The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien is a wonderfully researched novel involving the American Library in Paris. Being a librarian myself I'm ashamed to say I was not familiar with this library! But my what an introduction. The novel is set in Paris from 1939-1944 during which was the occupation of Paris by the Nazis during WWII. It is also set in a more recent time frame of 1983-1989 in the United States.

In Paris we have Odelie having just gotten a job at the American Library. We are introduced to many marvelous characters who work there and those who are patrons. We see how much they care for each other and how much they mean to those who come there.

In the US (Montana I think) there is Lily, a high school student, who is neighbors with Odelie. Lily is quite curious and wants to get to know more about her neighbor, Odelie and what her life was like in Paris during the war.

During this back and forth between times the story of Odelie unfolds. Neither Odelie nor Lily come out unscathed but it is worth the journey.

The author's notes at the end are a must read with information about the actual people from the American Library during the occupation.

The story takes us to 1939 Paris where Odile is a Librarian in the American Library. It also take us to the 1980s with Lily who lives next door to the now widowed Odile in Montana. In 1939 when Odile is young and just starting out in her job we meet those who work with her and her boy friend. This is a real place and most of the people are people who really were in Paris at the time.
Eventually the city is taken over by the Nazis and the Jews are not allowed in the library. Lily knows nothing about this time for Odile and what was happening in her life. She is curious and sometimes snoopy Life was hard but some of it Odile brought on herself.
It is an interesting look at the American Library which was one of the ones allowed to stay open. So much going on for these two and I don't want to give any of it away. Just an enjoyable read.

I read a lot of historical fiction set during this war torn era. I like when there is a story in a different time period to help us better understand the character and to maybe add a little mystery. I loved the way this story was set up, introducing us to Lily and her lonely neighbor Odile in 1980's Montana. We see Odile as an adult and wonder what has brought her into this isolation and away from all of her family. The part of the story set in Paris in the late 1930's and early 1940's is heartbreaking as all WWII stories are, but I love that the theme of this story is Odile working at the American library and sharing these books even when she isn't supposed to. I also got quite a kick out of all of the fantastic books that were name dropped in this one. It would be a fun challenge to read all of the books mentioned in a year. At the end of the novel, the author talks about how some of these characters are based on real people, which makes the story even more compelling. I recmomend this book if you enjoy historical fiction, are a lover of classic books, or are a Francophile.

A glimpse into a lesser known chapter of WWII history! Even in the midst of the war, the librarians of the American Library in Paris chose to make sure their subscribers received books, and they fueled a love of literature in spite of the Nazis’ intimidation. Stories can play such a powerful role in the lives of people, during wartime especially, and it is fascinating to think of how these books comforted and engaged people during such a dark time in history. The work of the librarian is priceless!

"The library is a bridge of books between cultures." The Paris Library provides a fictional yet historical account of Paris during WWII. Janet Skeslien Charles offers a new perspective of the brave men and women safeguarding the libraries' collections.

Putting themselves at risk, women like Bitsi, Odile, Miss Reeder and Margaret soldiered a different type of war. Their weapons, armed with knowledge and defense, that literature should be available to everyone. Charles chronicles Odile's story and how the war shaped her life.

Coming full circle, a knock at the door transports readers to Froid, Montana in 1983 where Lily confronts Odile seeking her support. Their friendship affords a lifeline for both characters. Odile is no longer alone and Lily receives solace during her mother's illness.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early read in exchange for an honest review. I was swept away by the story and transported to Paris during WWII. The author unlocks an unknown chapter during the war years and invites readers to 'check out' the courage exhibited by the libraries' staff.

Book lovers will delight in the literature references while historical fiction fans, in the disturbingly wonderful decade. While that time period is difficult to read, daring men and women like Odile, made a difference.

To close, Charles word's depicting why she wrote the novel stuck a cord and I wanted to let them speak for themselves. "The Paris Library to life also brings to light a cast of lively historical characters and a little-known chapter of World War II 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."

The Paris Library is another addition to the WWII historical fiction canon. This one is an interesting take and one for the bibliophiles, as it takes place in a library. I appreciated the dual timeline and the fully-developed characters. Even in a saturated sphere, this one stands out.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

A well written story told with dual time lines. The characters were interesting and their desire to get books to readers during German occupation was phenomenal.
I enjoyed the story! Love the cover too!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

I've read a shelf full of books about Paris during the occupation. This is the first set in a library. The American Library of Paris to be exact. It is reassuring to see that books and Librarians are beacons of hope even during the darkest of times.

A love letter to libraries and those who love them, this book is a story of the American Library in Paris during the Second World War. The characters are richly drawn and you will soon find yourself in their shoes. A very good read.

