My verdict with The Paris Libraryits a decent story but I thought it was lacking in some areas. Professor Cohen, Margaret, Ms. Reeder, etc? Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris. American Library in Paris director Dorothy Reeder in her office in 1937. I can see where the groundwork was laid for it but I still thought it was an odd story choice. Book Club Questions for American Pop by Snowden Wright, Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. 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. Options is the award-winning lifestyle pullout of The Edge Malaysia, the countrys premier business and investment weekly publication. More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. The accompanying article discusses the looting of libraries by the Nazis across Europe during World War IIan experience Eva remembers welland the search to reunite people with the texts taken from them so long ago. What makes this book interesting plot-wise is that the storyline alternates between the early 1940s Paris and small-town 1980s Froid, Montana. I found the Montana parts just unnecessary! Janet Skeslien Charles. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. 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. Odile begins a romance with Paul and thinks she has it all. 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. The Paris Library is a dual-timeline story of family, friendship, resistance, romance, betrayal, heroism, bravery, and books. Her newest novel,I Meant to Tell You, was published in November 2022 by Stephen F. Austin State University Press. 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. 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. One follows Odile Souchet, a new librarian . 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. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. 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. WWII. While Odile develops a close friendship with Margaret, she also is envious of her lifestyle. So here is another instance in which the narrators of an audiobook can affect the readers experience. Janet Skeslien Charles is the award-winning author of Moonlight in Odessa and The Paris Library. Site by AuthorBytes. Defining what is moral becomes complicated for Sallie. 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. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. First Edition. Book club questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles examines both timelines in this historical fiction story. 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. 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. 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? Very distracting. The interview with Miss Reeder, the Directress, begins well, but Odile falters when asked her reasons for wanting to work at the Library. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Instead, Odile consents to an interview for Lilys project about France. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He knew why those apartments were empty. Even beyond the wartime drama, her ALP communitymany of them true historical figuresare a wonderfully colorful lot. When war breaks out, the Nazis are soon in Paris. She's memorized the Dewey Decimal system. It was intriguing to read about a different type of heroismkeeping the love of reading alive among the hardships of war. GENERAL FICTION, by I completely agree! His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. After roaming the streets of Paris, Odile gravitates to the American Hospital, where she once volunteered and does so again. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Although Lily doesnt know it, Odile is about to kill herself when Lily knocks on her door the first time. I think the Montana one could have been fleshed out a bit better. Charles once worked at the American Library in Paris as a programs manager and now divides her time between Paris and Montana. There is a comforting element to the expectedness of the plot and odd familiarity of the characters, which is common with historical books. Loyalty and betrayal? Im always curious about what makes the New York Times bestsellers list. Yup another historical fiction novel that I could not put down. Odiles father, a police captain, must investigate the thousands of tips from informants. But then the Nazis invade Paris and everything changes. 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. 823. Do you think it was harder for Odile to forgive herself than it was for Margaret to forgive her? As the war proceeds and the Nazis take over the city, she fears for her twin brother, who has been captured by the Germans, places herself in danger by transporting books to Jewish patrons who are forbidden to visit the library, and begins to question some of her boyfriend's actions. Over the next five years, through the harsh Nazi Occupation of France, the ALPwhich is an actual institution, founded in 1920-- also becomes the main source of Odiles small joys. While the story comes down clearly on the side of all-encompassing love, Mallery has struck a careful balance: There is just enough sex to be spicy, just enough swearing to be naughty, and just enough heartbreak to avoid being cloying. Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. 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. Hugo's friend. I really enjoyed The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and highly recommend you all read it! Inevitably, Odiles story is more engrossing. 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. Discuss the dual timeline. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. Acting in anger, Paul beats Margaret and cuts off her hair, branding her as a harlot. 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. In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. Movie star in the 40's. Bouquiniste - booksellers along the Seine River in Paris. HISTORICAL FICTION | While additional detail would have made the horrors wreaked by the Nazis and Odiles dilemmas during this time more vivid, this is a novel after all, and more than earns its place in the pantheon of WWII fiction. Paris. There she meets an American soldier, agrees to marry him, and leaves Paris without ever seeing her family and friends again. She lands her dream job assisting patrons of the American Library, which serves both foreigners and Parisians, and falls in love with one of the police officers her father brings home for dinner. RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. Additionally, Odile motivates Lily to stand up for herself and insist on achieving her goal to attend college. My sister, who is an avid reader, read the print version at the same time that I listened to the audiobook, and she loved it. The men are similarly flawed and human. Check out my book club questions here. And, because Odile isnt Jewish and has some connected friends, she sometimes partakes in black market dishes even during the war. British literature. Is there anything new here? Fallouts are heart-rending, and are written into the story with tenderness and affection. Welcome back. On September 3, 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War. In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. Reeling from the loss of her mother and her father's remarriage, Lily finds herself adrift: overlooked at school, out of place at home. What do you make of her complicated friendship with Margaret? RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2022. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Categories: Why do you think Odile continued to wear the red belt 40 years later? So how does Odile end up in the tiny town of Froid, Montana, some four decades later, a widow and near-recluse? Copyright 2023 Barbara Delinsky. What did you think of this decision by Odile to leave everything behind? While her brother Rmy supports her, Odile's Papa is convinced that she needs to focus on marriage. A thoroughly enjoyable read, kind-hearted and brimming with delightful bookish allusions., Matthew Sullivan, author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, "Having lived in an apartment just above the current location of the American Library in Paris, I've always felt connected to the institution and wondered about its story, so I'm grateful to Janet Skeslien Charles for penning such a vivid, enjoyable, based-on-a-true-story tale. This post contains links to products that I may receive compensation from at no additional cost to you. Lets talk about the friendship between Odile and Lilywhat did they both learn from each other? Once Lily graduates from high school, Odile gives her a generous gift inspired by her own past. Book Reading, Writing, and Literature . Both Odiles father and Paul are working under the Nazis direction. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. Unsurprisingly, Odiles life is much more interesting than Lilys. Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. She divides her time between Montana and Paris. Margaret is eventually attacked by Paul and when Odile learns the truthshe leaves behind Paris forever to marry an American. Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didn't expect. Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, Q&A with Kaira Rouda, Author of The Next Wife. [Paul is interesting. Her debut novel. 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. "The Paris Library" marks Janet Skeslien Charles's second novel of her writing career. by A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we arefamily, friends, and favorite authorsThe Paris Libraryshows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places. This guide provides access to digital materials at the Library of Congress, links to external websites, and a print bibliography. Ask the Author. Using her own life experiences, Odile guides Lily to accept her overprotective father and her stepmother, who is struggling with two baby boys. Television buffs will smile at the Kincaids resemblance to the Roys of Succession. Perhaps because of that, I avoid books about this time, though there have certainly been a plethora of them in recent years. ", 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.". ISBN-13: 9781250307187 Summary One day in the City of Light. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didnt expect. After all, she loves to read, speaks fluent English, and has memorized the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books. The girls sounded bratty, the prose almost juvenile. 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. Book Club Questions for Undaunted by Kara Goldin, Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. One day in the City of Light. What is real, and what is mystery? 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. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. Surprisingly, its not little Froid, Montana, that ends up being a letdown, but rather the Nazi Occupation and the ALPs Resistance work. I literally shook my head at it. A little more drama would have made the Nazi horrorsand Odiles dilemmas--more vivid. 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.
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