The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

The story is based in Paris just before the German invasion at the American Library and follows the journey of Odile during the protection of books for everyone and their accessibility to them at all cost. In some cases paying the ultimate price as obviously it was a time of war.

I love this type of story as there is a lot of situations that most people know nothing about and the important and mainly hidden part they played to the persecuted and intellectuals alike.

A very well written book for the majority of this duel timeline story based on historical events . The only down side was the present day timeline as this didn't have the same quality of writing and was just stuck on as an afterthought and didn’t seem relevant. I felt the author could have done the present portion in America better .

Worth while if only for the ww2 portion alone. 3.5/5

I was very disappointed by this book and, in fact, could not finish it (got to 75%) despite it being reviewed favourably by someone whose opinions I generally trust.

I feel like the ‘dual timeline second world war’ novel has now been done to death and I won’t be picking up another. As with others I have read recently, the more modern section seemed a bit pointless. I had no real idea of what it was trying to add and overall the whole book was quite flat with no ‘standout moment’ that set it apart from the many other books I’ve read like it.

The story of the American Library itself had great promise, but it was not well executed here.

Janet Skeslien Charles takes readers on a poignant journey through the power of literature and the bonds of friendship in her novel, “The Paris Library.” Set against the backdrop of World War II, this historical fiction is a testament to the enduring spirit of libraries and the transformative role they play in our lives.

The story follows Odile Souchet, a young woman who secures her dream job at the American Library in Paris in 1939. As war engulfs Europe, the library becomes a refuge and sanctuary for both locals and exiled intellectuals. But when the Nazis occupy Paris, Odile and her colleagues are faced with the devastating choice of risking their lives to protect the books they hold dear.

Charles seamlessly weaves together dual timelines, intertwining Odile’s experiences during the war with the perspective of Lily, a teenager in 1980s Montana, who discovers the hidden connections between her grandmother and the Paris library. Through these parallel narratives, the author skillfully depicts the lasting impact of the library’s legacy and the enduring friendships forged within its walls.

“The Paris Library” beautifully captures the essence of libraries as sanctuaries of knowledge, where books become lifelines during times of adversity. Charles vividly portrays the love affair readers have with books, their ability to transport us to other worlds, and the solace they offer amidst turmoil. The descriptions of the library’s atmosphere and the bibliophile community fostered within its walls are a bibliophile’s delight.

The strength of the novel lies in the authentic and relatable characters. Odile, with her passion for books and her courage in the face of danger, is a compelling protagonist. The supporting characters, both historical figures and fictional creations, bring depth and heart to the story. Their stories of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of friendship resonate long after the final page.

“The Paris Library” is a celebration of the written word and a tribute to the librarians who risked everything to preserve knowledge and uphold the ideals of intellectual freedom. Charles’ meticulous research shines through, as she seamlessly blends historical facts with fictional storytelling. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of libraries as beacons of hope and enlightenment.

In summary, “The Paris Library” is a captivating and emotional journey that transports readers to the heart of wartime Paris, immersing them in a world where books become lifelines and friendship becomes an act of defiance. Janet Skeslien Charles’ masterful storytelling and her love for libraries make this novel a must-read for history enthusiasts, book lovers, and anyone seeking a moving tale of courage and connection.

"The Paris Library" is a historical fiction novel set in Occupied Paris during World War II, following the story of a young woman named Odile who works at the American Library in Paris. The book explores themes of courage, betrayal, and friendship in the face of adversity.

While I appreciated the author's attention to detail and the amount of research that clearly went into the book, I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and the story. While the historical backdrop of the novel was certainly interesting, the plot felt somewhat predictable and the characters lacked depth.

That being said, the novel does provide an interesting perspective on the role of libraries during wartime, and the challenges faced by those who sought to preserve knowledge and freedom in the face of oppression. The themes of friendship and loyalty were also well-executed, and there were moments of real emotional resonance throughout the book.

Overall, "The Paris Library" is a solid historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre, but it may not be the best choice for readers who are looking for a more complex or character-driven story. I give it a 3/5 rating.