When I saw this book come across my desk for review, I knew it was going to be an easy yes. The cover is elegant and inviting, not to mention the title promised a literary lovers dream setting.

I couldn’t wait to dive in and get caught up in the romanticism of Paris and a book that was sure to be an ode to book lovers everywhere.

Now that I think back, I don’t even think I read the summary of the book before saying yes—that was how sure I was that I wanted to read this book. One look and I knew. I should also add that my sister worked at the American Library in Paris and my mom and I went to visit her while she was there and it was an incredible place, so I knew this book was going to be something special.

Summary
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.

Montana, 1983. Widowed and alone, Odile suffers the solitary confinement of small-town life. Though most adults are cowed by her, the neighbor girl will not let her be. Lily, a lonely teenager yearning to break free of Froid is obsessed by the older French woman who lives next door and wants to know her secrets.

As the two become friends, Odile sees herself in Lily – the same love of language, the same longings, the same lethal jealousy. The Paris Library’s dual narratives explore the relationships that make us who we are – family and friends, first loves and favorite authors – in the fairy tale setting of the City of Light. It also explores the geography of resentment, the consequences of unspeakable betrayal, and what happens when the people we count on for understanding and protection fail us.

The wit, empathy, and deep research that brings The Paris Library to life also brings to light a cast of lively historical characters and a little-known chapter of World War II 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. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
One of the things that really worked for me in this one was the duel storylines. I love this approach in historical fiction because I think it keeps the reader moving along in the story, especially when the storylines are balanced. I really enjoyed both storylines, but I did think that the historical one was a little stronger which was fine by me because this is after all a historical fiction book.

The other thing that stood out for me in this book was the sense of something different. As many of you know, WWII historical fiction is a saturated setting and sometimes it’s difficult to find something ‘new’ in a sea of similar stories but this book manages to bring about a new and untold story. I loved how the author explored the role that the American Library played in the occupation of Paris. I had never really thought about how the occupation effected institutes like that so it was an interesting way to explore some parts of that time in history that I was less familiar with.

While I liked Odile, she was flawed which on one hand made her very real and relatable, but on the other hand, there were times in the book where I didn’t agree with her. But in the end I decided that the things I didn’t agree with made her more interesting for me, ultimately I liked her but I didn’t love her and that was ok because her story was strong and I felt satisfied with how things ended.

If you are a historical fiction lover then this book needs to be on your radar for summer reading. It was a unique story full of quirky library goodness and I loved relearning the Dewey Decimal system. I also think this would be a good book for book clubs as there is lots of things to discuss and could lead to a compelling discussion.

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 409 pages
Expected publication: February 2nd 2021 (first published February 2nd 2020)
ASIN B07Z45K1Q8
Free review copy provided by publisher, Atria, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: historical fiction, WWII

Dilemma was a librarian during WWII at the American Library in Paris. She took part in resistance efforts, keeping books safe and delivering books to the banned Jewish patrons. Jump to Froid, Montana in 1980. Odile is now a widow who had married a GI at the end of the war. She keeps to herself until her young neighbor Lily reaches out to her because her beloved mom is terminally ill and her father is withdrawn. Less than a year after her mom's death, her dad remarries. Lily is struggling with all the changes and continues a strong relationship with Odile.

The diverse and entertaining characters at the library with numerous literary references, the unfolding of Odile's story through her time with Lily, the healing and forgiveness that Lily and Odile both experience compellingly drive the emotional narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book in spite of my tears.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book!!! Library's are my haven... And to read this story and learn of the historical aspects of the war and this library surviving the atrocities? Wonderful!!!

“All good things come to an end, bad things to. “
What a fitting quote for our times.
This was such a warm, heartfelt novel. Highly recommend!

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!

WWII Historical Fiction is by far my favorite genre and this one did not disappoint. This story is told in dual timelines. I have read many a book that tries to make this work, some work well and some, well, not so much. This one works!

We get to follow our protag, Odile, from 1939 Paris at the American Library, where she is a librarian to 1983 Montana where we meet a lonely teenage girl, Lily. The story moves along at a wonderful pace and kept me engaged through the end.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this advanced readers copy. This book is due to release in February 2021.

The Paris Library is a novel about relationships that take place in two settings -- in Paris during WWII and in rural Montana during the 1980's. The novel follows the main character, Odile, from her first job at the American Library in Paris alternating with her life in Montana. She is a strong-willed young woman who is brave and smart enough to pursue a job she loves and to find a fiancé who allows her to be herself.






