How would this have changed your reading? Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. How Odile ends up in the US unfolds over the course of the book. While her brother Rmy supports her, Odile's Papa is convinced that she needs to focus on marriage. Then, what seems like a small conflict elsewhere, suddenly escalates into war. Nazi book inspector Dr. Fuchs, initially feared, turns out to be sympathetic to the Library. You can order the book on Amazon here. I mentioned this in my review but I thought the story was fine overall. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?, A post shared by Atria Books (@atriabooks). With his help, Margaret procures food and other items, which she shares with Odile. One follows Odile Souchet, a new librarian . Director, American Library. Oftentimes, its not surprisingfor instance, Kristin Hannahs The Four Winds is currently number one. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? Why do you think this was? Welcome back. Jeannette Walls. Check out my book club questions here. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didn't expect. I love to read and review various genres with a focus on contemporary fiction, historical fiction with some mysteries/thrillers and also select nonfiction and memoirs. [Paul is interesting. Despite the fact that Nazis often destroyed art and literature, they seemed to recognize that learning and reading were still important enough to keep the library open. Meanwhile, in 1980s Montana, Lily is a lonely teenager desperate to escape the small town she lives in, as she balances mourning for her late mother, her relationship with her fathers new wife and her misunderstood passion for the written word. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Jeannette Walls Atria Books. Trouble signing in? It is charming and moving, with a perfect balance between history and fiction., Tatiana de Rosnay, New York Times bestselling author of Sarah's Key, A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. Meticulously researched,The Paris Libraryis an irresistible, compelling read., Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Chelsea Girls, The Paris Libraryis a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. All Rights Reserved. Curious about Odiles past, Lily looks through Odiles personal effects and, on finding a crow letter (which Odile stole), wrongly accuses her of being an informant. I literally shook my head at it. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. When Odile visits Margaret, shes horrified. Retrieve credentials. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The book also made it clear in the beginning, his disgust with women who snuggled up to Nazis. While that might not be historically accurate, this is a novel, after all. Charles once worked at the American Library in Paris as a programs manager and now divides her time between Paris and Montana. by In a moment of anger, Odile reveals Margarets secret to Paul but immediately regrets doing so. This role is especially crucial in the difficult conditions of occupied Paris, where food is increasingly scarce, and the arrest of Jewish citizens and enemy aliens is a constant threat. But then the Nazis invade Paris and everything changes. The author demonstrates that a woman can be strong and independent while in a loving relationship. She's memorized the Dewey Decimal system. Janet Skeslien Charles's latest novel, The Paris Library, introduces us to Frenchwoman Odile Souchet. Charles herself actually lived in Paris for over a decade and even worked at The American Library in Paris, which is certainly evident when you follow her detailed descriptions of this building and the different kinds of people who occupied it. Hardcover. The two form a bond, which deepens when Lilys mother dies. Surprisingly, its not little Froid, Montana, that ends up being a letdown, but rather the Nazi Occupation and the ALPs Resistance work. Odile Souchet is obsessed with books, and her new job at the American Library in Paris with its thriving community of students, writers and book lovers is a dream come true. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. But I also saw The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles made it on there as well. In Occupied Paris, choices as black and white as the words on a page become a murky shade of grey choices that will put many on the wrong side of history, and the consequences of which will echo for decades to come. Staunch prohibitionist Mary goes to war against the bootleggers using an enforcer who employs extreme violence. Her World War I veteran husband and her daughter have no knowledge of her whereabouts, and England unleashes an unprecedented manhunt to find the up-and-coming mystery author. World War II Paris during the German occupation forms the setting for an intelligent and sensuously rich novel of a young woman's coming-of-age. One day in the City of Light. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbors mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them. Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. Its a city I truly love and reading this was a balm for my travel-deprived senses, reliving the City of Lights, even if it was in the pre-war years of the 1940s. A story of love, friendship, and betrayal, The Paris Library describes Odiles developing love for Paul, a police officer of low rank. She learned about the history of the American Library in Paris while working there as the programs manager. But the rest is certainly worthy. Fans of Lester's own French novels will be delighted with this wartime story. Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris (ALP), this book tells an unforgettable tale of romance, friendship and family in the most unusual of situations. In 1939, idealistic, courageous, and ambitious Odile Souchet works at the American Library in Paris when the Nazis arrive. On September 3, 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War. The novela New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselleris one of five finalists for the 2021 American Library in Paris Book Award. Located just two blocks from the Eiffel Tower, the private American Library in Paris has welcomed bibliophiles since 1920. (An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? Paris. My verdict with The Paris Libraryits a decent story but I thought it was lacking in some areas. There is a love story, a mystery, the pattern of history repeating. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. Based on the true Second World War story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris who risked their lives during the Nazis war on words, The Paris Library by award-winning novelist Janet Skeslien Charles is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and of heroism found in the quietest of places. Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris (ALP), this book tells an unforgettable tale of romance, friendship and family in the most unusual of situations. What are some similar books youve read? Did it feel like you were reading a YA novel and a historical novel? The author has actually worked there in recent years and learned first-hand about the efforts of librarians and volunteers not only to keep it open during the German occupation of Paris, but to smuggle books to Jews and to allied forces on the front. The authors affection for both Paris and the ALP, where she worked as a programme manager in 2010, comes through beautifully as she integrates the stories of many of the real-life employees and patrons of the library into the story with finesse. HISTORICAL FICTION | Almost 40 years later, Lily befriends Odile, who lives alone and is isolated. I hope that you will download the book club reading guide. The girls sounded bratty, the prose almost juvenile. After roaming the streets of Paris, Odile gravitates to the American Hospital, where she once volunteered and does so again. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet seems to have the perfect life with her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. I can see where the groundwork was laid for it but I still thought it was an odd story choice. Bhd. View my Affiliate Disclosure page here. Catching her the second time, Odiles father explains that he could be executed for failing to investigate tips and tells Odile not to return. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. I think he snapped more out of guilt than anything else. While the novel is filled with gorgeous settings and a delightful cast of characters some of whom actually existed in real life what I loved the most about The Paris Library is the way it celebrates the power of books, libraries and storytelling. As different as Odile and Lily are, the two are drawn to each other by their similarities outside of a love for books and reading, their heads are full of dreams and they possess a quick wit and instinctive understanding of their surroundings, but they also tend to jeopardise friendships because of their inability to hold their tongues. What did you think? In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. Charles emphasizes the significance of this resistance by highlighting the role that books play in transporting people from their own situations and engaging their empathy and minds. PARIS, 1939 Odile Souchet is obsessed with books, and her new job at the American Library in Paris - with its thriving community of students, writers and book lovers - is a dream come true. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. A charming, ruthless autocrat, feared yet beloved, he has three acknowledged children by three different wives (not to mention unacknowledged offspring). Why do you think Odile continued to wear the red belt 40 years later? He felt guilty about what he'd done and took it out on Margaret. A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries. His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library.
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