Based on the true story of the American Library in Paris and the dedicated staff who work through the German invasion during World War II. The story concentrates on the life of Odile, her job at the library, and in later years when she is living in Montana and is befriended by Lily, her neighbours young daughter. A great book about war, friendship, romance, family and the amazing power of literature!

4 stars!

I always love a really good historical fiction book and the fact that this one has a library involved was just incredible.

This book was intriguing and I feel like there would be a lot there to enjoy even for people who aren't usually fans of historical fiction.

I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction but I think because this story is based on the real life events during the second world war, it really kept me gripped and interested in what was happening. I loved Odile's character and how she always tried to do what was right and stick to her morals even when it kept getting harder. I also liked how we got to read from a child's perspective who she made friends with 40 years later and became a sort of mother figure to while also telling her stories and teaching her lessons. Overall this is a fascinating story based on true events and it's quite eye opening to what so many people went through and how this library helped during such difficult times.

Intriguing Second World War historical novel , interesting in parts with the real life back drop off the American library in Paris , however the characters were alittle two dimensional for me . But a good easy read for fans of that period

The Paris Library was a compelling read that told the history of the library during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Janet Skeslien Charles based her novel on real events that actually occurred during this time period. Many of the characters in her novel actually existed while others were fictional. I had not been aware of all the brave men and women that had courageously worked to keep the library open during those most difficult and dangerous times. These same employees also risked their lives to deliver books to Jewish patrons who had been banned from the library. They actually went to their homes to secretly deliver books to them. In addition, injured soldiers became the recipients of much appreciated books that proved to boost their moral through the Soldier’s Service. The library boasted many rooms and prided itself in using all its available space. Although it was not directly stated, there were inferences that suggested the library hid some banned patrons in its locked rooms. It was uplifting to discover the role the library played during World War II.

The Paris Library was told in alternating time lines. Odile Souchet’s career as a librarian for The American Library in Paris began in 1939. The role she played during the Nazi invasion of Paris was one of tireless devotion and courage. Then in 1983, Odile found herself living in Montana. Odile became a role model, savior and mentor to her young neighbor, Lily. As the story alternated between the two time periods more of Odile’s story was revealed. Lily and Odile found a special friendship they shared with each other. They came to rely on each other in ways that were not expected.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles was about a love for books, fear, regret, hope and sadness. It was about love and friendships. It was a very well researched book that taught me about a new aspect of World War II that I had not been aware of before reading this book. Odile’s character was strong and very likable. There were some very sad and frightening parts in this book as well as uplifting and happy ones. I would recommend this book highly.

Thank you to Atria Books for allowing me to read The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good historical fiction, and this one did not disappoint. Also loved reading something by a Montana author.

Thanks to NetGalley UK for an e-galley of this book.

I loved Odile’s side of the story but wasn’t as keen on Lily’s. And there was a lot of extra detail that didn’t need to be in there which only served to bulk it up and make it more hard work to read. Interesting but not the best in the genre.

This book is amazing.
I was hooked from the first page. I recommend this book to all fans of historical fiction

The Paris Library is a beautifully written account of ww2 in Paris.

Odile has a job at the American library in Paris, a role that becomes more difficult as the war rages on and the Nazis occupy the Parisian streets.

Years later in America, Lily befriends her elderly neighbour, who we readers immediately recognise as Odile. Lily recognises that Odile's life experiences can help her on own journey.

The Paris Library is a great work of historical fiction.

This is a very special novel on so many levels. I absolutely loved the twin, immaculately interwoven storylines, which gave so much depth and emotional intensity to the read. An absolute must for book clubs.

If this book had just stuck with Odile POV I would have loved it, as it was so interesting to learn more about the American Library in Paris and the ways in which they resisted the Nazis and fought for their subscribers. However I was not very invested in Lilys side of the story and felt I was being pulled out of the book and losing interest every time we switched to her POV which I found to be really jarring.

Overall, I enjoyed part of this story and was bored for others and gave it 2.75 stars.

