This work of historical fiction, based on a true story, highlights courage, the importance of keeping intellectual curiosity alive, and the meaning and value of friendship. When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. Did this surprise you? 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. Hardcover. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Were you shocked by what happened to Margaret? So does defining family. Even though this was clearly historical fiction based on real events, were you surprised to learn in the afterward that many of the characters were based on real people? Related Topics . When Paris is liberated, Paul and another police officer encounter Margaret on the street. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Finding refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, she begins forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. This 1954 classic by a precocious 18-year-old takes us to the sun-drenched Riviera, where lazy and selfish 17-year-old Ccile is holidaying with her widowed father and his latest girlfriend. Atria Books. Copyright 2023 Barbara Delinsky. Looming war with Germany? Do you think that Odile knew that there would be consequences to telling Paul or not? For those of you who arent aware, Im an avid reader of historical fiction, and as such, Ive read plenty of WWII historical novels, particularly those set in Occupied Paris. Malaysian fantasy writer Zen Cho lands multiple awards by breaking frontiers, Poojitha Menons first solo sculptural exhibition Talking Heads chronicles her journey into clay, Sneakertopia at Singapores ArtScience Museum shows how street art drives interest in sneakers, Malachi Edwin Vethamani keeps poetry alive by giving voice to things others may not care about, HSBC Malaysias mosaic lions find new home at Tun Razak Exchange KL. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting work of historical fiction. The Paris Library book review | eat. live. travel. write. View my Affiliate Disclosure page here. The Paris Library is yet another one. For Lilys high school graduation, Odile gives her a plane ticket to Paris. But the author has a clear affection for both Paris and the American Library, where she worked as a programs manager in 2010, and she integrates the stories of many of the real-life employees and patrons of the library into the story with finesse, earning the novel its own place in the pantheon of World War II fiction. The Paris Library: A Novel - amazon.com Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. Janet Skeslien Charles's latest novel, The Paris Library, introduces us to Frenchwoman Odile Souchet. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. And the sound of masticating between sentences? Three woman who join together to rent a large space along the beach in Los Angeles for their storesa gift shop, a bakery, and a bookstorebecome fast friends as they each experience the highs, and lows, of love. Why do you think this was? Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). influencers in the know since 1933. Janet Skeslien Charles is the award-winning author of Moonlight in Odessa and The Paris Library. More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. I hope that these elements will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of The Paris Library. Each day, they light a stinky cheroot and debate. Nazi book inspector Dr. Fuchs, initially feared, turns out to be sympathetic to the Library. Tough and independent, Sallie refuses to let womanhood limit her ambitions as she earns the nickname Queen of the Kincaid Rumrunners. As Odiles family, home, and eventually coworkers are all affected by the Nazi occupation of France, she fights the war with the best weapons she hasbooks. The two form a bond, which deepens when Lilys mother dies. Welcome back. Janet Skeslien Charles Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Having learned the French language from Odile, Lily has become a Francophile and decides that she will head to the American Library upon her arrival. Margaret blames her for divulging the secret and never wants to see her again. 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. FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. How Odile ends up in the US unfolds over the course of the book. The Paris Library. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. A little more drama would have made the Nazi horrorsand Odiles dilemmas--more vivid. Shortly after his fourth marriage, the Duke dies unexpectedly. Did you know those things happened after WWII? Most often, they add. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. All opinions are 100% mine and every book, unless otherwise noted, is handpicked by me to be featured on the site. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. She recovers from her fit of jealousy with Bitsi and repairs that relationship. Bree is a friendly but standoffish bookstore owner who keeps everyone she knows at arms length, from guys she meets in bars to her friends. A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we arefamily, friends, and favorite authorsThe Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places. Drama. Still, the WWII parts were interesting and well written. Reader Q&A, 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. Following Odile in her new job at the American Library in Paris, the novel offers a unique and refreshing take on the events of WWII, as seen through the lens of the library, its staff and subscribers. Hugo's friend. She feels a frisson of pride at violating Nazi edicts, as she packs books to send to British and Jewish colleagues who are banned from the library building. Hugo's close lady friend. Her friendship with Lily does open the door to her past and causes her to reflect and maybe see past events in a different light. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didn't expect. Well-researched, stirring, and rich with detail, THE PARIS LIBRARY is an ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both. And his French frienda walrus with a bushy mustache. While Odile develops a close friendship with Margaret, she also is envious of her lifestyle. (See my struggle to find a recipe for The Nightingale here). RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. Book Summary. The Paris Library Book Club Questions and Food Ideas An impromptu celebration on the beach at sunset with champagne becomes a weekly touchpoint to their lives as they learn more about each other and themselves. Investigators find her empty car on the edge of a deep, gloomy pond, the only clues some tire tracks nearby and a fur coat left in the carstrange for a frigid night. You can read order the book on Amazon here. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Jeannette Walls I think as the war ended, seeing all that Margaret had, food, money, clothing, He just snapped. When Odile goes to his office to appeal for help finding Professor Cohen, she sees these crow letters, named for the black-hearted people who inform on their neighbors. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles Publication Date: March 1, 2022 Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Atria Books ISBN-10: 1982134208 ISBN-13: 9781982134204 Your email address will not be published. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Janet Skeslien Charles is an award-winning author with over a decade's worth of roaming the streets of Paris and researching in its libraries. While her brother Rmy supports her, Odile's Papa is convinced that she needs to focus on marriage. The Paris Library is a historical fiction novel based on the true WWII story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles | Goodreads Catching her the second time, Odiles father explains that he could be executed for failing to investigate tips and tells Odile not to return. Yup another historical fiction novel that I could not put down. Why was it important for the librarians to continue to spread the love of reading during the war? The Paris Library Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library is an unforgettable. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Based upon her own experiences working at the American Library in Paris and growing up in rural Montana, Charles tells the story of "The Paris Library" with two distinct threads. Hard Times. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. The Paris Library: A Novel. For The Paris Library, I provide your book club with a brief summary, food ideas, and discussion questions in that order!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'bookclubbites_com-box-3','ezslot_6',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bookclubbites_com-box-3-0'); If you are a fan of WWII fiction, then you know that in the last few years there has been a boom of great historical novels from the time period that feature unique aspects of the war. Bhd. GENERAL FICTION, by I do recommend The Paris Library, but the print version, please. Author Mallery has created a delightful story of friendship between three women that also offers a variety of love stories as they fall in love, make mistakes, and figure out how to be the bestalbeit still flawedversions of themselves. Her story is juxtaposed with that of a teenager named Lily who, in 1983, lives in a small rural town in Montana. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. Hard Times. Odile, who recently eloped with Paul at his urgent request, has no idea what happened and worries when Margaret doesnt attend a party for her and Paul at the Library. What did you like more and what did you like less about this novel. She loves everything about books and libraries. But erasing people comes with a price, and along with a mysterious, handsome forger named Rmy, Eva decides she must find a way to preserve the real names of the children who are too young to remember who they really are.