As a historical fiction lover, book and library lover, this book was 100% right up my alley.

Set in alternating timelines, Paris during WW2 and 1980's Texas, it tells the story of Odile (younger and older) and Lily, who meets Odile in her older age. I loved their personalities, and how they interacted with each other.

Anyone else that loves historical fiction and books needs to go read this.

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this historical fiction. Thank you net valley for this ARC Which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. Since I started #bookstagram and discovering new genres, authors I have discovered that I absolutely love books that are poetic in nature. Where the references create vivid illustrations in my mind and are able to transport me into the story and be with the characters. The Paris Library is one of them.

The Paris Library takes place during 1939 during WWII, the Nazi occupation in Paris and 1983, Montana. Odile is a loyal, independent woman that lands a job at the American Library in Paris due to her love and knowledge of books. She has a twin brother, Remy, that enlists in the war and her father is a police constable that is required to follow orders, whether he likes them or not.

During the war, Odile finds love, finds herself willing to do whatever it takes to save the library, and by joining the Resistance. Odile does her part in helping to support the library and its readers, even those subscribers that were banned from entering the library. Her fellow librarians found a way to ensure that all readers, and even injured soldiers got their hands on reading material.

The story then fast forwards to 1983 where Lily, a high school student, lives next to a foreign neighbour which no one really knows about. All they know that she is from Paris. Curiosity gets the better of Lilly and when the opportunity for a school project presents itself, Lilly knocks on her neighbours door and asks for an interview.

From there, a beautiful friendship forms as Odile supports Lily and her family through the loss of her mother, her father remarrying and having stepsiblings. The friendship is important for both them as Lily, unknowingly has given Odile a sense of purpose and joy in her life.

I absolutely fell in love with the storytelling and the descriptions of events and characters. I loved how there were quotes from different books, placed throughout the story, each one relating to the events taking place. The story came to life through the pages and gave us a glimpse into the history of WWII though the eyes of the inhabitants of The American Library in Paris. There were many losses, much heartbreak and betrayal due to the war. Through the power of hope, of friendships and love, the survivors were given another chance at life.

Thank you @netgally and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!!

I really enjoyed reading this book and finished it in two sittings. The main character Odile is present in dual timelines. The past during World War 2 in Paris, and her present day life in Montana in the 1980s. Odile strikes a friendship with her teenage neighbor Lily. Majority of the Montana chapters are about stuggles that Lily is facing ... but in the end of the book ... readers find out just how important that first day they meet and begin their friendship.

Historical fiction and dual timelines are some of my favorite books. This is a wonderfully
written story about the American Library in Paris. Its a story of friendship, family, love, loss
and betrayal. I was also intrigued that this was an actual library in Paris and some of the characters were real during WWII.

This book is written in dual timelines, one in the late 30s and 40s and the other in the 80s. We follow Odile through her years working at the American Library in Paris. I'm a huge book lover, so this was my favorite part of the book. Reading about Odile's love of books. Odile has a romance with a man named Paul that I didn't really think was necessary, but it fit. I would have loved to read more about the books and Odile's love for them.

In the 80's, we follow Lily who is the older Odile's neighbor. For a schol project Lily decides to interview Odile. Odile usually keeps to herself so her agreement to participate in the interview was interesting in itself. Lily learns a lot about Odile and the library she once worked for. Everything changes when Lily and a friend are caught snooping through Odile's things

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this book did not disappoint. The author obviously did extensive research for this book. I found myself rushing through Lily's chapters to get back to the library and Odile.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a book lover this novel was a must read! A historical fiction with dual storylines set in the American Library in Paris during WW2.The story deals with friendship,betrayal and forgiveness. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, Goodreads, and Simon & Schuster for an advanced readers copy of The Paris Library.
I went into this book expecting to be heartbroken over and over, but that is not what happened. I found the love of many characters during times of hardship. Many lessons were learned, relationships were tested, and many were saved by those they least expected. I was left feeling warm and fuzzy as I finished this story. A story about forgiveness in more than one fashion, I absolutely loved this.

