slowly come to understand the similarities between Odile & Lily. I do feel that Odile's timeline was the stronger of the two and I wasn't emotionally connected with either narrators - like I often am in historical fiction, but I think this was due in part to the deliberate manner with which Odile's story unfolds. ⁣
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The Paris Library explores human nature and how jealousy, paranoia, hatred, fear and grief can bring out the ugliness in people or test your moral compass, to devastating consequences. Despite the wartime setting, The Paris Library is also a story that will leave you with hope. ⁣