3.5 stars, Felt like the middle dragged on a bit. I did enjoy reading of the creation and renovation of the libraries, as well as women breaking into the male-dominated librarian profession.

There is so much to unpack with regards to this well written, important novel, it’s hard to know where to start. I loved the story of Jesse “Kit” Carson, a librarian from NYPL who went to a France in 1918 to join the American Committee for Devastated France, called the CARD. The devastation brought on by the German offensive in Northern France led to complete ruin, and the group of American, British, Canadian and French women worked tirelessly to restore food, education, libraries and some sense of normalcy. Kit and her fellow CARDS, faced danger but persisted until 1924, during which time Kit’s contribution to French librarianship included the formation of children’s departments and female entry into a male dominated field. I learned so much about an effort I knew nothing about, and I am grateful to the author for this amazing ode to history, librarians, and women. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity.

I love a good historical fiction about the lives of women during war time but, even more so when based on actual people. This book was about the life of librarian Jessie "Kit" Carson from NY during WW1 in 1918. Kit was recruited to France to join a group of high society ladies led by J.P. Morgan's youngest daughter, Anne Morgan, who wished to aid the French people as their lives were being torn apart during the war. Kit, who did not come from wealth like most of the other women there, brought books to the village children and had the goal of starting a library. Through this, she becomes a healing balm for the children and their mothers, nurturing them through story time and to their shock, allowing them check out books to take home, and ultimately bringing joy into their lives which were full of so much loss. I loved learning about the history of these brave women known as "Cards", who risked their lives to help the French villagers.

Thank you Net Galley and Atria (Simon & Schuster) publishing for the ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skestien Charles is a WWI historical fiction novel. I enjoy reading about real people (especially unsung women whose stories need to be recognized) within a historical fiction storyline. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is for those who also adore books about books with many literary references sprinkled throughout.
Told in a dual timeline of modern day, NYC (NY public library) and during WWI France. Based upon the life of American Librarian, Jessie Carson, who changed the literary landscape of WWI France by introducing children's libraries and book mobiles bringing literature and optimism to a worn torn rural France.
Sent from the New York Public Library and funded by American heiress, Anne Morgan (of JP Morgan), Jessie is hired to travel into war torn rural France to work as a librarian. Dedicated to helping to rebuild and connecting with the local children who have endured war occupation. She digs in and builds a community of relationships along the way.
In modern day timeline, Wendy is an employee of the NYPL working to preserve documents. She comes across a newsletter of about the CARDS and decides to deep dive into finding more about the women who served. Jessie's story is uncovered.
Don't leave off the author notes at the end!

I would have rated it extra stars if I could…..a truly magnificent story with meticulous research to give a fullness and depth to the narrative. However the dual narrative weakened the book. It would have been a stronger book if it just focused on the World War I account. And the book title left something to be desired. Why no reference to France? The title could have included Voila, Merci, or Viva to give it more flair and a hint of the storyline. But it was such a fascinating story that I have purchased two books mentioned in the text to follow up on Mary Breckenridge and Anne Morgan.
Merci, Ms. Charles!

