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The Paris Library

Janet Skeslien Charles (Goodreads Author)

4.16 · Rating details · 4,943 ratings · 1,625 reviews

Paris, 1939. Odile Souchet is obsessed with books and the Dewey Decimal System, which makes order out of chaos. She soon has it all – a handsome police officer beau, an English best friend, a beloved twin, and a job at the American Library in Paris, a thriving community of students, writers, diplomats, and book lovers. Yet when war is declared, there's also a war on words. ...more

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Kindle Edition, 409 pages

Published February 2nd 2021

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Jan 30, 2021 MarilynW rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-2021, netgalley

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

This was such an enjoyable story and led me to research more about the American Library in Paris. The story starts in 1939 Paris, as we follow twenty year old librarian Odile Souchet. Odile's father is a police chief and when the Nazis arrive in Paris, he is tasked with following through on all the letters identifying the persecuted people of the time. Odile's brother has joined the war, despite being so very unsuited for physical activity, while Odile' The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

This was such an enjoyable story and led me to research more about the American Library in Paris. The story starts in 1939 Paris, as we follow twenty year old librarian Odile Souchet. Odile's father is a police chief and when the Nazis arrive in Paris, he is tasked with following through on all the letters identifying the persecuted people of the time. Odile's brother has joined the war, despite being so very unsuited for physical activity, while Odile's police officer boyfriend gripes about having to do chores for the Nazis. As hard as things are for Odile and her family, they are so much better off than most of the people in the area.

The American Library of Paris is under attack also. Library subscribers are banned from the library due to their heritage or because they are deemed enemy aliens. Most of these people are carted off to detention camps or worse. Long lists of books are banned or confiscated. The library is under surveillance by spies and it's people are reported anonymously to the police or Nazis. For the next years of the war, Odile, her coworkers, and volunteers work to save the books and to carry books to those who are banned from entering the library.

In 1983 Montana, we meet Odile again, widowed, alone, isolated from others except for her attendance at church. Teenage Lily lives next door to Odile and she is going through a horror of her own, as her mother is dying and later as her father remarries. Odile and Lily strike up a wonderful friendship as Odile teaches Lily French and they become true friends, despite their age difference. But Lily wants to know more about Odile's past, why she didn't marry her policeman boyfriend, why she seems so closed off from the people of her past, what she is not telling Lily, as she relates her stories of the war.

These two timelines interweave with each other and I enjoyed both timelines equally. I think it is Odile that allows me to enjoy both so much because we still see the younger Odile behind her older self, holding on to fears and great regrets that have a chokehold on her life in the present. Odile wants to teach Lily not to make the same mistakes she did but until both Odile and Lily see the past more clearly, mistakes will continue to be made.

I loved learning about the American Library in Paris, through this story. This is true historical fiction with most of the library workers and patrons being real life people, who risked their lives to help each other and to save the library and books as best that they could. They were the library Resistance fighters of their day and the ugliness of that time is evident throughout the book.

Publication: February 9, 2021

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC. ...more

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Mar 13, 2020 Dorie - Cats&Books :) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020-edelweiss-challenge, historical-fiction, book-from-publisher

***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I search out novels that are set about, in or around books, libraries, book stores etc.

The novel is set during dual timelines, one in the past in 1939 through 1944 and the other in the more current time of 1983-1989.

The first timeline is set in Paris around 1939,as we follow Odelie through the years. She first starting work at the American Library in Paris and then continued through the years of Nazi occupation in Paris. This ***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I search out novels that are set about, in or around books, libraries, book stores etc.

The novel is set during dual timelines, one in the past in 1939 through 1944 and the other in the more current time of 1983-1989.

The first timeline is set in Paris around 1939,as we follow Odelie through the years. She first starting work at the American Library in Paris and then continued through the years of Nazi occupation in Paris. This was definitely the most interesting part of the novel, learning how the librarians continued to support their Jewish subscribers by delivering books to them since they could no longer use the library. They also sent boxes with books to soldiers that they could reach who were entrenched in the war effort. I didn’t feel the need for the romance between Odelie and Paul and their afternoon trysts in abandoned apartments i.e. “Paul kissed my hands, my cheeks, my lips. I wanted more. His skin on mine, our bodies entwined”, it felt as though I was reading romance. I didn’t think that this really added to the story and just took away from the seriousness of the subject. I would have liked more details about life in Paris under the occupation, not just how it affected the library.

