Book Review – The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

An Unforgettable Story

Description

Named a Most Anticipated Book of the Year by Library Journal and Goodreads

​Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife.

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.

Details

• Rating: ☆☆☆☆
• Title: The Paris Library
• Author: Janet Skeslien Charles
• Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction
• Audience: Adult
• Length: 368 pages
• Publisher: Avia Publishing
• Release Date: February 9, 2021
• Trailer
• Excerpt
• Reading Group Guide
• Recommended for fans of: Libraries, Historical Fiction and WWII stories.

My Thoughts

This duel timeline of Odile at the time she was living in Paris during WWII, then in Montana during the 1980s is a story that is both touching and informative.

Odile Souchet began working at the American Library in Paris before the Nazi occupation. After the occupation, she and the other librarians continued working, to the degree they could. They attempted to secretly provide books to those suddenly exempt from using the library, the Jewish, and they sent also worked to ship books to soldiers. Odile’s family life, friends, and first love are also part of the Paris side of this book.

The duel timelines, as expected, swing back and forth. The 1980s covers Odile’s life in New York, which is the present day. For years she is known in the neighborhood where she lives as a recluse and unapproachable. But when her young neighbor Lily asks if she can interview her for a school project, it opens the door for new friendships and lessons to be learned.

There was much to be learned from both timelines. Some of that was historical and other things more relational. The author’s notes at the back of the story added so much to my understanding and appreciation of the true events.

My Concerns

Though I loved the book, it felt a little slow during the WWII timeline. On the other hand, maybe that was because I was anxious to return to the 1980s.

My Final Thoughts

If you enjoy historical fiction with family elements and relationships, you won’t want to overlook this book. The relationships and characters in this story felt very believable.

Though this is my first book by Janet Skeslien Charles, it won’t be my last.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC and the ability to post my opinion.

About the Author

Janet Skeslien Charles is the award-winning author of Moonlight in Odessa, which was published in ten languages. Her shorter work has appeared in revues such as Slice and Montana Noir. Janet first became interested in the incredible true story of the librarians who stood up to the Nazi “Book Protector” when she worked as the program’s manager at the American Library in Paris. Her novel The Paris Library will be published in seventeen countries. She divides her time between Montana and Paris. Visit her at JSkeslienCharles.com or connect with her on Twitter @skesliencharles.

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