thebooklovingardener
Book Review:
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
For those who remember escaping to the pages of the Paris Library during the early stages of the pandemic comes a highly anticipated second novel by Skeslien Charles.
Synopsis:
The year is 1918. Not happy in her job at the New York Library, Jessie Carson takes a leave and head to war-torn France to support the work of Anne Morgan, a millionaire who is dedicating her life to rebuilding the country in the last years of the Great War. As Jesse struggles to comprehend the devastation, she realizes that the best way she can help is through sharing her love of literature. She soon finds ways to soothe the children and provide solace to the villagers and soldiers in that region.
1987:
Wendy Paterson has a dream to become a published author. While she works days cataloging articles in the depths of the New York Public library, she spends her evenings attempting to write and meet the approval of her English professor. Nothing seems to be working until she comes across a short article on the life of Jessie Carson. It doesn't provide much to go on, but Wendy is intrigued and soon becomes obsessed with finding out more about the illusive Miss Carson.
Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this dual timeline historical fiction, which features a minor undertone of romance and coming of age story.
From beginning to end, I was captivated by the cast or colorful charachters and their ability to overcome the hardships of their current situation. With numerous references to book quotes and other literary works, it is very apparent that Charles loves literature and its ability to build connection with even those most broken.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you, @netgalley and @simonschusterca, for providing me a copy. Providing a whole hearted endorsement is my pleasure.
Read if you enjoy:
Historical fiction
A bright cast of vivacious females
Dual timelines
A sprinkling of romance
A coming of age trope
Warnings:
Language: Minor
Romance: one open door scene that is moderately descriptive
Trigger warning: war, loss, death
#bookreview #bookstagram #historicalfiction #comingofage #reader

I've read a lot of novels about both World Wars and I always love when a get a new take. The CARDS are something I've heard of, but didn't know much about. I really enjoyed Kit's story and learning about the part these women played in the wat. I also enjoyed the more modern tie in and learning about where these women ended up. This book did a good job of keeping things upbeat, while still remembering it was about war.

I love historical fiction, especially stories that focus on a lesser known/covered chapter in history. And I love libraries. 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍'𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐃𝐄 brought both together in a transformative and captivating way.

𝘔𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬:
Dual timeline structure between WWI and 1987.

Strong, courageous, gutsy women of the "CARDs" - women who served voluntarily to help the women and children of war torn France.

Many characters were real women or based on real women.

Lovingly and carefully researched.

Female friendships.

Highlighted how books connect us and create community even at the worst of times.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is the story of Kit Carson, a librarian in France during WWI, who works alongside other women to bring books to people who have lost all hope. It is an intriguing story and I am thankful for the chance to read it.

A story that touches upon themes of the horrors of war, trauma, resilience and survival, friendship, compassion and the healing power of books and reading Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is a remarkable work of historical fiction. Based on the true story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian known for her efforts to establish children’s libraries in war-torn France and training young French women librarians, the novel also sheds light on CARD, the American Committee for Devastated France, (Le Comité américain pour les régions dévastées), an initiative headed by wealthy American philanthropist Ann Morgan and the women who volunteered to travel to France to help rebuild devastated French communities near the war front in the aftermath of The Great War.

The narrative is shared through dual timelines set in 1918 France and 1987 New York City. The 1918 timeline is shared from the perspective of Jessie, as she travels to CARD Headquarters in the village of Blérancourt, France, where she joins fellow volunteers. Miss Morgan and CARD president Dr. Anne Murray Dike. Hoping to begin her work as a librarian immediately upon arrival and share her love for favorite books and reading with the children in the village providing them with moments of much needed respite, she is unprepared for the sounds of shelling coming from the front, the hazards of the Red Zone and the destruction in the wake of the retreating German forces. The narrative follows Jessie and her friends as they go above and beyond in their efforts to offer support to the communities who are struggling to rebuild their lives after experiencing unimaginable losses.

The 1987 timeline follows aspiring writer and NYPL employee Wendy Peterson, who finds several old CARD bulletins published in 1918 that describe the work of CARD volunteers in Northern France. When she comes across a brief reference about Jessie, she is inspired to find out as much as she can about the NYPL librarian and her work – not an easy task because of limited source material and the fact that there is not much mention of Jessie in existing records. Wendy’s quest inspires her to reevaluate her own life and priorities.

Compelling characters, a strong historical backdrop and vivid prose make for a rewarding reading experience. The author deftly weaves past and present timelines into an engaging narrative that flows well. I enjoyed the 1918 timeline more and though I enjoyed following Wendy’s research in 1987, I wish the narrative had followed Jessie a little longer in her timeline. However, I did like how the author brings everything together in the end.