The second timeline involves Lily, a high school student who has decided to try to interview their older French neighbor, Odelie, for a school project. Odelie keeps to herself most of the time. When Lily approaches her for an interview she is surprised that Odelie is going to grant her the interview. It seems that Odelie sees a lot of herself in Lily “ the same love of language, the same longings, the same lethal jealousy “. Lily learns a lot about how things were during the war for the Parisians involved with the library, how some were forced to leave after the occupation and how they continued to serve their subscribers. At one point however Lily and her best friend invade Odelie’s privacy and find letters that they don’t understand the meaning of. They are interrupted in their rummaging by Odelie who had returned to her home and discovered the girls there. Everything changes after that.

I really enjoyed the author’s notes and learned that many of the characters in the story were real people and the events actually occurred. The author worked as the programs manager at the American Library in Paris in 2019. She was told the story of what occurred during the occupation and spoke to members of the families of some of the characters. It is obvious that much research was done in writing this book.

I did feel that at times the novel moved slowly and I think it would have been a stronger book without the second story line involving Lily. I found myself rushing through those chapters to get back to what I considered the “main story” presented in this novel.

Overall I still really enjoyed this novel and can recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher.
New release date 2/2/2021 ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 Angela M rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-favorites, netgalley-reviews

I thought this would be a relevant one to read during Banned Book Week, and it was, but it’s about more than banned books. It’s about people affected by the Nazi occupation of France, how the Librarians and other staff at the American Library of Paris tried to save some of their patrons as well as preserve their right to read by delivering books to their Jewish subscribers who were no longer allowed by the Nazis to use the library. I was compelled to read some about the history of ALP and discov I thought this would be a relevant one to read during Banned Book Week, and it was, but it’s about more than banned books. It’s about people affected by the Nazi occupation of France, how the Librarians and other staff at the American Library of Paris tried to save some of their patrons as well as preserve their right to read by delivering books to their Jewish subscribers who were no longer allowed by the Nazis to use the library. I was compelled to read some about the history of ALP and discovered in those articles as well as in the author’s note that some of the characters in this novel are based on real people. In the novel, Dorothy Reeder (a wonderful sounding name for a Librarian) who is the director of the Library was the director of the actual ALP from 1936-1941. I was so impressed how accurate this novel reflected the history. A program to send books to soldiers was also implemented. It’s also about the power of friendship.

I’m drawn to stories about WWII and the Holocaust and as a retired Librarian, this was a perfect read for me. The novel is written with a commonly used mechanism telling the story in two time frames, linking the past with a present or near present time. Odile in the current time frame of the early 1980’s is the recluse neighbor of a young girl, Lily, in Froid, Montana. It’s a lovely story of how these two become unlikely friends when Odile helps Lily get through a tough time of loss and change in her life, with heart, wisdom, love of reading and teaching her to speak French. The alternating past story covers Odile’s life and work as a Librarian at the ALP. It is in these past chapters that the reader is introduced to the wonderful place that the Library was, the Nazi occupation, the courageous and commendable work of these Librarians. It’s also Odile’s personal story of love and loss. While we don’t necessarily see the horrors of the death camps front and center on the pages, there is loss and death close to these characters. While I enjoyed the past time frame of the story a bit more, with some wonderful characters both real and imagined, there is a lovely connection between these two characters in the current story and we never know until the end just how much this friendship meant to both of them.

Some may think that the loss of books or the loss of one’s ability to access books is not comparable to the loss of six million Jews in the Holocaust and of course it isn’t, but it’s stealing a part of who people are, their society and culture. Something that the real Dorothy Reeder says made me realize how important their work was. In May 1940, just weeks before the fall of France, Reeder reflected: “More and more I realize my responsibility to guard our library. It stands as a symbol of freedom and understanding, of service to all, a fine piece of democracy.”
(We’ll Always Have the American Library in Paris”
By Leonard Kniffel | American Libraries Magazine, May 1, 2020

“After the darkness of war, the light of books.” (ALP’s motto)

ARC was provided by Atria Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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May 18, 2020 Swaroop rated it really liked it · review of another edition

"based on a true Second World War story of the heroic librarians..."

Set in two different time periods, The Paris Library is a well-written and engaging read. The book follows the experiences of Odile, a librarian and Lily, a high school student.

