This historical fiction novel follows two main strands in time and space: Odile in Paris, 1939, and Lily in Montana, 1984. As to be expected from the older setting and the title, the story covers themes of war and death, and love and books, but a central emotion running throughout the story is that of jealousy and the utter destruction it can cause.

Odile’s story is set in the American Library in occupied Paris, during a time when spies were everywhere, individuals were persecuted for their beliefs or heritage, and anything you said could be used against you. For Odile and her friends, the priority was to save the books as best they could, and try to protect their customers if possible. Well, for most of them anyway… not everyone is honest and trustworthy, as Odile finds out.

When Lily meets her elderly neighbour, who readers immediately recognise, she is initially immersed in the emotional troubles of an average teenager, with the added stress of her mother’s illness and her father’s response to it. But as she slowly begins to uncover Odile’s past and the two become friends, she begins to get a different perspective on life and her own future.

I really loved the idiosyncratic characters at the library – staff and regulars – and how Odile and Lily can be facing such very different trials, but be brought together by their shared love of language and literature. The story really highlights how much words can matter – that far more than sticks and stones, words can hurt or even kill, but they can also help, depending on how they are used.

This is a very moving story and is also educationally enlightening, as it is based on the true story of the heroic actions of the staff of the American Library in Paris.


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

I really loved this book. It had elements of novels like All the Light We Cannot See, due to following the intricacies of individual lives during WWII, but it also has elements of secret society novels, especially those about libraries and the protection of books. It was so heart-rending learning of all the various losses linked to each character (not really a spoiler, as this is a book set in Paris during the second world war...) but there were also moments of joy and causes for celebration - mostly in the parts of the novel set in the present day, if I'm being honest!

With thanks to Netgalley and John Murrey Press,

Where to start with this book..

First off is it is a beautiful and amazing book, I couldn't put it down and and at the same time I didn't want to end.

Secondly, this book is a love story, a love story about books and the affect books can have on people.

I didn't know much about occupied Paris in the second world war and what people went thought, I do now..

Both Odile and Lily are characters that you find yourself caring about.

Everyone needs to read this book...now

Really nice relaxing read, great for the summer holidays.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

This has felt like the never ending story. Had real promise, interesting characters and two stories. But it was too long and meandering . Great insights into Paris during WWII with the aspects of life under the German regime.

An interesting story but not pacy enough for me. Could do with slimming down some of the elements - while the teenage relationships in the USA brought some colour I think they detracted from the overall impact of the story of the library.

2.5

I love historical novels so this was perfect for me. What can I say, there is a certain quality to this kind of novel, the writing is exceptional, the characters are perfectly written and I felt as if I was time travelling as I read this novel. A total 10. Thank you for my ARC.

4⭐️ This compelling Historical fiction novel takes place during two different time periods, the second world
War in Paris and in the eighties in Montana . The story centres around Odile a librarian who courageously worked in the Paris Library during a time when the Nazis tried to quell all aspects of local culture . She and her loyal colleagues strife to share their love of literature to all their subscribers risking their lives under war time rations and German control. We meet Odile’s family , her twin Remy who enlisted in the war and follow her love affair with Paul a local French policeman.

In Montana we meet Lily a teenage girl who lives next door to Odile . They begin a friendship that steers them during a difficult period of their lives . I particularly liked Odile’s way of mentoring and supporting Lily during their endearing friendship . The author depicts the mother daughter relationship beautifully . I also loved all the literary discussions about books in the library and what they meant to different people . I also brushed up on lots of French vocabulary during Lily’s French lessons . Bravo!

If you enjoy WW2 historical fiction , add this to your list . Thanks to # NetGalley for ARC

Before I read the summary of the book the title led me to think this was about the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, located in Paris. It’s not, it’s about the American Library in Paris.

As an ex-librarian I had high hopes that I would love The Paris Library. It’s historical fiction, based on the true Second World War story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris. It was established in 1920 by the American Library Association with books and periodicals donated by American libraries to US soldiers serving their allies in World War I. Since then it has developed into the largest English language lending library in Europe.

I liked the details about the Library, and about the work the library staff did during the War, including delivering books by hand to their Jewish subscribers in Paris after they were not allowed to enter the Library.

Charles’ helpful Author’s Note gives a fascinating insight into the background to the novel and explains that she had spent several years researching it. She had worked in the American Library in 2010 and her colleagues had told her the story of the Library during the Second World War and had given her access to documents, correspondence and contacts. She met with some of the staff who had worked there and was able to bring their stories up to date. Odile and Lily are both fictional characters.

Although I enjoyed the factual elements of the novel and the wartime storyline, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. I was disappointed with the fictional stories, in particular Lily’s story in Montana in the 1980s. I really didn’t see the point of introducing her character simply to show what happened to Odile after the end of the War. Her story took the novel into the genres of YA and romantic fiction, neither of which hold much appeal for me. Overall I thought it was slow going and towards the end of the book my interest flagged making it a struggle to finish it.

With thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers, Two Roads for my review copy.

