Thanks to Atria books, I got to read The Paris Library well ahead of release day. This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I found it a rewarding read. Based on a true story, The Paris Library is set in 1983 Montana but goes back in time to tell of The American Library in Paris in 1939. A time when the desire was to keep the library open and to make sure both civilians and soldiers could have access to books. While told in dual timelines, Odile’s timeline in 1939 gets more of the story than Lily because her story ties into the present.

The book is well-researched, and it spoke of the naivety of those that lived a rather sheltered life. Odile didn’t fully understand what was going on in her backyard. While she considered herself close to her brother, she was more consumed with her first job than his concerns with Hitler. It was when she finally found the truth that she realized the repercussions of some of her actions. This tied into Lily, who made an unwise decision that hurts Odile, as it brings back the wrongs Odile committed during her youth.

This had a bit of a slow start for me, but I think that’s just because of the overall pacing of the book. Everyone that worked at the library had unique personalities and a role to play in Odile’s life. I liked the dual timelines and thought this was well-written. Overall, an enjoyable read.

As always with historical fiction, I love learning a new aspect of live that I wasn't aware of before. In that respect, The Paris Library does not disappoint. The story itself is quite interesting as we learn how Odile become involved in the library and what kind of services they provided and helped during the war. I feel like the story was a bit slow in developing and I wasn't quite sure which main theme the author was trying to develop the most. I really liked the story Lilly brought, but it took away a little from the war story. Overall it was really good and being able to learn a little more about WW2 pushes it to a 4.5 star in my mind

This was a bit different from my usual reading fare and I really enjoyed it! The story was thoughtful and well researched and I liked the way the characters developed. Recommended!

The Paris Library is a historical novel that begins in 1939 Paris. Odile Souchet is a young woman who has the opportunity to work at the American Library in Paris. She loves her job as a librarian, meets wonderful book friends, and falls in love with a handsome young policeman. When World War II begins her life changes. Odile becomes involved in Resistance, along with several of her librarian friends. There are twists and betrayals and her life changes dramatically. Much later, in the 1980's, Odile is seen living in a quiet town in Montana. She befriends the lonely teenage girl living next door, and their lives intersect and change.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and especially am interested in the 1940's. The library setting was another strong impetus.

I absolutely loved this novel -- it is my favorite read so far this year. The American Library in Paris was a fascinating setting. Although Odile is a fictional character, the two directors of the library and several events in the book were based on fact. I felt like applauding several times at the courage of these librarians who found ways to supply books to American servicemen overseas and to Jewish readers who were no longer permitted in libraries. Their quiet strength and bravery was truly inspiring.

The descriptions in this book were beautifully written. I took delight in the talk about books and libraries, and know that other readers will enjoy this aspect of The Paris Library as well. For instance:

“'Your books are lucky,' I said, eyeing her shelves. 'They have an exact place they should be. They know who they’re next to. I wish I had a Dewey Decimal number.'

'I used to wonder what my number would be if I had one. We could create our own.'

This spurred a conversation. Should we be in literature or nonfiction? Should Odile’s number be French or American, and was there a French American number? Could we share the same number so we’d always be together? We added 813 (American), 840 (French), and 302.34 (friendship), and created our shelf of 1955.34-worthy books. Some favorites were Le Petit Prince, Little Women, The Secret Garden, Candide, The Long Winter, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Their Eyes Were Watching God. When we finished, I felt like no matter what happened, I’d always have a place with Odile." (Kindle location 2309).

The references to the Dewy Decimel system throughout were especially charming, as Odile often thinks of situations and feelings in terms of books.

I was initially less interested in the story of Lily, Odile's neighbor in 1980's Montana, but Lily plays an important part in the revelation of some important secrets that happened long ago in wartime Paris. It also was interesting to have the unique experience -- rare in books -- of seeing the protagonist years after the heart of the story's timeline.

I loved the warmth and humanity of this book, the themes of friendship and the elasticity of families (families of birth and families we choose with loved ones).

I truly cannot recommend this exceptional book highly enough. Readers of historical fiction , anyone interested in 1940's fiction (and history), people who love reading about books and libraries will all especially enjoy The Paris Library.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #AtriaBooks for the opportunity to read and review this lovely story #TheParisLibrary
Pub date 02/02/2021
At first I wasn't sure if this book was going to capture my attention. The story is set in two eras-1939 to 1944 Paris and 1983 to 1989 Montana.
Odile has been volunteering at the American Library of Paris and has finally been employed by the directoress, Miss Reeder(an American citizen). I love that Odile thinks of things in terms of the Dewey Decimal Classification. What a unique part of this book! As the war becomes imminent, Miss Reeder is determined to keep it open. The characters that work there and the subscribers who use the library all have wonderful personalities.
Fast forward to 1980s Montana, where 12 year old Lily lives next door to reclusive Odile. Lily is determined to befriend her, and when Lily's mom falls I'll, Odile opens her door and heart to Lily.
The story flows between Odile's life at the library and Lily's life in Montana. Their friendship grows as Odile teaches Lily French.Through Odile's life and her mistakes, Lily learns valuable lessons.
What's great about this story is that much of the library's story is based in fact. Reeder fought to save the collections and send books to the soldiers at the front.
There is the love story of Odile and Paul that gives the book depth and grace and substance. And her friendship with Margaret will make you cry.
You will not be sorry if you read this beautiful book. I highly recommend

This is a book for anyone who loves reading. It is like a love story to books that is woven into a WWII historical fiction novel.