To start with much of the book is about the importance of books, the power of literature, the value of libraries and, above-all, the wonderful profession of being a Librarian. This itself is a good enough reason for all book lovers to read this book.

Th ...more

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Apr 14, 2020 Paromjit rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, netgalley

Janet Skeslien Charles writes an intriguing blend of well researched fact and fiction focusing on the experience of the established American Library in Paris amidst the background of the Nazi occupation during WW2. It follows the experiences of the young, ambitious librarian, Odile Souchet, with the library supporting its subscribers, including Jews, and soldiers. The Library is not left untouched by the occupation, a target for the Nazis. The story covers Odile's wartime experiences, such as th Janet Skeslien Charles writes an intriguing blend of well researched fact and fiction focusing on the experience of the established American Library in Paris amidst the background of the Nazi occupation during WW2. It follows the experiences of the young, ambitious librarian, Odile Souchet, with the library supporting its subscribers, including Jews, and soldiers. The Library is not left untouched by the occupation, a target for the Nazis. The story covers Odile's wartime experiences, such as those with her family, she is close to her brother, Remy, who has joined the war efforts, her worries for him, hoping that he will return safe and sound. There are the many wide ranging and disparate subscribers, the staff and volunteers, the joys of seeing the right book find the right reader at the right time.

Odile has a romantic relationship with Paul, a policeman, as she finds herself willing to do whatever it takes to save the library, joining the Resistance in its myriad forms. Never was the power of books and reading so desperately needed, in the bleakest, dangerous, hardest and darkest of times, and all the horrors that it entailed. We follow what happens with Odile, her colleagues and friends, trying to save lives and the library, the below the radar deliveries to Jews, going expressly against Nazi orders. There are challenges, obstacles, deception and the shock of betrayal. In 1983 in Montana, teenage high school student, Lily, has recently suffered the loss of her mother, whilst her father has remarried. Griefsticken, lonely and struggling to fit in, Lily becomes close to her elderly French neighbour, Odile, and interviews for a school project. Odile sees that she has much in common with Lily, their relationship culminating in the surprising revelation of a past secret that connects them.

This is a fascinating and illuminating glimpse of WW2 history and the terrifying nightmare devastation of the war, viewed through the unusual perspective and role of the American Library in Paris. It was wonderful to read of the courageous librarians, fighting the good fight through books, knowingly resisting the Nazis, aware they faced death and prison if discovered. This is a brilliant read, of loss, betrayal, hope and the power of friendship. Many thanks to John Murray Press for an ARC. ...more

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Apr 08, 2020 Christine rated it really liked it

Recommended to Christine by: Atria widget via Net Galley

Shelves: historical-fiction, world-war-2, net-galley, ebooks, france

Though I am starting to back off on historical novels set during WWII, I picked this book as it appeared to offer something different. The story has dual timelines with our protagonist, Odile, heavily featured in both. During WWII, Odile works at the American Library in Paris (a real institution). The later timeline takes place in the mid to late 1980s in Montana. I enjoyed both timelines equally. The best feature of the WWII period is the library setting. I love the references to the Dewey deci ...more

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Dec 09, 2020 Thomas rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, netgalley

4.5 shining stars rounded down for a story of love, betrayal, sadness, courage and coming of age, all wrapped up in one book. This book is based on actual events in Paris during WWII. The American Library in Paris remained open during the German occupation. Heroic librarians did deliver books to Jewish subscribers as depicted in the book.
The book opens with Odile Souchet applying for a job at the American Library in Paris. It is February, 1939. She is hired for the job of her dreams. She loves b ...more

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Jul 09, 2020 Miranda Reads rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: received-to-review, published2020

3.5 stars

New month, New Booktube Reading Vlog - tier-listing all the books read in July!

The Written Review

I loved Paris, a city with secrets. Like book covers, some leather, some cloth, each Parisian door led to an unexpected world.

We follow Odile Souchet as she applies to be a librarian in an English-speaking library in Paris, 1939.

She quickly falls in love with a police officer beau, finds a new friend among the library's patrons and thrives on the challenge, and is finding ...more

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Oct 12, 2020 Marialyce rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-of-2020, netgalley

I have been disappointed in the historical fiction genre for a time, But this book has ended that disappointment. It was superb in every sense and one in which the author was able to blend fact and fiction flawlessly.