From the author of Moonlight in Odessa comes this great historical fiction novel -- The Paris Library. If you enjoyed The Lilac Girls, you will love this one too!

The book tells the parallel stories of Odile Souchet, a young woman living in Paris and working in the American Library and Lily, a teen living in Montana in the early 1980s.

Odile enjoys the carefree idealism of youth, falling in love with a police officer who works for her father and observing the eclectic mix of people who frequent her most beloved place since childhood--the library. She is quickly forced to grow up and accept the harsh reality of a country in the throes of war, and she joins the Resistance in an attempt to save the library from Nazi invaders. She and other workers resolve to take the books to Jews banned from visiting the library.

Lily experiences the death of her mother and is trying to figure out her place in a family that suddenly seems foreign to her. She is forced to bear burdens that suddenly threaten to overtake her. Her one saving grace is a mysterious neighbor lady who helps her discover how to navigate a confusing time in life. However, Lily soon learns that her elderly friend is hiding secrets that will make Lily question their relationship.

Though set during World War II, this book is different from the many books that depict the German invasion and the spread of Nazi propaganda. Author Janet Skeslien Charles, having worked in the American Library in Paris, wrote her story based on the courageous librarians who protected books from Nazis while also delivering them to the Jews who were banned from visiting the library. As most historical fiction does, this book will compel you to know more about the lives of those depicted in her story. If you enjoyed The Lilac Girls, you will love The Paris Library! Highly recommend!

I liked the idea behind the story. The writing was lovely. I've read other books with two different time periods as part of the narrative. But with this story I felt like it was taking away from the story and not enhancing it. Would possibly consider reading other stories by this author of there's no time switching or not as much.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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

Based on the true story of the courageous librarians at the American Library in Paris who defied the Nazis to share their love of literature with their subscribers, this novel transcends the genre of historical fiction. By connecting the 1940s story to a second story about a young girl growing up in Montana in the 1980s, the author demands of the reader that they ask themselves not only what would they have done during World War II, but what can we do in the future to “ensure that libraries and learning are accessible to all and that we treat people with dignity and compassion. For as the library's director explains, "No other thing possesses that mystical faculty to make people see with other people's eyes. The library is a bridge of books between cultures."

And yet the 2021 budget put forward by the White House includes a proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services and decrease funding for other library-eligible education programs. Our leaders would do well to remember the brave librarians who smuggled books to their Jewish subscribers. For they understood that “libraries are lungs. Books the fresh air breathed in to keep the heart beating, to keep the brain imagining, to keep hope alive.” As such, this is also a story about books. The author incorporates numerous passages from literary works, showing how books can inspire, teach, provide solace, and demand of us to think from the perspective of others. In these polarized times, this book’s message of compassion for others, appreciation for diversity, and the power of words for good and bad is much needed.

Highly recommend! One of those books that you will read and read again.

This is an excellent book set in Paris during World War 2. I had never heard of The American Library in Paris or read anything about Librarians sending packages of books to soldiers or delivering them to Jewish patrons after the Nazis forbid them from entering the library.
The story takes place in the late 1930’s and early 40’s in Paris and in the US 40 years later, when one of the main characters from the earlier period becomes involved with a neighboring family. The friendships that develop are life saving for both .
This book was well written. I enjoyed the development of the characters in the library and the relationship formed between the families in the US.

I'm not typically a huge fan of historical fiction, but I really enjoyed reading this account of librarians in Paris who helped save several titles from invading Nazi troops. This book had some fresh perspectives on aspects of the war that haven't necessarily been told before - namely, the role of the French in the battle and the conflict among some ally countries. The main character, Odile, is such a wonderful strong female character and I'm always HERE for strong female literary characters e(specially ones who love books as much as I do.) The only thing that kept this book a 4 star, rather than a 5 star for me, was the incorporation of the 1983 scenes. I understand the purpose of the scenes and watching the mystery of Odile's character unfold, I just didn't connect with the Montana story line...but maybe it's because I loved all of the Paris library scenes so much...I longed to go back to Paris every time the author shifted me to Montana. Thank you to Net Galley, Janet Skelsien Charles, and Atria Books for the advanced copy of this book. It was such a pleasure to read.

