Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. 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. Acting in anger, Paul beats Margaret and cuts off her hair, branding her as a harlot. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. Staunch prohibitionist Mary goes to war against the bootleggers using an enforcer who employs extreme violence. Reeling from the loss of her mother and her father's remarriage, Lily finds herself adrift: overlooked at school, out of place at home. Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! Duke Kincaid owns most of Claiborne County, both financially and politically. Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). I do think there are stronger WWII historical fiction out there. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Based on the true World War II story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris, The Paris Library is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together. But the rest is certainly worthy. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. When Charles worked there in 2010, she was captivated by the story of. The Paris Library: A Novel - amazon.com Book club questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles examines both timelines in this historical fiction story. New Paris Library: Visionary or Outdated? - The New York Times Hope you enjoyed book club questions for The Paris Library! It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. Welcome back. My novel, The Paris Library, tells the true tale of the international team of librarians who defied the Nazis in order to hand-deliver books to Jewish readers. Later, Odile returns to her fathers office twice to steal some of these letters and spare a few people. While a fundamentally decent person, Odile displays the human weaknesses of jealousy and anger. An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. When Lily's mother becomes ill, Lily grows close to her previously frosty next-door neighbor Odile, who moved to Montana as a bride immediately after the war ended. I really enjoyed The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and highly recommend you all read it! Ive always been a huge fan of historical stories told from alternate lenses in this case, that of a young girl wandering the streets of Paris and working in a library. Janet Skeslien Charles The Paris Library | Shelf Awareness Fallouts are heart-rending, and are written into the story with tenderness and affection. Janet Skeslien Charles talks about her novel "The Paris Library" with Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. The records they keep inThe Book of Lost Nameswill become even more vital when the resistance cell they work for is betrayed and Rmy disappears. Her father refuses to help the Professor. All Rights Reserved. Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. Ask the Author. The Paris Library is another novel about WWII France from a unique perspective. Hard Times. In many ways, this story really is a love letter to bookworms. Chapter 1 Summary: "OdileParis, February 1939" Entranced by the Dewey Decimal System, Odile Souchet is both excited and nervous for her interview at the American Library in Paris. I get what the author was trying to convey but I didnt think it was executed in the best way. I know historical fiction genre loves the dual timeline style but it really isn't always necessary. RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes. Nonfiction books describing Late Stage/End Stage capitalism. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Increasingly angry at his subordinate role to the Nazis and his humiliating tasks, Paul has outbursts of anger directed mainly at French women consorting with German soldiers. And Ashley is a young, very-much-in-love bakery owner specializing in muffins who devotes herself to giving back to the community through a nonprofit that helps community members develop skills and find jobs. Apartment building concierge. She even loves the way books smell. She's memorized the Dewey Decimal system. Surely you know where this is going, by this point? When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. And, of course, there was All the Light We Cannot See as well. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. What do you make of her complicated friendship with Margaret? I can see where the groundwork was laid for it but I still thought it was an odd story choice. Did you ever have someone outside of your family who helped guide you through a difficult time and learn to appreciate your family, despite their flaws? This guide provides access to digital materials at the Library of Congress, links to external websites, and a print bibliography. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Now housed in Berlins Zentral- und Landesbibliothek library, it appears to contain some sort of code, but researchers dont know where it came fromor what the code means. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. Hugo's close lady friend. The WWII parts are very strong and I was engaged with learning more about the American Library in Parissomething I didnt know anything about going into this story. Movie star in the 40's. Bouquiniste - booksellers along the Seine River in Paris. The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. 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. 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. But then the Nazis invade Paris and everything changes. Hardcover. Mikki is a settled-in-her-routines divorced mother of two, happily a mom, gift-shop owner, and co-parent with her ex-husband, Perry. It includes a letter from me, discussion questions, ideas for enhancing your book club, an author Q&A, delicious French recipes, and some of my favorite French songs. What is real, and what is mystery? In THE PARIS LIBRARY, the beloved library, its staff, and its subscribers come to life and remind us of both the horrors of World War II and the vital role books play in keeping us afloat in difficult times. FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | In February of 1939, Odile interviews for her dream job at the American Library. Although Lily doesnt know it, Odile is about to kill herself when Lily knocks on her door the first time. When the women meet drooling over a boardwalk storefront that none of them can afford on her own, a plan is hatched to divide the space in three, and a friendshipand business partnershipis born. Its an interesting tactic to connect the past with more of the present. One character is a link in both, a French woman who emigrates at the wars end and spends the rest of her life in Montana. In any event, there is plenty to discuss about The Paris Library and who doesnt love a WWII novel? In some ways, the story is your standard historical fiction story with the dual timelines (takes place both during the WWII era and also in the 80s in Montana). Oftentimes, its not surprisingfor instance, Kristin Hannahs The Four Winds is currently number one. Lilys crush on a boy in her junior high school cant compete with the Gestapo arresting one of Odiles best friends. Among those who do is Rmy, whoto his familys horrorjoins the French army. She loves to read, has memorised the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books, and has developed a clever way of coping with strong emotions, which is to immediately relate her feelings to a book and its number. Try not to hold that against them; you never know whats in their heart. Lily often thinks about this quote. by Her debut novel. ", Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names, "Intelligent and sensuously rich.A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries.". History buffs will enjoy the many hints Walls sprinkles to show that Tudor England is her novels template (the Dukes marriage to his brothers widow; his banished daughter, Mary, and short-lived heir, Edward; the Kincaids counselor Cecil, etc.). I was not familiar with this one prior to seeing it on the list and since Im a huge fan of historical fiction, I decided to check it out. 