Taking us once again to Paris during the war, we meet a cast of characters who knew and espoused the idea that books are the answer to the ills of people who suffer. The American Library of Paris, like so many things was gravely affected during the wars. From books being banned, to I have been disappointed in the historical fiction genre for a time, But this book has ended that disappointment. It was superb in every sense and one in which the author was able to blend fact and fiction flawlessly.

Taking us once again to Paris during the war, we meet a cast of characters who knew and espoused the idea that books are the answer to the ills of people who suffer. The American Library of Paris, like so many things was gravely affected during the wars. From books being banned, to people being denied access because of their backgrounds and what they believed, this library was able to survive and bring hope to his patrons.

The author reminds us of the way in which fascism worked. How it eliminates those ideas, those concepts, and those books which they feel are a challenge to what fascists espouse. For so many of us, the library has been a place of refuge, a place to escape the ills of the world and escape into a world where peace and words exist side by side.

Odile Souchethas found that perfect job, that of a librarian in the American Library of Paris. She and her coworkers are lovers of books, and through them the library and its patrons, including those who were banned, are able to find solace. These people become part of their own Resistance by seeing that books stayed a part of the way forward.

Years later, living in America, Odile comes to meet and counsel Lily, a young teenager who is unhappy and feels cut apart from life and love. Through their blossoming friendship, Lily learns of Odile's life, her struggles, and her strength. From Odile, Lily learns the meaning of courage and the ability to realize that everyone carries burdens some of which are harder than others.

This marvelous story comes highly recommended for both teaching us a piece of history not well known as well as presenting a story of bravery and the will to carry on even with adversity nipping at one's heels.

Thank you to Janet, Skeslien Charles, Atria Books, and NetGalley for this enlightening and poignant story, due out February 2, 2021.
...more

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Feb 11, 2021 Elyse Walters rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-about-books, coming-of-age, europe, jewish-themes, historical-fiction, audiobook, united-states, family-history

Audiobook...library overdrive..
alternated with the
physical book... (I own it)

I’ve been sitting here debating whether or not to write a review at all.
I suppose I’ll start with a personal share.

I’m getting pretty close to retiring from writing reviews.
I’ll write a review when I accept a book from Netgalley ...(it’s kinda our deal arrangement)....
but a decade of writing reviews is about enough for me.

My brain is tired.
I don’t want to write reviews as often as I did last year. The pattern will ...more

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Dec 26, 2020 Liz rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

This book starts on a light note, a young Parisienne woman gets a job at the American Library in Paris. She quickly befriends a young English woman and finds love with a policeman. But it’s 1939 and war clouds are looming to the east.
Charles makes you feel a part of the library, taking me back to the days of the Dewey decimal system, citing lots of classic books. All of us who love books will recognize the comfort a library brings. I loved how Charles uses quotes from classic stories to bring h ...more

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Feb 07, 2020 Annette rated it it was amazing

Shelves: french-heritage, american-heritage, historical-fiction-1900s, wwii-historical-fiction

This story brings “a little-known chapter of WWII history: the story of the American librarian, Miss Reeder, who created the Soldiers’ Service to deliver books to servicemen, and who later faced the Nazi ‘Book Protector’ in order to keep her library open. She and her colleagues defied the Bibliotheksschutz by delivering books to Jewish readers after they were forbidden from entering the library.”

Montana, 1983. Lily, a lonely teenager, is working on a school project, a report on France. She goes ...more

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Jun 11, 2020 Carole rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-books

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a memorable account of life during World War II in Paris after the German invasion. In 1939 Odile is thrilled to be hired at the American Library in Paris (ALP). Her love of the written word soon makes her an important and respected member of staff. As the German soldiers take control, the library is in danger of being closed permanently, like so many others. This is the story of how library staff coped with years of foreign dominance while serving ...more

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Feb 25, 2021 Lindsay - Traveling Sisters Book Reviews rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

3.5 stars.

All book lovers will have a soft spot for this story.

This novel revolves around an entertaining and quirky cast of library loving characters. During WWII, several dedicated employees of the American Library in Paris worked diligently, and often secretly, to deliver books to those who could not make it in to the library. Soldiers stationed at various camps, elderly patrons, forbidden Jewish patrons. The employees made sure these passionate readers didn’t go without their beloved books t ...more

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Jun 05, 2020 Karren Sandercock rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Thanks to Hachette Australia, NetGalley and Janet Skeslien Charles for my copy of The Paris Library.