As a history teacher I am always keen to read historical fiction and I enjoyed this one. A lot of research had clearly gone into the story and told a fictional account of real lives and experiences. I thought the description of war-torn Paris felt very real and the characters were believable. I have read quite a lot of similar books and I am not sure this one will stay with me as long as some of the previous books did but I am still glad I read it.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and anything WWII related is a win for me. The Paris Library seemed like the perfect book, combining books and WWII couldn’t get any better. For the most part, it was, I think I enjoyed learning about this library that I had never heard of and the impact the Nazis had on them. However, there were a few parts that rubbed me up the wrong way and ended a little oddly for me. I would have loved for there to have been a little more explanation and development at some parts and for the ending to have been a little less abrupt.

CHARACTERS IN THE PARIS LIBRARY

I actually really enjoyed the characters in The Paris Library, Odile’s story was well told. Although she was naive through some situations it was never irritating. One of the best things about all of the characters is the fact that they are all flawed in some way. There were moments where you could scream at them but it all made sense. I also loved the two timelines, the contrast between the two lives made the whole thing way more interesting. I adore watching as Odile started to learn how to live with her past and the choices she had made. Plus seeing her interactions with Lily was just heartwarming. I love their relationship especially with the ups and downs that came with it. This was another part that wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows and it made all the difference.

When I think about the relationships happening in the actual Library they make me smile. I adored how natural they all were. Plus, regardless of the desperate situation they were in, they were already friends. I just loved the way it all ended up working with them all. It was interesting to see how the dynamics changed as the Germans gained more power and a greater foothold within the country. One thing I’m not a massive fan of was the romance, although it had a bigger part to play it just wasn’t for me. There was no chemistry and I wasn’t exactly sure what drew them together in the end.

GOOD AND BAD

The good parts of this book were definitely the history that was built into every aspect of the story. Watching the characters and the world around them change made such an impact. It’s not a subject matter I’ve read a lot about and a lot of it took me by surprise. It also made my heart swell to read about these people and the way they worked tirelessly towards keeping the library open. I just enjoyed learning about the different things that happened and it was a different perspective. I have read a lot of books from different countries within the war but not many have been based in Paris. It was a nice change and interesting.

For me the bad was what ruined a five-star read for me. It was the fact that there was so much detail in some parts and then others completely dropped off the map. I didn’t enjoy how abrupt some of the story changed. I wish there was more to the ending. It was kind of a cop out and it annoyed me more than anything. It was almost like there was going to be a happy ending and it was snatched away at the last minute. I wish there had been a little more thought put into the ending.

RECOMMENDATION

I would recommend this one. The concept of the book was interesting, and I really enjoyed learning about a new part of WWII. It was interesting and it was an easy read! So if you’re looking for a book about WWII from a different perspective, this one would be for you!

I loved this book. As a librarian myself, it was fascinating to learn about the American Library in Paris during the second World War. The history dovetailed beautifully with a tender love story. I thought that the life of Odile was brilliantly told between Paris in the 1940s and Canada in the 1970s. A heat warming and positive book, which is an antidote to the difficult times in which we are currently living.

Overall, I enjoyed this book for Odile's story set in Paris during WWII. Her descriptions of the library and how it changed during the Nazi occupation were the fascinating and I would have preferred the story staying in France. The secondary story of Lily felt like an unwelcome intrusion that dragged on unnecessarily and affected my enjoyment of the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

As so many other reviewers have commented, this factually-based novel, about the dedicated staff of a library during the occupation of Paris in WW2, has, potentially, all the ingredients of a rattling good yarn. Being interested in the history of WW2, a Franco- plus bibliophile, and a lover of Paris in particular, I had high expectations.

Sadly, these were cruelly dashed by poor structure, pedestrian plotting, juvenile characterization, and prose so flat, contrived and cliched, it was a struggle through which to wade. The irony is that the narrator, having secured a junior librarian post, shortly before the Nazis arrive, spends a significant amount of her time making sure the reader understands her love of books and great literature. Thus, we get an inappropriately detailed run-through of the Dewey library classification system and a liberal sprinkling of the titles of much-loved classics. This served, simply, to ensure that this reader, at least, resented any time spent reading this novel, wishing she was reading any one of those greats instead; in fact, virtually anything but The Paris Library! All of which makes mystifying the sometimes-gushing other reviews I’ve read.