I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and NetGalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Paris Library is a novel of quiet strength and the power of friendship. Told by two very different and yet similar narrators, the story alternates between Odile's and Lily's lives beautifully. Truly a piece of onderfully written historical fiction.

4 out of 4 stars.

While the pandemic didn't stop me from reading and enjoying books, it did prove to be a difficult time for me to write about them, so I just kept reading. Hopefully, I piqued your interest with my rating when I posted it back then. In any case, this is a book that combines all the best themes for me—historical fiction based on yet another aspect of WWII that I did not know, amazing libraries and their equally amazing librarians, and a well-woven dual-timeline plot. And, while I cannot believe that book banning has become terrifyingly commonplace once again, this book that offers a bit of hope for today's grim times.

Really good book. The plot was well-written and engrossing. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Have you ever read a book that you feel like you literally dove into it? Well, that’s what happened to me when I read “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslian Charles.

I am definitely enamored by books that have either “Paris” or “library” in the title, And Janets novel has proven to be a favorite of mine. I felt like I waited for this book to be released forever.

This story takes place during World War II when the Nazis overtake Paris and the Americans are asked to leave Paris for their own safety. But, the librarian’s stay behind. They were considered the enemies, but they were true heroes. They were delivering books secretly in Paris to the soldiers fighting the Nazis.

I donate books to Operation Paperback and it’s the same idea (donating books to the soldiers and vets), but I had no idea how long this is been going on. I fell down the rabbit hole and discover it was going on definitely for several wars. Janet informed me it probably began during World War I.

While the Nazis were banning books and banning the delivery of books we had ordinary civilians, especially women that were making these books still come alive in the eyes of the soldiers. Between the characters humanity and heroism, I was often moved to tears. I always hope that if I was alive during these times I would choose to be doing the same thing. I believe words matter, stories matter and they help us get through really tough times. What these people in the library were doing was truly insurmountable, but they never turned away from their cause.

I loved to be reminded of the old library ways, before technology. It had me reminiscing quit a bit.

I was deeply in love with the character named, Lily. She had a bit of my heart in her. I was reminded of how important it is that we learn from our elders, that we ask them questions, and that we revel in their stories, because there’s a lot for us to learn. I’m gonna say it ~ I am a Lily! #TeamLily

Janet Skeslian Charles writes with such superb intent you will be moved. You will also be surprised that she hasn’t written 20 or more books, because she’s so talented.

There’s a quote that I adore in this book, Okay there’s a few. But, there is one that I’m absolutely in love with and I carry around with me every day. I am not going to give any way, because I want the reader to be as excited as I was reading it for the first time when they’re reading the book.

What Janet has to say really matters! I highly recommend this novel and following Janet Skeslian Charles to see what she brings us next. You’ll be so glad you did.

I feel so bad... Despite the great premise, I just can't get into the story! DNF at 25%.

I really don't want to discourage anyone to read it. Odile, the main character, is a book lover and it was very interesting to read about the Dewey system. The storyline in the present seems to have broken the magic of the wonderful first chapter...

Thanks so much to the author, Netgalley and Atria books for the ARC.

A lovely historical fiction read. I enjoyed learning more about the American Library in Paris and the brave staff during WW2.

I thought the book was good. It was about a topic that I haven’t really researched before. I look forward to really more books by this author. Yes, I would recommend this book to others.

This book was not for me, and I had to DNF. I did not find the plot to be particularly intriguing, which is surprising because I usually love any book set in Paris.

I DNF this one unfortunately. I couldn’t get into the story line no matter how many times I tried and came back to it

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book had an amazing plot. The characters were great, the story was great. All around an amazing read!

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

I really enjoyed this story. It's rare for me to have a dual storyline book where I actually like both storylines and want more of the last when reading the next, but that's what I got with this one. And the end surprised me, which was even better! 4 stars.

What a beautifully written story. I loved the story of Odile and everything that came with it. I had a soft spot for Paul. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Odile and her twin brother, Remy. A truly strong set of characters inside these pages. I felt such a connection to the characters and was sad when the story ended.
The story alternates between the years 1939 - Odile in Paris and 1983 - Lily in Montana. The relationship that forms between these two women is a truly fascinating one. I don't tend to read a lot of historical fiction, but I loved this book!

Now admittedly the France during the Second World War, dual timeline thing has been done so often as of late but I felt this one brought something extra for the book lovers amongst us, so I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I found the setting, of the American Library in Paris, to be so interesting and I really adored the characters, especially Odile. I will look forward to the next book from this author as I really enjoyed her writing style.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
A special thanks to Atria and NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this title all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book focuses on two different timelines. In 1939 Odile Souchet works at the American library in Paris when the Nazis arrive. The staff work together to keep the library open so they can protect the books and deliver books to the Jewish patrons in secret.
The second timeline focuses on 1983 at a young girl name Lily living in Montana who strikes up an unlikely friendship with her French neighbor Odile. As Lily struggles to accept the passing of her mother Odile is there for her she teaches her French and they become true friends despite their age difference. Lilly learns a lot about how things were during the war for the Persians involved at the library. But when Lily and her best friend invade Odelie private letters trying to find out what happened to Odelie’s relationship during the occupation everything changes.
I really enjoyed the 1939 timeline. I felt like I was rushing through the Lily parts of the book to get back to the past. I really enjoyed learning about the American library in Paris and sent myself down a google rabbit hole to learn more!

Historical fiction based on true story’s is my favorite hf to read. As a book lover I consumed this book quickly. The two main characters I immediately became attached to and enjoyed not only their success but also their struggles. A beautiful book and love letter to libraries everywhere

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I found the audiobook through my local library and decided to listen to the book instead. I think the story it mostly okay, I just found it not very interesting. Nothing really happens. I have read many other books set during WWII that I just enjoyed more. I did enjoy the narrator's. The only one I didn't really care for was the voice for the 1980's time period. She sounds extremely stuffed up liked she had a head cold. Was kind of distracting. The other narrator's did a great job.

Janet Skeslien Charles was a new author for me and I enjoy historical fiction set in WWII very much. I The development of the story in Paris and Odile's story from becoming a Librarian to joining the Resistance were enjoyable. However, I had a little trouble though getting connected to the characters, and in particular to the more current timeline with Lily and Odile.. I tried listening to the audiobook for a bit to see if it helped, but that actually made the switches between timelines even more jolting.

While the writing was very well done, I struggled to finish this novel. But I know that it's well liked by a number of readers. I do recommend it and I'm grateful to Netgalley for the chance to read it.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction books set during WWII. And if it’s a dual timeline book, I’m excited to read it. This was a different viewpoint of the Nazi invasion of Paris. Seeing how people were banned from using the library because of their heritage was moving. The fact that many of the characters in the book were based on real life individuals was intriguing. You don’t experience the typical horrors of the death camps, but there is still an intense sense of loss that is part of their lives. This is a moving story that I strongly encourage you to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Unfortunately, The Paris Library does not stand out amongst a sea of WWII Historical Fiction that has come out lately. It was nice enough but I don't think portrayed the true horror and fear of the time period.