Paris, 1939: Odile Souchet is a girl obsessed with both the Dewey Decimal System and her boyfriend Paul and has just been employed as a librarian at the American Library in Paris. With the shadow of another war looming, she and her parents are worried about her twin brother Remy and of course he joins the French army. The German army easily overcome the Maginot Line, they march into Paris and the Thanks to Hachette Australia, NetGalley and Janet Skeslien Charles for my copy of The Paris Library.

Paris, 1939: Odile Souchet is a girl obsessed with both the Dewey Decimal System and her boyfriend Paul and has just been employed as a librarian at the American Library in Paris. With the shadow of another war looming, she and her parents are worried about her twin brother Remy and of course he joins the French army. The German army easily overcome the Maginot Line, they march into Paris and the Parisians are now living in a city with new rules and regulations. Guided by the directress Miss Reader, the library has already started to hide many of the thousands of precious books and the librarians deliver books to Jewish people who can no longer use the library and soldiers convalescing in hospital. When the war finally ends instead of celebrating Odile is devastated she has been betrayed by the person she thought she could trust and loved.

Montana, 1983: Lily Froid is a lonely teenager; she is doing a school project and decides to ask her elderly neighbor Odile some questions. Odile is a widow; they refer to her in town as the war bride, she arrived in 1945 married to Buck Gustafson and no one knows anything about her life before moving to Montana? When Lily’s mother Brenda becomes ill, Odile supports her and after her mum passes away she’s someone who she can talk to and confined in. One day Lily crosses the line by snooping into Mrs. Gustafson past and she does uncover things about her neighbor’s life in Paris during WW II and has her invading her friend’s privacy ended their friendship?

The story focuses on the complex relationships between the main characters in the book, too many to mention, it has a dual timeline and I had no trouble following it. The Paris Library is an unforgettable story about choices, friendship, loyalty, family, deceit, loss, betrayal and books. Heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places and that’s the library. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and I gave The Paris Library five stars. I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/ ...more

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Jan 30, 2021 DeAnn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021, netgalley-2021

4.25 Ordeal Stars (an inside joke with the book, certainly not an ordeal to read!)

I really enjoyed this one with dual storylines and timeframes. It was great to learn about the American Library in Paris and what happened there before and during WWII.

The WWII storyline focuses on Odile, her family, and how she sets out to get a job at the American Library. It was fascinating to discover that many of the other librarians were based on real people, that always makes the read more interesting to me ...more

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Feb 20, 2019 Tea Jovanović rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed-for-business

The reading completed, 4 blissful days of pure enjoyment... Good story, from start to finish, serious story lined with fine humour... My favourite city in the world, Paris, American Library, WWII, Jews, friendships, hardships, strong emotions, and many life situations that can't be watched as black or white... there is also a bit of grey... Only the true book lovers can understand passion for books and risks to save them... Two parallel stories, the one in Paris during WWII and another 40 years ...more

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Jul 07, 2020 Virginie marked it as unfinished

Shelves: historical, drama, netgalley

I feel so bad... Despite the great premise, I just can't get into the story! DNF at 25%.

I really don't want to discourage anyone to read it. Odile, the main character, is a book lover and it was very interesting to read about the Dewey system. The storyline in the present seems to have broken the magic of the wonderful first chapter...

Thanks so much to the author, Netgalley and Atria books for the ARC.

Publication date : 09 Feb 2021 ...more

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Jan 31, 2021 Britany rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: world-war-ii, 2021, netgalley

3.5 Stars

Alternating storylines between WWII Paris and 1980s Montana. Odile desires to get a job at the American Library in Paris just as the war is beginning. The cast of characters (mostly real people) and the activities and bookish references was just what I needed this winter. Lily Jacobsen is growing up in Montana as she comes of age through middle/high school, she becomes deeply interested in her aloof, outcasted French neighbor.