I highlighted so much and I hate that I cannot share it with you since we don't know if it will be in the final copy.

I loved all the characters and the story line but the books take center stage. It is a reminder of why we love books and why they are so important. How one book can make the lonely feel loved or give the broken-hearted hope.

It also about the magic of libraries. And how books bring people together. I have said that the first place I'm going after all of this is the library. It's the only place I miss and I'm longing for it like a lost friend.

I loved the part about having a "bookmate" I think us book lovers all have that one friend who love the same books and share the passion of reading. I talk to mine almost daily about the books we are reading. Or we will be like "I just read this book and it's soo good!" So the other automatically puts it on their tbr.

If you're a reader this book will give you all the feels.

Now, the ending, omg, it broke my heart in two! Paul! Maragret 😭That's all I'm going to say, just read it. And I really enjoyed Lilly's story as well! I need someone to talk to about this book!

The Paris Library shared much of how Paris was during the Nazi invasion. The highlight however was that it was set in the American Library in Paris and the struggles they went through to keep it open. The staff continually put themselves at risk as they secreted books to their Jewish patrons, The library was a family of many and the characters were all endearing. I'm not sure the book needed to be written in two timelines. It easily could've been Odile's story throughout. When we jumped into Lily's current story, I was irritated. There are so many amazing quotes about reading, books and libraries! Loved that. Links coming soon.

What a fantastic two days of reading! This story was utter enjoyment from beginning to end, a serious story line filled with humor and relationships, love and betrayal. Set in my bucket list City to visit, Paris, at the American Library. It shows that life is not black or white, but many shades of gray. This book appeals to people who are true book aficionados, those that could understand the passion for reading, learning and books and risking everything to save them.

There are two parallel story lines, one set in Paris during World War II during the German occupation and another, approximately 40 years later and Montana.

I can't recommend this book enough. It gave me all the feels - happiness, despair, grief and the ability to see the growth in the excellent character development. Fantastic job by the author.

I would like to thank Janet Skeslien Charles, Atria Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love historical fiction, especially WWII settings, so I was anxious to read this offering. What made this novel unique is that it focused on the lives of library personnel in the American Library in Paris right before and during the Nazi occupation. This is a love story....love of family, love of friends, love of books, love of writing, as well as love between two people. It also takes a serious look at loss, betrayal, and forgiveness.

This novel was set in two time periods, one during WWII 1939-1944 and the other 1983-1989. The library in Paris was very active, continuing to serve their Jewish patrons by delivery books to them and also sending boxes of books to soldiers. They also worked to preserve some works that the Nazi’s were in a habit of destroying. The love story is between the main character Odelie a librarian and Paul a policeman.

The eighties time period focuses on Lily a teenager who has lost her mother and her next door neighbor Odelie. Odelie is French and keeps to herself isolated with no friends. She begins to teach Lily French and also shares some her experiences during the war in Paris. Lily and a friend stumble across some letters that they don’t understand. This event causes all to evaluate their opinions is each other and also to think about loss, betrayal, and forgiveness.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read this new book by Janet Skeslien Charles centered around the American Library in Paris. I love historical fiction - particularly when there are two timelines and the story unfolds in the past and present (even if the present isn't the current year or decade). I was immediately drawn into the story of Odile Souchet as a new librarian at the American Library just as World War II loomed on the horizon and her dual timeline in 1980s Montana. I found the library to be a wonderful character of the novel. (And ultimately, I spent quite a while on their website and certainly won't miss visiting there if I travel back to Paris in the future.) Odile is a young, often thoughtless, immature woman that struggles with her emotions. Her life at the library amongst the other staff members is colorful and entertaining. Outside of the beloved library, Odile's family life is rife with strong male personalities and lies. She struggles with her police-officer father's strong personality, her mother's (and father's) obsession with Odile marrying, and even with her twin brother Remy's obsessive desire to join the army. This is not a loving family. The second timeline in Montana is a complete juxtaposition from life in urban Paris. Why / how does Odile end up in Froid, Montana? This is part of the mystery that unfolds throughout the story. While I liked 3/4 of the novel, I felt that the last 1/4 felt completely inauthentic to the character of Odile. As the story wrapped up in Montana, I was disappointed in and felt the situation that brought Odile to Montana was absurd and completely out of character. I also felt that the revelation of why/how Odile and Lily meet wasn't authentic to the character either - it rings false. Lily, Odile's young neighbor in Froid, Montana has spunk and personality and weathers adolescence with Odile's help and has a satisfying story arc. Lily definitely benefits from Odile's wisdom having lived a long life with regrets about emotional decisions she made while young. Overall, I'm left with many unanswered questions about characters and therefore can only give this novel three stars. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel before publication!

