The Paris Library: A Novel
An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller—based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II—The Paris Library is a moving and unforgettable “ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).
Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet seems to have the perfect life with her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into the city, 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 love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship” (Booklist), The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest places.
From the Publisher
New from Janet Skeslien Charles
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ASIN : B07Z45K1Q8
Publisher : Atria Books
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : February 9, 2021
Language : English
File size : 9.3 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 364 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1982134211
Page Flip : Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #4,144 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store) #54 in Historical Literary Fiction #74 in Women’s Historical Fiction #108 in Women’s Friendship Fiction
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (26,813) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Original price was: $18.99.$13.99Current price is: $13.99.
An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller—based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II—The Paris Library is a moving and unforgettable “ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).
Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet seems to have the perfect life with her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into the city, 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 love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship” (Booklist), The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest places.
From the Publisher
New from Janet Skeslien Charles
no data
no data
ASIN : B07Z45K1Q8
Publisher : Atria Books
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : February 9, 2021
Language : English
File size : 9.3 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 364 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1982134211
Page Flip : Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #4,144 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store) #54 in Historical Literary Fiction #74 in Women’s Historical Fiction #108 in Women’s Friendship Fiction
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (26,813) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
10 reviews for The Paris Library: A Novel
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Original price was: $18.99.$13.99Current price is: $13.99.
Sonny N. –
A Captivating Tale of Courage and Resilience Set Against a Historical Backdrop
The Paris Library: A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant story that transports readers to the heart of World War II Paris. This novel is a testament to the power of literature and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.The narrative skillfully intertwines two timelines: the story of Odile Souchet, a librarian at the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation, and Lily, a young woman in the 1980s who uncovers Odile’s past. The dual perspectives provide a rich and multifaceted exploration of the impacts of war on personal lives and the enduring power of books to offer solace and hope.Charles’ writing is both evocative and engaging, painting vivid portraits of Paris during a tumultuous period while also delving deep into the emotional and personal struggles of her characters. Odile’s story is particularly compelling, showcasing her bravery and determination as she navigates the challenges of war and fights to protect the library and its priceless collections.The book also excels in its portrayal of the significance of literature and the bonds formed through shared love of reading. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their journeys are portrayed with empathy and depth. The exploration of themes such as friendship, love, and sacrifice adds layers of richness to the story.The Paris Library is not only a historical novel but also a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of individuals and the enduring power of stories. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving read that will captivate anyone who appreciates compelling historical fiction and the timeless impact of literature.Overall, The Paris Library is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of courage and the transformative power of books. Janet Skeslien Charles has delivered a remarkable novel that is both touching and unforgettable. Highly recommended!
Stephanie McCall –
Beautiful, Perfect for Book Lovers
I rarely read secular fiction. This isn’t because I’m a prude, although some examples certainly do go heavy on the content I don’t think I should read. No, it is simply that I’m picky about what I read, Christian and secular, and the latter tends to disappoint. But The Paris Library did the exact opposite. As noted, it’s perfect for book lovers, of which I am one. It’s also a well-written, rich, and unique book, period.First off, the portrayal of the American Library in Paris (ALP) is spot-on. From the front doors to the Afterlife, the Library is every bookworm’s dream encapsulated in the written word. The books are a big part of that, but more, it’s because the Library provides a home and community for Odile and her fellow librarians and subscribers. A great workplace will provide both, and those are rare today. I had one once, in a writing/tutoring center, and so visiting the ALP felt like coming home in more ways than one. This also helped me root even harder for Odile and the others as they worked to save books and bring literature, and hope, to subscribers who couldn’t come any longer.As with any great book, the characters pop off the page. Odile is my favorite, partly because we’re both bookworms but mostly because she is so human. She could be considered a World War II heroine, which fiction has plenty of these days. To consider her such would not be out of line at all. At the same time, she makes horrible mistakes and misinformed choices. She erects walls of unforgiveness and hides behind elegance and an attempt at perfection, like real people do, like I admit I do sometimes. You root for her precisely because she is imperfect, because she either walks among you or lives in your mirror.I didn’t identify as much with Lily, but she was a breath of fresh air amid the heaviness of the rest of the book. She deals with some heavy stuff, and Janet Charles does a great job exploring those issues. Yet, Lily embodies what it meant to be a typical teen in the 1980s. I especially enjoyed her time period because I was born at the end of the decade and enjoyed seeing it through the eyes of teens and adults. Yet, I also enjoyed Lily for the ways in which she wasn’t typical, or the ways she set herself apart and made a life for herself in small ways. The scene with the dove gray beret touched me in an odd but appreciated way, and I loved watching her relationship with Eleanor grow.The other characters are wonderful, too, especially the women. Margaret, Miss Reeder, Eleanor, Brenda…they each have their own stories and somehow, they all fit together, even when you wonder how or if they should. The male characters, too, are more fleshed out than I usually see in a novel like this. Pryce-Jones and Nerciat are funny, annoying, and comforting in their presence by turns. Boris provides a great perspective on WWII because he’s already lived through the Russian Revolution. Remy provides gravitas and grounds the story in the reality of war without the overbearing sense you sometimes get from books like this. And I loved the twists with both Paul and Papa Joubert.Finally, I appreciated how Janet Charles probed some of the lesser-known aspects of World War II, such as, of course, the saving and banning of books, the “crow letters,” and the way people from different countries came together to fight on the home front. I appreciated her approach to Nazi and civilian relations through Margaret and Dr. Fuchs, because again, that exploration isn’t common. Most of all, I applaud Janet for presenting World War II through the lens of, “This is what it’s really like to live through war as a civilian. It blows your life apart, and yet you keep going.”I did question the constant shifts in POV, and whether certain POVs needed to be in the book. That is, a person’s POV would be given once, and then you’d never see it again. I really wanted the story to focus only on Odile and Lily, and perhaps more of their inter-generational, international friendship. The end got a little tedious too, since Odile went back over information readers already knew and circled back to the first time she met Lily. I wasn’t sure I needed to see it again, although I understand the choice.Overall then, The Paris Library is a solid, rich 4.5 that gets my definite recommendation. I’ll be looking for more books like this, from all time periods. Book lovers unite!