I fell hard and fast for this one, the writing and the story ...more

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Sep 02, 2020 Cheri rated it really liked it

Shelves: france, montana, netgalley, paris, 2020, 1980s, historical-fiction, 1930s, 1940s, wwii

A story told in two separate timeframes – 1939 and 1983, and in two very different places – Paris, France and Froid, Montana, from the perspectives of two different women – Odile Souchet whose story spans the two timeframes, and her young neighbor Lily, who is at the age where bodies are beginning to change and the interest in boys and girls are front and center of many of her classmates. While her friends are busy with boys, Lily feels excluded and befriends her neighbor, eventually taking Fren
A story told in two separate timeframes – 1939 and 1983, and in two very different places – Paris, France and Froid, Montana, from the perspectives of two different women – Odile Souchet whose story spans the two timeframes, and her young neighbor Lily, who is at the age where bodies are beginning to change and the interest in boys and girls are front and center of many of her classmates. While her friends are busy with boys, Lily feels excluded and befriends her neighbor, eventually taking French lessons from her. When Lily’s mother dies, and her father remarries quickly, Lily takes refuge in the acceptance she finds in Odile, and treasures the moments she spends with Odile learning to speak French.

In 1939 Paris, Odile’s life is very different, her father is a banker, and they live a comfortable life, money isn’t prominently displayed, but it isn’t a worry, either. Her father brings home several men for family dinners over time, hoping to find her a suitable husband who will be able to provide for her as he has. Odile, on the other hand, wants more than anything to work at the American Paris Library, applies for a job there, and is soon after hired. It isn’t long before Odile’s brother Remy enlists, the German Occupation of Paris begins, and the atmosphere of Paris and the library changes. Tensions build, and restrictions are put in place by the Germans, but Odile and the other librarians have already set in motion measures to protect some of the more treasured books. When Jews are no longer allowed to check books out from the library, Odile and friends, at great risk to themselves, bring the books to them. Meanwhile, Odile’s father has managed to bring home another potential suitor, and this time something clicks.

I loved the occasional quotes from classics inserted throughout, as one would float through Odile’s thoughts periodically. I loved the relationship between Odile and Lily, their relationship reminded me so much of my relationship with my godmother, who lived next door and was really more like a mother to me. I loved how the author portrayed these librarians, basing this story on the real librarians who lived through these years, and actually did defy the Nazis by making sure all had access to literature through their underground book-lending service. Some of the Parisians were happy to be rid of those deemed ‘undesirables’ by the Nazis, which seems relevant these days, but the main focus of this story was on the library, the books, the beauty of literature, and the hope it offers even in dark times.

Published: 09 Feb 2021

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Atria Books via NetGalley ...more

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Feb 27, 2021 Marilyn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I listened to the audiobook of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles on Overdrive. It was read by Nicky Diss, Sarah Feathers and Esther Wane. 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 th I listened to the audiobook of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles on Overdrive. It was read by Nicky Diss, Sarah Feathers and Esther Wane. 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. ...more

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Jan 28, 2021 Tina rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-copy, historical-fiction, read-in-2021, my-kindle-books, netgalley-2021

This is a historical fiction that takes place during WWII in Paris, France. I have to say my feelings about this book is different from most peoples, but this is how I feel about the book. I really had high hopes for this book, and it let me down. The beginning (or first 40% of the book) was very slow moving and some parts I do not think needed to be in the book. I hated the first part of this book. I think after getting through the first 40% of the book made me just feel the last part of the bo ...more

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May 15, 2020 Dana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copies

What a beautifully written story! I devoured The Paris Library in just two sittings. I loved the story of Odile and everything that came with it. I had a soft spot for Paul as that's also my husband's name. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Odile and her twin brother, Remy. A truly strong set of characters inside these pages.... my only complaint, I still wanted more! I felt such a connection to the characters and was sad when the story ended.

We're all readers here ... who doesn't ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Bkwmlee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-books, fiction

This felt like such a perfect read! As a book lover, I’m of course drawn to stories about libraries and book stores, but the added bonus with this story is that it also covers one of my favorite genres: historical fiction. Based on real life people and events, this dual timeline narrative tells the story of the American Library in Paris and the efforts of its staff to keep the library open during the German occupation of France in World War II. The main narrative in the past is told from the per This felt like such a perfect read! As a book lover, I’m of course drawn to stories about libraries and book stores, but the added bonus with this story is that it also covers one of my favorite genres: historical fiction. Based on real life people and events, this dual timeline narrative tells the story of the American Library in Paris and the efforts of its staff to keep the library open during the German occupation of France in World War II. The main narrative in the past is told from the perspective of Odile Souchet, the 20-year-old daughter of a police commissioner who gets her dream job working at the Library — she quickly grows close to the staff she meets at the library and together, they join the effort to fight the Nazis the best way they know how: through the power of literature. In a second timeline interspersed throughout the story, teenager Lily lives in a small town in Montana in the 1980s — lonely and bored, Lily’s curiosity is piqued by the elderly woman living next door to her, a widow named Odile Gustafson who mostly keeps to herself, yet has a sophisticated nature about her that stands out in such a small town. Discovering that they share a lot in common, Lily and Odile strike up a friendship that grows into a special bond as Lily learns more and more about Odile’s past and the circumstances that caused her to leave France.