A book about WWII and a library what’s not to love. I enjoyed the dual time periods and the connections between them. The characters were very interesting and kept the pages turning for me. Recommended if you like stories of this time period set in 2 different generations. Great book for book clubs! I hope to read more from this author.

I’ve always enjoyed books set during World War II and this one did not disappoint. It was so unique and interesting learning about the different people and librarians who played a role in keeping the American Library in Paris open during the Nazi Occupation. It was almost like they were resisting and rebelling in their own peaceful and quiet way. It showed that even in the midst of war, books had a way of affecting people. I would also classify it as a coming of age story. We see Odile mature and grow as the book progresses and she learns several valuable life lessons, even when their hard and difficult. 5/5 would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in return for an honest review. This is the story of workers at the AMERICAN Library in Paris, France during the 1930s and 1940s. Odile Souchet, the main character, is the daughter of the police commissioner and has a twin brother, Remy. Against her father’s wishes, she takes a job at the American Library, which serves various clients. When the Germans occupy Paris, her life changes dramatically and her brother joins the French Army. She becomes involved with the lives of her co-workers and patrons as the war rages.

Concurrently there is a story line of a 15 year old girl in Montana. She develops a relationship with the strange French neighbor and becomes closer to her after her mother dies and her father remarries.

The book is well written and based on many true stories researched by the author. The author lives in both Montana and Paris.

Have you ever considered what life was life for a Parisian librarian during WWII? The Paris Library is based on the American Public Library and the staff who kept it afloat during German occupation. I love the comraderie among the staff, all equally fascinating characters. The story is told partially in the 1980s and 1940s. Odile and Lily form a bond while gradually Lily unearths Odile's entire story. The ending was rather sad, but it was a great story. I appreciated the author's note at the end for historical explanations. It's a story than any bibliophile will love.

A very well written story of two lives, lived 50 years apart, that starts in WWII at the American Library in Paris. Janet Skeslien Charles builds the characters in layers, these young people will have their lives torn apart by war and find themselves facing decisions for which they are unprepared. How she unwinds the characters and their lives builds the tension in their lives to a peak. They will impact history in a grand way then fade into the background. Many years later, a young girl's curiosity will lead her to learn her neighbor's history. An emotional read that I'd read all over again.

I spent a good chunk of this book wondering what the point was. In the end, it was clear but it took a long convoluted trip to get to it.

The overall story was interesting enough to make me want to keep reading but not interesting enough to make this a great read for me. I found some parts were super slow and drawn out and then parts you wanted more of were very rushed. I hate that some historical fiction does that. Sure I want the history but give me a bit more in the fiction section of it!

The dual storylines worked alright, not great but I found that the '80s made me question things going on in the '40s which brought an element of suspense. You can't go wrong with a bit of suspense!

A lot of people have loved this one but for me, even though it was well written, it just didn't live up to my expectations.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting book. I enjoy historical fiction about WW2, and this did not disappoint. The characters were well developed and the story line intriguing. You rooted for the characters and wanted things to work out in end.
The war time was well depicted, not graphic, but the underlying horror was there. I felt like modern day was not quite there, having lives through the years depicted, not all seemed right for the times.
An enjoyable read.

For anyone who loves books, this one is for you. I could not stop reading it. Characters are well developed and the story was very interesting. Looking forward to the next book by this author.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book based on the American Library in Paris. It was a 4.5 star book that I would definitely recommend. The author, Janet Skeslien Charles worked as a programs manager at the library in Paris and that is where she learned about the history of the staff during World War II. The library remained open to all residents of Paris during the war and it was interesting to see how the war and the Nazi oppression affected those who worked there. I loved the way the book focused on Odile, a young French woman who got her first job there in the Periodicals room and then also how Odile affected the young life of Lily who lived in Montana in the 1980's. I kept wanting to read to see what their connection was and how did Odile end up in Montana. There is heartbreak, love and hope spread throughout this novel and I will be thinking about it for quite a while. Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Despite some marked pacing issues, THE PARIS LIBRARY is a compelling read for historical fiction and 'oh, it's about book people!' readers alike. The worldbuilding is excellent, and the Paris of WWII really comes to life on the page in an impressive fashion.