This book was a beautiful story! All librarians should read because the passion behind a library is evident in this book! An interwoven story of generations that heal each other. Truly a beautiful novel!

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and its characters and was enchanted by the novel's stories of family, friendship and life's biggest challenges. As a Francophile, and lover of Paris myself, I was enchanted by Charles's description of the city. She truly brings it to life and it was as if I was walking the cobblestone streets myself. This was my favorite part of the reading experience.

Lily was fascinating-- I adored her character and her growth. The relationships were strongly developed and flushed out perfectly. Also, the differing perspectives as a great touch too. That helped in the novel's structure and purpose.

I will recommend this book to everyone!

Oh how I loved this book! More like J’adore! Since I am a lover of books and words and libraries and a Francofile, this novel spoke to me. If you’ve ever been passionate about something, spoke without truly thinking, have regrets, have loved and been betrayed, then this novel will resound with you. The characters are well formed and they have such depth. The courageous librarians at the American Library in Paris will excite and motivate you to be and do better. Do not miss this splendid read! Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC.

Janet Charles weaves a powerful story in "The Paris Library". I am a fan of historical fiction and World War II is one of my favorite time periods. The author weaves the story back and forth in time from the late 1930's until the late part of the last century. The characters are strong and emotional. The main characters relate to each other thru a common love of books and learning thru the time and space of fifty years as each goes through their own traumatic and tragic times.
The author spins a tale of the past around the American library in Paris. A strong underlying part of the book is what war and survival does to the human spirit and mind. What would at once time seem inconceivable for a person one respects and loves to do becomes believable. If you love books, you love libraries and if you love libraries you will love this book.
To quote the author, "Language is a gate that we can open and close on people. The words we use shape perception, as do the books we read, the stories we tell each other, and the stories we tell ourselves."
Ms. Charles does an excellent job of weaving a story that will make you think and reflect and she hopes not on what you would have done in this situation.
Instead, Ms. Charles says, "I think a better question to ask is what can we do now to ensure that libraries and learning are accessible to all and that we treat people with dignity and compassion." A pretty good question for this time in our own history. Read this book. It is a journey.
Thanks #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

***I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.***

Very rarely does a historical fiction rope me in right off the bat; but this book was everything I hoped for and MORE. Following Odile and Lily on their journey through their very, VERY different times was truly a joy and I wish it had not ended.

What I loved about this book:

-The love of literature.
-The relationships created and their strength.
-The vivid images that the author creates of the times (mainly WWII).
-Overall, the characters. I loved them all!

What I didn’t love about this book (this list was tricky to create):

-How we were left to wonder what happened with Odile and Margaret (did she write to her or what?!).
-Odile’s abrupt departure from Paris... I felt as though I wanted more from that moment.

As a sucker for WWII Historical Fiction movies, tv shows, and books, The Paris Library was a perfect mix of the time period and bookish love! I LOVED learning more about the American Library in Paris, as well as how those in it fought to keep it going despite the War. While there were times that the POV changes interrupted the older storyline, I did like seeing Odile's post-war lifestyle and thoughts, especially as it gave a great, more contemporary lens/vantage point. As a big fan of this new book, I can't wait to read more from Janet Skeslien Charles!

The Paris Library by Janice Skeslien Charles is based on a true Second World War story of the heroic librarians, one that I was unfamiliar with and learnt so much, one reason why historical fiction is one of my favourite genres. Set in two different time periods France 1939 - 1944 and the other in Montana 1983-1989. The book focuses on a librarian and a high school student.

Although the characters are well developed, and the history is well established I did find this book a little on the slow side. I enjoyed the library references, anything about books!

The authors note at the end of the novel added extra dimension to this book, it was an excellent epilogue for certain characters who we discover were actual people. We realize just how much research was done in writing this book.


Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.