When I first picked this book up, knowing that it would be historical fiction set during WWII, I admit that I was expecting a very different type of story. Given the subject matter, I thought the story would be bleak and depressing, but while there was certainly sadness, the overall tone was hopeful and uplifting. Having said that, I definitely preferred the past narrative to the present one, as I loved reading about the library and what went on, plus the characters were wonderfully drawn (it was fascinating to read the Author’s Note at the end and find out which characters were actually real people). With the present narrative, the aspect I appreciated most was the special friendship between Odile and Lily, the connection they had, and how we find out towards the end the significance of the two of them entering each other’s lives at the times they did.

This is a book that I would definitely recommend, as it is absorbing, engaging, and absolutely atmospheric — a lovely story from an angle that doesn’t get covered much in the canon of WWII fiction. I appreciate how the author didn’t gloss over the serious stuff — the grueling history of that time period and some of the atrocities that took place — but at the same time, didn’t take a heavy-handed approach either. It’s not often that I feel compelled to do additional research after reading a book, but this one definitely did — I was so fascinated by the story that I wanted to read more about the Library and the real-life people who had made things happen. To me, that’s as sure an indication as any as to how much I liked this book! In addition to looking forward to this author’s next book, I also hope to check out her acclaimed debut at some point!

Received ARC from Atria Books via NetGalley
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Mar 29, 2020 MicheleReader rated it really liked it · review of another edition

In my quest to read WWII-era books with perspectives that I have not read before, I was happy to read The Paris Library.

In 1939 Paris, the future looks bright for Odile Souchet. She has just been hired by the American Library in Paris and is now part of an exciting world of book lovers including librarians, writers, diplomats and intellectuals. But as the Nazis invade Paris, the world around her drastically changes. Not only are people being persecuted but there is a threat to her beloved libra ...more

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Jun 03, 2020 Bam cooks the books ;-) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020-netgalley, historical-fiction, world-war-two, 2020-reads

How exciting to find a work of historical fiction set in Paris and dealing with WWII that brings something new to light. The focus of this story is the American Library in Paris and a young woman librarian named Odile who is hired to begin working in Periodicals in February of 1939.

The Director of the library is a brilliant American woman named Miss Reeder who says she believes in the power of books and in the library to make knowledge available to all. As war closes in on their city and the Ge How exciting to find a work of historical fiction set in Paris and dealing with WWII that brings something new to light. The focus of this story is the American Library in Paris and a young woman librarian named Odile who is hired to begin working in Periodicals in February of 1939.

The Director of the library is a brilliant American woman named Miss Reeder who says she believes in the power of books and in the library to make knowledge available to all. As war closes in on their city and the Germans crack down on what books are permitted and who is allowed to read them, the librarians find ways to get books into the hands of people who so desperately want them: 'Books (are) the fresh air breathed in to keep the heart beating, to keep the brain imagining, to keep hope alive.' In challenging times such as we are currently facing, this resonated with me as so true.

'You're nothing without principles. Nowhere without ideals. No one without courage.' But who can stand in judgment of other people for their mistakes in desperate times? Is there room for forgiveness, compassion, understanding in our hearts? Odile with her youthful lack of life experience, struggles with these concepts. Perhaps most importantly, she may need to forgive herself.

But there are actually two stories here--the second set in Montana in the 1980s where a young girl named Lily becomes fascinated with her elderly neighbor, a widow living alone. How did the elegant Frenchwoman end up here? As they become friends, can Odile help Lily avoid making similar mistakes in her life? She often tells her friend to put herself in other's shoes--or as the French say, in their skin.