I love a good historical fiction especially one based on true events, true stories and real people. Throw in libraries and books and you've got me hooked.

A story that revolves around WWII Paris in 1939 about librarian Odile Souchet it also skips forward to Montana 1983 where Odile is older, widowed and somewhat lonely. It is the story of not just Odile but of the work the American Library in Paris did to support the Jewish people and the soldiers with books. Jumping forward Odile makes friends with a young girl, Lily and the story of their connection.

This is a story of war, friendships, life, love and books. It is fascinating and gives you a look into the past and all the stories you don't often hear about. It takes you on a journey and allows you to learn the interesting things that are left out of the history books.

They story flowed, the writing was brilliant and the ending was worth waiting for. I really did enjoy this book and would recommend it to anyone that loves a good heartfelt and heart-arming read.

This engaging and well written book is based on actual events in Paris during World War Two and I really enjoyed reading it.
The book begins in February 1939 with 20 year old Odile applying for and subsequently accepting a job at the American Library in Paris. Odile's father is a Paris Police supervisor and brings to their home a series of young men he considers to be suitable match for Odile. Eventually, Odile falls for one of these young men but with the advent of war and her brother Remy joining up, life is about to change dramatically.
The book is told in two time frames: wartime Paris and Montana, USA, from 1983 to 1989. Odile is now a widow and begins a friendship with her teenage neighbour, Lily. I particularly enjoyed how Odile and Lily’s friendship developed and the authors skill is apparent in creating such well defined and believable characters. The narrative also flows seamlessly across these timeframes.
The American Library in Paris remained open during the war and their staff, at great personal risk, continued, where possible, to deliver books to their Jewish subscribers.
I didn’t know anything about the ALP before reading this book and it led me to research more. It was also great to find photographs of the real life librarians who are featured in the book.
I would like to thank the publisher, John Murray Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

To a backdrop of WW2, any kind of war setting is not usually my preferred reading, but there was something about The Paris Library that just drew me in.

Told in two -time frames - when Odile is younger and older; older Odile has moved to America and befriends a young girl named Lily. Their friendship is lovely, the story is strong and poignant and creates a sense of time that feels quite emotive.

The aspect I loved was discovering more about The American Library in Paris though Odile's story - when real historical events and places pop up in novels, it really adds to the read for me.

Brilliantly written and engaging- such a treat for something so perfectly capturing a certain place and time- Have recommended widely and loudly- thank you

The story of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles focuses on events that took place at the American Library in Paris during WW2, when staff ensured all subscribers continued to have access to books, even when the Nazis invaded the city, and such actions were punishable by imprisonment or worse. We follow Odile Souchet, a young librarian who is very much in love with her family, her fiancé, her work, but war tests individuals in unexpected ways, threatening loyalties and blurring the lines between right and wrong. This is a dual timeline story, where we catch up with Odile in Montana in 1983, when she befriends her young neighbour, Lily, who is navigating the road from teen to womanhood, desperate to leave her small-town neighbourhood behind.

Prior to hearing Janet Skeslien Charles discuss her latest novel, I wasn’t aware of the American Library in Paris, which was established in 1920 to provide literature to allied armed forces during WW1. Even as a life-long booklover, I was astonished by the actions of the library staff, which may have seemed small in the grand sweep of the war but meant a huge amount to those banished from libraries. Quiet librarians who risked everything to ensure life continued (boosting morale) in truly heroic ways.

This is a tale of friendships, secrets, romance, with fascinating real-life events woven beautifully throughout. There is a scene, near the end of the novel, that left me quite shaken and reflecting on what happened to the women involved. It is easy to judge with hindsight, far harder to remain calm when emotions were running high. The Paris Library is one for anyone who loves books, Paris, or simply enjoys a story that history almost forgot.

The book was archived before I downloaded the file, so I went and bought this book to give a review.

I was expecting it to be heavy given that it’s set in WW2 period. but the writing style is warm and easy to read, so it didn’t feel too heavy. Sad but not too bleak or depressing. I appreciated that about this book. I really enjoyed the characters and the writing style. It’s a bit slow, so some readers might struggle with it.

This book is not The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This book teaches us something from the time period in history, but it is not that book that will be read as widely as some masterpieces out there. Still, I think it is a nice read and I can highly recommend for someone who is interested in reading about WW2.

This book was beautiful from beginning to end and told of World War II from the perspective of Odile living in occupied Paris. Reading of the War from the perspective of occupation is not something I have read previously and was an invaluable insight into how everyday life continued and changed during occupation.

I felt the fear of living during this time, the hunger and misery and felt that I was working in the library with Odile. I loved the dual timeline and perspective of this book too and couldn't wait to get to the next part of each person's story to see how it progressed.

The ending was everything I wanted and not enough because I just didn't want to leave this beautiful cast of characters. I could read about each step of their lives.

A new author for me but a familiar theme - a Parisian romance with a book-filled setting. The story is partly set during World War II, where Odile gets her dream job in the American Library, and partly in a small Montana town, where a young girl called Lily is learning to cope with major changes in her life. The two stories intertwine, since Odile, having left France after the war, is Lily's elderly and rather reclusive neighbour.