This book is based on the true story of the American Library in Paris which was a gathering place for international and local intellectuals. When the Nazi’s took over Paris, Jewish patrons were no longer allowed to access the library. Several brave librarians, including Odile, delivered books to their Jewish patrons at their homes putting themselves in danger.

Later in life, Odile becomes a neighbor to a troubled girl in Montana who knows nothing of Odile's past life. Odile’s attention and friendship helps this young girl through a challenging time and it gives Odile something important to do once again.

The cast of characters at the Library are very interesting and were based on real people. I enjoyed this portion of the book the most, although at times I found the actions of the characters predictable. It’s a sweet story with historical significance covering topics such as courage against fascism, overcoming grief, and the power of books.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for my review..

Another book that takes place during World War II. I feel as though this season I have been reading World War II books or romance! With two storylines occurring in the same book and the reader knows very early on how they are connected, this felt a little different from the other World War II books I have read recently.

In 1939, Odile Souchet is a young woman who wants a career, specifically a career in a library and the American library because they use the Dewey decimal system which she is in awe of this way of organizing books. In the current storyline, it is 1983 and Lily is living on Montana and after some things happen in her own home she finds solace in her elderly neighbor and learning about French and her past.

I really loved Odile's story and the pursuit of keeping a library and the written word alive even with the outside world literally crumbling. These librarians and what they did for their communities was so great to read, truly uplifting. I wanted to cheer them on while reading what they were doing to keep reading alive!

I liked Lily. She was an interesting young woman to follow as she was going through a very big growth spurt. This growth was spawned by a traumatic event, but to see her journey was refreshing to see her hit speed bumps and learn from them.

I enjoyed this book, but clearly liked one storyline over the other and was glad that the 1939 storyline took up more of the book real estate and was more of the focus.

I adored this novel, set in occupied Paris during WW2. Book lovers will find themselves reflected in the portrayal of The Paris Library's characters and their love of books. We see first how the novels within the library comfort them with the world on the brink of war and then as war finds its way to their doorsteps they share the books they love with those imprisoned and those who are singled out by the Nazis.

This book is emotionally driven, and while it's clear readers have been transported to the Paris of the 1940s, it's the authors presentation of her characters' hopes and fears that capture the readers' hearts and truly transport them to Paris. The diverse, hilarious cast of characters represent all if us and when books become all they have to fight tyranny there's no hesitation.

Janet Skeslien Charles uses the actions of the American Library in Paris's head librarian and her staff as the foundation for The Paris Library, introducing fictional characters to tell her story. I love historical fiction based on true stories and this one spoke to my heart.

A great cross between the past and the present while tying into World War II, this time in Paris. I loved the plot, the character development, and the premise behind what the author was trying to accomplish in their storytelling.

As an avid reader of historical fiction and someone who worked in libraries for several years, I was so excited to receive an early copy of this book. I’ll admit that the functioning of libraries during Nazi occupation of Paris was not something I had even known was possible, I had assumed all libraries were shut down, which many were. However, this group of librarians and “subscribers” (we say “patrons”) kept theirs open, even smuggling books to Jews who were no longer welcome due to the Nazi’s orders.

Though this story has two main characters in perspective timelines, at the heart of this story is Odile. She is a young Parisian woman who values independence and despite her parents’ protests, applies to work at the American Library in Paris. There she finds a second family of likeminded people who have no tolerance for hatred (any anti Semitism gets you escorted to the door and asked not to come back). She helps deliver books to those without access, keeps the library doors open, and protects books from being destroyed. She is also in love with Paul, a French policeman, who I disliked throughout most of the book and by the end, despised.

The second timeline, beginning in 1983 in Montana, follows Lily, a young girl who is Odile’s neighbor. Lily seeks Odile out and a friendship is born as Lily discovers a love of all things French. Odile helps her navigate through losses and different stages of her life and gradually reveals details of her own past.

While I enjoyed this book, I do feel that the synopsis was a bit misleading. While the librarians do deliver books to Jews at their own risk and keep the doors open, that really is just a background for Odile’s story, not the focus. The “resistance” mentioned is present, but not plot. Something else that bothered me were the casual, demeaning words thrown around about women who slept with Nazi officers, most presumably to stay alive and feed their families. “Slut” was used over and over again. And while it is clear that Odile’s character grows and her understanding of this changes, it still left a bad taste in my mouth.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and read it fairly quickly, although I wish it was more about the resistance and less about Odile and Paul. Also, the ending seemed a bit unclear as we find out what ultimately happened with the two of them. I don’t mind if things aren’t wrapped up perfectly, but there were a few things that could’ve benefitted from further clarification.

(I will also add that it was definitely not as graphic as some of the WWII fiction I’ve read and mentioned only briefly concentration camps and other atrocities.)