This book was a wonderful read if you enjoy historical fiction and World War II from differing view points. I have recommended this to students, staff, friends and my bookclub. Everyone at my bookclub loved it! Thank you, Netgalley for this wonderful ARC!

I don't always enjoy historical stories but I did enjoy this one. As a book lover, the fact that at least part of the book took place in a library immediately piqued my interest. Of course this story has much more to it than that there's a library in it. The beginning of the book takes place during World War II and than we follow the main character as she journeys to America and continues to live her life. The relationships in this story are what truly make it as wonderful as it is, good and bad. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical stories.

"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles is a captivating historical fiction novel that intertwines the lives of two women against the backdrop of World War II. The story is inspired by the true events surrounding the American Library in Paris, which served as a beacon of hope and refuge during the Nazi occupation of France.

The novel follows Odile Souchet, a young French woman who dreams of working at the American Library, and Lily, a teenage girl living in Froid, Montana, decades later. As Odile navigates the challenges of wartime Paris and forms a deep bond with her colleagues and patrons, Lily discovers a connection to Odile through a series of letters and artifacts left behind by her grandmother.

Skeslien Charles masterfully weaves together the narratives of Odile and Lily, drawing readers into their respective worlds and exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of literature to transcend borders and unite people in the darkest of times. The author's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the era to life, from the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet streets of Froid, Montana.

The characters are richly drawn and relatable, each grappling with their own fears, hopes, and desires. Odile's determination to protect the library and its patrons from the horrors of war is both inspiring and heartbreaking, while Lily's quest to uncover the truth about her grandmother's past adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.

At its core, "The Paris Library" is a celebration of the enduring power of books and the importance of preserving knowledge and culture in the face of adversity. Skeslien Charles's novel is a moving tribute to the brave individuals who risked their lives to protect the written word and uphold the values of freedom and tolerance.

Overall, "The Paris Library" is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page. With its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and evocative prose, it's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and literary drama.

I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great historical fiction. Janet Skeslien Charles did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

his was a historical fiction novel set in Paris during the 1940s occupation. The story switches between the America Library in Paris and then 1980s Montana. The two stories weave together between the past and the present. It’s an emotional tale.

"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles attempts to immerse readers in the world of wartime Paris through the lens of a seemingly intriguing tale set in a library. Despite its promising premise, the execution falls flat, with characters that fail to evoke genuine empathy or interest. The narrative unfolds sluggishly, lacking the momentum to sustain engagement, as it shifts between past and present without compelling cohesion. While the historical backdrop holds potential, the novel ultimately fails to deliver a memorable or impactful reading experience.

In the same vein as The Last Bookshop in London, only taking place in Paris, and with dual timelines--this one didn't hit for me quite the same way. This one took place in the 1980s and the 1940s and for that, I loved it. Especially as a child of the 80s. 

I think the thing I didn't like about this was the characters. And I'm really a character-driven reader. If I don't connect with them, then I have a difficult time connecting to the book. And that's kind of what happened here. 

The writing wasn't bad at all. I think it could've been better if I'd just not gotten bored with the characters in the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was explored the darkness brought on by war, loss, feelings of neglect but comforted all of those with companionship, true care, kindness, and literature.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a novel based on historical events that depicts the American Library in Paris and its staff and patrons during the Nazi occupation and the years after. The novel switches between two time periods: one in Paris from 1939 to 1944, and one in Montana from 1983 to 1984.

The novel is suitable for readers who like historical fiction, books about books, and stories of friendship and courage. The Paris Library is an engaging and touching novel that honors the role of libraries and books in times of war and peace.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Janet Skeslien Charles for the ARC of this book, The Paris Library.

This book was an amazing story about resistance during WWII and the way it affected those people who lived through it. I absolutely loved how the author, Janet Skeslien Charles, wove this story of resistance by going back and forth between two time periods. The main character, Odile, was a librarian in the Paris Library during WWII and she played a key part, by using her occupation and books, in helping to resist the Nazis.

Later when she was older and living in America the reader is also shown how Odile survived the war and used her past knowledge and experience to help a young friend through her own trials of love and loss.

I thought Charles did an amazing job connecting the two time periods and showing the resilience of a woman who endures so much lost herself. She continues to keep fighting forward and she uses her personal experiences to help others to resist.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves WWII historical fiction, especially involving those brave individuals who resisted the Nazis.

This had a lot of elements that I enjoyed- a dual time, strong storyline and of course, detailed writing about a library. What I found compelling in this story is that it focused less on the war itself and more on the characters and how the war impacted the library. This is a great example of strong historical fiction. Compelling, well written and makes you think. Highly recommend.

Using books to join the resistance and help save her country. And a girl many years later wondering the story of her elderly neighbor.

This was a wonderful read. Anything that combines books with WW2 is a hit in my book. I will recommend this to any student who wants to learn a little about WW2 and loves books

I loved the two timelines and all of the history but this one wasn’t my favorite. I gave it 3/5 stars. There was some drama to drive the plot but overall it was quite dry and not all that engaging. It was fun to read and I do recommend it for historical fiction lovers.

I have become very picky about historical fiction. For me, it needs an interesting hook. The author had me at a book about a library and its occupants, Additionally, like many historical fiction books, much of this was based in reality and real people. Very good read. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This book had me at WWII - and set in Paris? - added bonus!
I loved the concept of this book and it was so well executed. It kept me engaged.
This is a perfect read for fans of Kristin Harmel and and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale.

This book has a dual time line which I enjoyed. I love the power of books and how they affect people. The writing is strong, and I love the focus on family - both natural and found family. The author did a great job with characterization and pacing.

This was a good historical fiction but it did feel similar to other books I read at the time. If this is your genre, you’ll enjoy this book. However, if you like to be surprised in your reading choices, consider skipping this one.

Fantastic story. I appreciated the 2 “side-by-side” stories set in the different time periods. It made the overall story have so much depth. Definitely recommend.

Simply put, an absolutely delightful and moving read ! Quickly fell in love with the characters, setting and writing style. Very engaging storyline which held my interest all the way thru.