I loved the author’s The Paris Library and was eagerly looking forward to reading her latest offering, and I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. Well-researched and informative, this is an exceptional work of historical fiction that I would not hesitate to recommend. I always enjoy historical fiction from which I can learn something new. I appreciate the author’s effort to highlight the contribution of this group of women in WWI. I loved Jessie’s story and was inspired to read more about her and the other real characters featured in this story. Do read the Author’s Note wherein she shares details of the people, places and events that inspired this work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to Atria Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book details the lives of the CARDS - American women, who during WWI, volunteered near the front in France to lend aid, medical help, and supplies to the local villages. Run the “the two Annes” - Anne Morgan, youngest daughter of millionaire J.P. Morgan, and Anne Murray Diker, M.D., they helped organize the relief aid, run out of Blerancourt. We follow the story of Jessie “Kit” Carson, who was recruited to establish a library. Most of the houses and farms have been decimated, so she first must gain the villagers’ trust before they will accept any kind of aid. Trying to bring a bit of normalcy back to the children, she stands her ground that the library is needed, even though the houses there need repair as well. Only 40 miles from the front, it is impossible to imagine what these women went through - and as if the war wasn’t bad enough, there was the Spanish Flu that ran rampant and took some of the villagers and volunteers. With the end of the war, many could have left to return home, but many of them - including Kit - stayed. She had the ingenious idea of repurposing ambulances into bookmobiles. Several novel ideas with that - bringing books to the masses that they could check out for 2 weeks, open shelves where you could peruse the books, and everyone was welcome at the actual library.

In the 1980’s, Wendy Peterson works at the NYPL and aspires to be a writer. None of her chapters of her story have hit the mark with her professor, and when she finds the story of the CARDS, she knows she must tell Kit’s story. It’s very satisfying how the author weaves the past with the present. Absolutely loved this book - I learned so much, which is why I love historical fiction. Be sure and read the author’s notes at the end - these were based on real women. Also, she talks about the “Red Zone” - over 460 square miles in France where to this day nothing lives, and it’s too dangerous to safely clear the area for habitation by anything. I had absolutely no idea about this or about the CARDS - very brave women! Out now, and I highly recommend! Thanks to NetGallley and Atria publishing for an ARC of this book; all opinions are my own.

Loved the story! The parts in the past were great to read. The parts from the 80's were not very good. I'm so glad I got to read about these wonderful women from WWI!

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was immediately intrigued. I aboslutely loved learning about Jessie Carson (nicknamed Kit) and her work as a CARD, bringing books to French citizens near the front lines in WWI, training librarians, and setting up libraries.. It was just so fascinating. I was drawn in initially by the present-day timeline with Wendy, but that didn't hold my interest quite as much--but that could be because Wendy was fictional whereas the CARDS were real people, and it's always a pleasure to learn more about the contributions of real historical figures. At the same time, I think there could easily have been an entire story about Kit and the CARDS, but I can't say the same for Wendy's storyline. I also think the sexual content could have been left out. All in all, I loved the historical storyline but for more conservative readers, this might not be the best pick. For those not bothered by content, this book as a lot to offer.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What a great story of adventurous women during WWI in France. Working 40 miles from the front, this group, American Committee for Devastated France (CARDS) helped French families rebuild their homes and lives. The group was founded by JP Morgan's daughter Anne Morgan and other international women. But it's the story of Jessie Carson, a New York City librarian who is "loaned" to this group for 2 years much like a library book. It's the real life comments of Jessie who is a single working woman and the society women who are now her work mates that make this book such a terrific historical fiction read. The love of books and life propel this story of courageous and wonderful women. Thank you to Janet Skeslien Charles not only for a well written book but for bringing forth the story of these women, they are not forgotten.

This book is a delight – A historical fiction book based on the true-story of CARD and World War One-librarian, Jessie Carson. It is filled with literary references and WW1 women’s historical facts. Historical fiction fans will love this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the gifted early copy of the book.