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 voices just werent right. She divides her time between Montana and Paris. A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries. As Odile describes some of them to a dying American soldier whom shes tending: Theres an Englishmanimagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. Both are too quick to blurt out criticisms, jeopardizing their closest friendships out of hurt and jealousy. I know the war changes people, but wasn't this a bit extreme? The Paris Library [Book Review] - Reading Ladies What other books about libraries have you read and loved? Instead, Odile consents to an interview for Lilys project about France. Its a community of the intellectually curious as well as English speakers looking for a home in Paris. A story of courage, defiance and betrayal in Occupied Paris, perfect for fans ofAll the Light We Cannot See, The Book Thief andThe Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society. The Paris setting was vividly imagined and beautifully wrought, especially the library, which is depicted as a warm, happy, safe and enlightened place. 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. The Paris Library | Bookreporter.com Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. 'The Paris Library': On books and those who defended them Despite Odiles and Lilys many differences, their stories reveal unexpected similarities between the chic Parisienne bookworm and the conventional, small-town teenager. More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. I'm wondering about what happened to the The Paris Q&A Let me know what you thought about it! It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. 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. His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. ISBN-13: 9781250307187 Summary One day in the City of Light. Did this surprise you? Still, though, I did enjoy learning about the real-life American Library in Paris and the push to keep reading alive during the horrors of war. In a moment of anger, Odile reveals Margarets secret to Paul but immediately regrets doing so. Janet Skeslien Charles is the award-winning author of Moonlight in Odessa and The Paris Library. Susan Mallery It is 1939, and Odile Souchet has just returned to Paris after completing library school. Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris. Odiles father, a police captain, must investigate the thousands of tips from informants. "The Paris Library" marks Janet Skeslien Charles's second novel of her writing career. Still, the WWII parts were interesting and well written. The Paris Librarian Character List - BookCompanion The Paris Library Summary & Study Guide - www.BookRags.com While her brother Rmy supports her, Odile's Papa is convinced that she needs to focus on marriage. The main character, Odile, narrates the time in Paris, while a secondary narratora young girl named Lily, who is coming of age in a small Montana town in the 1980sallows the author to revisit Odile later in life and emphasize the timelessness of friendship. A charming, ruthless autocrat, feared yet beloved, he has three acknowledged children by three different wives (not to mention unacknowledged offspring). Jeannette Walls How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? The historical fiction genre loves dual timelines! Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books one morning when her eyes lock on a photograph in a magazine lying open nearby. It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. Once Lily graduates from high school, Odile gives her a generous gift inspired by her own past. One follows Odile Souchet, a new librarian . Odile often reminisces about food from France or makes dishes for Lily. LITERARY FICTION | A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of genius. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Through her, we see how the war affected citizens of Paris and those who stayed through the Nazi occupation of France.The Paris Library, (Also, can we just stop and appreciate how beautiful the cover of this book is?). All rights reserved. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Did it feel like you were reading a YA novel and a historical novel? Honestly, at times I wondered if Id stumbled onto a YA novel. GENERAL FICTION, by However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. [Paul is interesting. (An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? 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. What did you think of this decision by Odile to leave everything behind? Atria Books. Soon thereafter, Lilys father remarries. Still, Odile harbors jealousy toward Margaret for her wealthand resents her criticisms of the French army. I think this story could have been first rate if we had just had ONE chronological timeline instead of the two. 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. Have you read The Paris Library? Based on the true Second World War story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris who risked their lives during the Nazi's 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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast . In 1939, idealistic, courageous, and ambitious Odile Souchet works at the American Library in Paris when the Nazis arrive. Bottom line? Did it satisfy you or were you left wishing for more? The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didn't expect. The Paris Library. But when did you start to suspect a darker side to Paul? The book in the photograph, an eighteenth-century religious text thought to have been taken from France in the waning days of the war, is one of the most fascinating cases. Book Reading, Writing, and Literature . The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles | Goodreads Janet Skeslien Charles was inspired to write her novel after working at the American Library in Paris and learning about the bravery of the librarians who w. Book Review: Reading is a rebellious act in Janet Skeslien Charles's THE PARIS LIBRARY | Kirkus Reviews Book Clubs Janet Skeslien Charles Fans of Lester's own French novels will be delighted with this wartime story. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. 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. Courtesy of Janet Skeslien Charles The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting work of historical fiction. 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. Rogers fiance. 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. Given her love of books and enchantment with the Dewey Decimal System, Odile seeks and secures a job at the American Library in Paris in the months before World War II. Thats not to say that schoolgirl crushes and adjusting to the woman her father marries after her mother dies arent valid storylines, but can they really hold a candle to the Gestapo arresting one of Odiles best friends? If you are looking for food ideas for The Paris Library, Im sure your book club will be happy to try any of the foods on this list!The Paris Library Book Club Questions and Food Ideas. 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. Is there anything new here? View my Affiliate Disclosure page here. Charles once worked at the American Library in Paris as a programs manager and now divides her time between Paris and Montana. The Paris Library Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis It seemed out of character to do what he did to Margaret. But I also saw The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles made it on there as well. 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. Did you know those things happened after WWII? The Paris Library was unlike any of these. 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. Your email address will not be published. Many historical fiction stories adopt the dual timeline formatwhy do you think thats a popular choice for the genre? Listening to Odiles stories, Lily fantasizes about Jews hidden in the library building. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters.
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