I loved Odile's thread of the book - her joy at getting a job in the prestigious American Library and the friendships she forms there. Once war breaks out she sees how books can help in troubled times as they arrange to send reading materials out to the allied forces so far from home. When Paris is occupied by the German army this activity halts and, despite the fact that her father is a high ranking police officer, working alongside the invaders, Odile becomes part of the team providing books to those banned from using the library itself - mostly Jews. She hero worships Dorothy Reeder, the library's director, and one of her colleagues falls in love with Odile's beloved brother - both of these women help her to cope when her brother Remy joins the army - but she feels her life is complete when she finally falls in love with one of the many, many young police officers her father invites home to dinner. 

We learn of Odile's story through her own words in the 1940s and also through Lily. Partly as Odile reveals details in conversations which she hopes will help the girl with her own problems but also through some rather shocking letters which the girl finds in the older woman's house.  A reminder that historical fiction as always also about now, as well as then

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. At first, when Odile is on her way to the interview and referring to everything as Dewey Decimal numbers, I wasn’t sure about this... but I quickly fell in love with the book and the characters. It engrossed me and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this - I love books and history, but this was just wonderful to read. To then find out it was based on a true story, makes the tale all the more remarkable.

A good read. Interesting to learn about the American Library of Paris and the real life characters that worked there during ww2. Odile was a good lens to bring those characters to life. Her journey from youth to maturity kept my attention. Her connection with young Lily was lovely. There were threads of some of the ww2 era characters and incidents that I was left wanting to know more about.

In 1939, France was on the verge of war with the constant threat from the Nazis. Amidst this was the American Library, founded in 1920, that kept its doors open throughout the war serving its subscribers selflessly.

The Paris Library follows a dual timeline. In 1939, Odile Souchet was a young, aspiring and somewhat impulsive librarian working in The American Library. With the threat of war on the horizon, her twin Remy- a law student, enlists himself in the army, much against the wishes of the family. During the war, Jews were declared persona non grata by the Nazis. Nazis appointed Bibliotheksschutz the library protector who censored the books which didn't agree with Nazi propaganda. They barred Jews from the library. When war broke out, Odile and her co-workers at the American library sent book care packages to soldiers on the front. They also hand-delivered books to the subscribers who were no longer allowed in the library.
The second timeline follows Odile, widowed, four decades later, in a small town in America. Her unusual friendship with Lily, a teenage girl who idolizes her. Lily makes her revisit her past and make peace with it.

It is an extremely well-researched book based on a true story. To me, it gave a different perspective on the war. Common working people contributed in their small ways to raise the morale of people. It showed the resilience of the library staff who in defiance of the Nazis continued serving the library subscribers. Books kept hope alive in people and provided them respite. The camaraderie between library staff and its patrons was especially entertaining. The book is a little slow in the middle but keeps you engrossed.

I’ve been reading a lot of fiction and non-fiction around WW2 recently, planning for a novel of my own. This stands out as one of the best I’ve read and I’ve gone to the trouble of ordering a special edition copy to keep so I can read it again. I also want to write a longer review because I’ve loved it. This is based on the real American Library in Paris, established in 1920 and issuing books to learners and bookworms since then.

Our narrator Odile works in the library and is one of those who worked during WW2. There is also a beautiful friendship that lights up her later years with a little girl called Lily, who picks up the story where Odile stops.
The staff, with their understanding that for some people, reading is as vital as breathing, made sure that people could still access books. When Jewish people were banned from using the library, some put their lives on the line to hand deliver books to their homes. Odile is 20 years old in our early timeline, life is good for her and her family. Her father is a police chief, and she also has a police officer beau. Then the Nazis March on Paris and everything changes. Her brother goes away to fight. Her father is tasked with following through on their bidding. Then the library she loves comes under attack, books are censored and Jewish subscribers banned from using their services. They have a list of enemy aliens or people they suspect are spies, ordering them to be taken to detention camps, if they’re not killed. Odile and her fellow workers try desperately to keep their services open.

In our second timeline we’re in Montana in the 1980s and Odile is an elderly lady living next door to teenager Lily. Lily starts a friendship with Odile, who she sees as a lonely widow without a social life except church. Lily isn’t finding life easy, because she’s having to face the loss of her mother. Lily asks Odile to teach her French and as they enjoy each other’s company, Lily asks about her life in France. This is where we hear Odile’s story, but there’s so much she’s holding back on. Why didn’t she marry her policeman? How did she end up in Montana, and where are her friends? Odile slowly unfurls as she tries to help Lily through her loss and starts to relate her own losses, friends who were courageous in keeping the library opening and making sure everybody had a chance to read. It’s a literary resistance story, with workers who saw the library as a special, sacred space that should be available to everybody. It may seems like a side story to the Holocaust, but it’s simply a different way of impoverishing people - taking away their culture and part of who they are. I really enjoyed these sections in the past, but I think the second timeline is equally successful because the friendship is believable and enjoyable. I truly loved this novel, and it’s ending was perfect.