This is a book about books and libraries and a book within a book. All the hot now concepts were set during WWI in France.
I loved the idea and the message the author tried to deliver, I understood the point and think this is an important read. However, it was not my favorite in terms of storytelling. I felt that the characters were undeveloped and I had nothing out of the "present" timeline in NYC. The parts set in France were mostly 5 stars for me and the parts in NYC were boring and just so cringe, that I took nothing out of them.

This had some dark themes and descriptions of war that made my heart ache, but overall I would say this is a great book to read in the summer by the pool. It will make you believe in good and the power of books.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles was based on the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson and her work for CARD (American Committee for Devastated France). She starts children's libraries and trains female librarians during WWI. This book is for fans of books and libraries, dual timelines, and strong women. Highly recommended!

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced digital copy of the book.

Enjoyable enough, but predictable and formulaic women’s historical fiction.

This is fine from an entertainment and readability standpoint, but don’t expect anything on par with Janet Skeslien Charles’ previous work.

I really loved Moonlight in Odessa, which was a truly unique read, beautifully written, and intriguing from start to finish. The Paris Library felt more formulaic and genre-typical, but it was still an unusually well-written and compelling story in a genre that tends to be pretty repetitive.

This one is less well-executed, and though Jessie “Kit” Carson has an interesting tale to tell, this isn’t a great rendition of it. The modern timeline feels like it’s only there for form’s sake, and it doesn’t add anything to a story that already feels very similar to a lot of other WWI romance-adjacent women’s historical fiction.

I respect that it’s a tough genre to do anything truly new with (especially if you’re focusing on WWI or WWII) because it’s so saturated, but maybe that’s a sign that the genre and its authors need to move a bit more outside their comfort zone.

Skeslien Charles is far too good a writer and too inventive with her character work to fall victim to this, so I’m going to assume this was a one off and that her next book will be as wonderful as her first two. But if you’re looking for something that doesn’t feel like you’ve read it in some form dozens of times already, skip this one and read Moonlight in Odessa instead.

I love historical fiction because I always learn something new while enjoying my favorite hobby. Not only did I not know about these women keeping libraries and reading alive during the rebuilding of France after WWI, neither did the author until she was researching to write “The Paris Library” (a 5-star read for me). I’m glad their story is getting out, even if it is fictionalized. I loved the characters and storyline but overall, the book fell flat for me. I think there needed to be more depth to it. I still recommend it, it’s just not as good as her other book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the complimentary copy of this book. As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

What a beautifully written and uplifting story about the amazing and almost-lost-to-history heroine, Jessie Carson. While weaving stories of two places and timelines - World War I France and 1987 New York City, author Janet Skeslien Charles has written an informative and captivating story about this defender of everyone's right for access to the written word.

This was a beautiful tale of the staff, volunteers and patrons of the American Committee for Devastated France during World War I, headed up by Anne Morgan, J.P.'s daughter. Juxtaposed against that is the later tale of a young New York writer looking for material to write a captivating story for her writing class. Her friend stumbles across some clippings about a former New York Public Library, Jessie Carson, who receives a commission to serve French villages devastated by the German occupation earlier on in the Great War. Specifically, Ms. Carson plans on introducing children's libraries to alleviate the angst of young children and offer them worlds into which they can disappear and cope when reality is more horrifying than one should have to bear.

This is also a story of love, hope, and anticipation. There are several relationships woven throughout the story: parents and their children, siblings, young couples, friends, and colleagues. Ms. Charles' writing is highly descriptive and exquisitely delivered. The mise en scène is spot on. One hears the roar of Big Bertha at the not so distant battlefield, smells the acrid odor of spent munitions and tastes the unsatisfying cup of coffee with its added chicory. Ms. Charles' extensive historical research was obvious in the story's delivery. This is a lovely book for fans of historical fiction and the written word.

I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher:‎ Atria Books
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
No. of pages:‎ 336
ISBN:‎ 978-1668008980