Both stories were quite nice but I felt the second storyline was not really necessary and was rather a distraction from what I was really interested in reading about--that is, what was going on at the library in Paris! I disliked the choices Odile makes and the mess she creates. Did she live up to the ideals she found in her favorite books? Very close to a 5-star read if not for these details.

I received an arc of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions. Many thanks for the opportunity!
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Feb 17, 2020 Krystal rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, 2020-read, ebook, smart-lit, historical-fiction, top-picks, new-releases-2020, netgalley

The Paris Library might just be my most favorite read of 2020! I devoured this story, I couldn't get enough and it's one of those books that grab you deep inside your soul so hard that you wish the book would never end. These are the books I wish were in a series, I want more!

Based on real actual events and people, the author did an amazing job with her research. I fell so far into the story I'm not sure I can pick up another book for a few days. I literally feel like I was taken back in time t ...more

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Jan 22, 2021 Tami rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021, netgalley-2021, net-galley, historical-fiction

Set during World War II, this novel takes place at the American Library in Paris and focuses on how the Nazi occupation affected the library and it’s employees and patrons.

The story centers around the life of Odile Souchet, who is hired at the library right before the war breaks out in France. Her life is immediately complicated when her twin brother joins the military. As the war progresses, the library makes the necessary changes to stay in compliance with the new regime, sometimes at peril to ...more

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Jun 05, 2020 Karren Sandercock rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Thanks to Hachette Australia, NetGalley and Janet Skeslien Charles for my copy of The Paris Library.

Paris, 1939: Odile Souchet is a girl obsessed with both the Dewey Decimal System and her boyfriend Paul and has just been employed as a librarian at the American Library in Paris. With the shadow of another war looming, she and her parents are worried about her twin brother Remy and of course he joins the French army. The Nazis easily overcome the Maginot Line, they march into Paris and the Parisi Thanks to Hachette Australia, NetGalley and Janet Skeslien Charles for my copy of The Paris Library.

Paris, 1939: Odile Souchet is a girl obsessed with both the Dewey Decimal System and her boyfriend Paul and has just been employed as a librarian at the American Library in Paris. With the shadow of another war looming, she and her parents are worried about her twin brother Remy and of course he joins the French army. The Nazis easily overcome the Maginot Line, they march into Paris and the Parisians are now living in a city with new rules and regulations. Guided by the directress Miss Reader, the library has already started to hide many of the thousands of precious books and the librarians deliver books to Jewish people who can no longer use the library and soldiers convalescing in hospital. When the war finally ends instead of celebrating Odile is devastated she has been betrayed by the person she thought she could trust and loved.

Montana, 1983: Lily Froid is a lonely teenager; she is doing a school project and decides to ask her elderly neighbor Odile some questions. Odile is a widow; they refer to her in town as the war bride, she arrived in 1945 married to Buck Gustafson and no one knows anything about her life before moving to Montana? When Lily’s mother Brenda becomes ill, Odile is there for her and after her mum passes away she’s someone who she can talk to and confined in. One day Lily crosses the line by snooping into Mrs. Gustafson past and she does uncover things about her neighbor’s life in Paris during WW II and has her invading her friend’s privacy ended their friendship?

The story focuses on the complex relationships between the main characters in the book, too many to mention, it has a dual timeline and I had no trouble following it. The Paris Library is an unforgettable story about choices, friendship, loyalty, family, deceit, loss, betrayal and books. Heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places and that’s the library. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and I gave The Paris Library five stars. ...more

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Feb 06, 2021 Mandy White (mandylovestoread) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: owned, publisher-arcs, read-in-2021

A book about a library in one of the world’s most beautiful cities... what’s not to love. The main character Odile is a young book obsessed young girl and I loved her. In 1939 she gets the chance to work in the American Library in Paris, her dream job. She is happy and making like minded friends. And the the war breaks out and the Nazis invade Paris.. and everything changes.

Then we have Lily in 1983 Montana. She makes a friendship with the old lady next door who her hides away on her own and ha ...more

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About Janet Skeslien Charles

Janet Skeslien Charles

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Janet Skeslien Charles divides her time between Paris and Montana. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

The backdrop of her debut novel MOONLIGHT IN ODESSA is the booming business of email-order brides, an industry where love and marriage meet sex and commerce.

Her second novel THE PARIS LIBRARY is based on the true story of the courageous librarians at the American Librar ...more