georgette dwyer –
great book
story was intriguing, with a nice narrative of the two main characters. enjoyed the book!
Maureen B. –
Great read
This is a great book. A different perspective of WW2. Author does a great job describing the characters and what was going on with them. A good read for everyone .
Esther Schindler –
A well-told tale of World War II Paris. This calls to book lovers.
A friend recommended this book when he learned how much I appreciate stories set in WWII. I’m glad I listened to him, as the “based on true events” novel has everything I appreciate: a coming-of-age story, a problematic love story, the bonds of friendship, people making difficult choices, and, of course, a devotion to books. The only thing it’s missing is a cat as a main character.As the summary makes clear, this novel is told in two times: Odile, a young woman who in 1939 gets her dream job as librarian at the American Library in Paris, and Lily, a girl stuck in small town mid-America in 1983. Early in the book, Lily encounters the older Odile in her Montana town, and the narrative shifts back and forth. It creates an effect of mystery, because as a reader we share Lily’s curiosity about Lily’s wartime experiences.It’d be too easy to give spoilers, so I’ll say… The book earns its accolades. It successfully brings us into a time and place we don’t expect — life during the Nazi occupation — with people whom it’s easy to care about. The library itself isn’t just a setting; it’s almost a character on its own. I kept wanting to turn pages until the end.
Hugh R Prior –
Was explanatory and a real view of the real Paris in 37 through 46 . I know from family and own experience
K Sen –
Little known part of WW II wherein librarians of American Library in Paris demonstrated exemplary courage to go against the occupying Nazis and ensured steady supplies of books and journals first to the wounded, sick soldiers and then to other subscribers including those prohibited from using the library. At the same time,it is a story about friendship, family bonds and humanity. It will be a treasure trove for any book lover to go through this book and learn about an extraordinary librarian cum friend by the name of Odile Southey.
takako –
著者は2010年代、パリの ALP (American Library in Paris ) で働いていて、同僚から、第二次大戦中の激動の中でもこの図書館を守り続けた人たちのことを聞き、それをもとにして本書を書いた。主要な登場人物のほとんどが、実際にALPで働き、本を愛し、会員たちを守り、あらゆる苦難を体験した人たちだとのことである。主人公 Odile は、官職についている父親の反対を押し切って ALP の採用試験を受け、念願の図書館員となる。そこで働く人たちは現地のフランス人とともに、館長をはじめアメリカから派遣されてきた者、ロシアから逃れてきた者、ボランティアとして加わっているイギリス人女性など様々だが、みんな心優しく、信念に基づいた強靭さを持ち、何よりも ALP をこよなく愛している。時は1939年 〜 1944年、第二次世界大戦のさなかで、ついにパリはナチスドイツに制圧され、いたるところ街角で目を光らせているドイツ兵、突然襲ってくるGestapo、ユダヤ人や敵国人への迫害、分断されたフランス人、密告者への恐れ、それらの状況は、以前に読んだ The Nightingale や Sarah’s Key とも重なる。人々の生活は危険に晒されている。ALP へもはや来られない人たちのために、館員たちは本を届けに行く。Odile には双子の弟(兄？）Remy がいて、彼は若くして志願して戦地へ赴く。館員の児童書担当の Bitti は彼を愛し始めている。Odile にも Paul という警察官の恋人がいる。イギリス人の Margaret はいつしか ドイツ兵と関係をもつようになる。彼ら若者たちの心の揺らぎや確執を、年長の館員たちは暖かく見守るのだが････。大人たちの態度や言葉は、とりわけ館長の Miss Reeder をはじめ、それぞれ、読む者の心に響く。ALP はすばらしいところだ。本書では以上の物語と平行して、1980年代、アメリカのモンタナ州に住む少女 Lily と隣家にひっそり暮らすMrs. Gustafson ( Odile ) の物語が挿入される。なぜ Odile はアメリカへやって来たのか、が本書の心髄の1つであろう。好奇心に満ち、Odile に近づいていくLily、 彼女の若く自由な日々に、Odile がときおり語る言葉は意味深い。
Jeanne –
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main characters will be remembered for a long time. They were full of human failings but also much good.
Chiara Losi –
Inizialmente un po’ lento però dalla seconda metà del libro diventa avvincente. Mi ricorda molto “El tiempo entre costuras” di Maria Dueñas. Se vi è piaciuto quel libro oppure “Fiore di Rocca” di Ilaria tuti, allora vi piacerà anche questo.