Both are too quick to blurt out criticisms, jeopardizing their closest friendships out of hurt and jealousy. In a Disney-ian twist, things work out in the end, but not before they change the course of the plot and the readers affinity for the characters. The Paris Library is another novel about WWII France from a unique perspective. Susan Mallery. There she meets an American soldier, agrees to marry him, and leaves Paris without ever seeing her family and friends again. Looming war with Germany? 841. Her conservative parents, especially her father, would rather Odile married than worked. Lily has to deal not only with loss but with learning how she fits into a new family. And when Margaret begins a relationship with a Nazi solider, shes horrified. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. There are many wonderful things about this book, not the least being the settings, which are as well painted and written as the rest. Books, libraries, Paris whats not to love? The story is told via two parallel narratives. Book Club Questions for Undaunted by Kara Goldin, Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Margaret is arrested as an enemy alien, but a sympathetic German releases herand then becomes her lover. What other books about libraries have you read and loved? When she decides to write a report on France, she visits the only French person she knowsher lonely neighbor, Odile. View my Affiliate Disclosure page here. ISBN-13: 9781250307187 Summary One day in the City of Light. 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. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Ask the Author. An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? The interview with Miss Reeder, the Directress, begins well, but Odile falters when asked her reasons for wanting to work at the Library. Yup another historical fiction novel that I could not put down. Janet Skeslien Charles has penned an unforgettable novel that spans 60 years and several generations in the midst of historic turning points as dramatic as those we are living through now. Again, I thought it was fine overall but I kept wanting to go back to the WWII storyline. I hope that you will download the book club reading guide. Honestly, at times I wondered if Id stumbled onto a YA novel. First Edition. 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. In 1983, Lily is an awkward teenager trying to find her place in small-town Montana. RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2022. However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. Among those who do is Rmy, whoto his familys horrorjoins the French army. Tough and independent, Sallie refuses to let womanhood limit her ambitions as she earns the nickname Queen of the Kincaid Rumrunners. 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. When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. Duke Kincaid owns most of Claiborne County, both financially and politically. 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. Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, Q&A with Kaira Rouda, Author of The Next Wife. LITERARY FICTION | The historical fiction genre loves dual timelines! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Review: The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton, Q&A with Peng Shepherd, Author of The Cartographers, Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Book Club Questions for The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin, Review: You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, 10 Book Club Books to Read in Summer 2023, Book Club Questions for Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Review: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Book Club Questions for The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes, Book Club Questions for Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, (Updated April 2023) Reeses Book Club Picks: Entire List, Book Club Questions for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Book Club Questions for Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. Were glad you found a book that interests you! I really enjoyed The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and highly recommend you all read it! 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. 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. 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. Just as Odile told Margarets secret so many years ago, Lily almost told Mary Louises boyfriend about an affair that Mary Louise had. Surely you know where this is going, by this point? It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. The Paris Library. Even beyond the wartime drama, the ALP community, many of them true historical figures, are an engrossing, colourful coterie of regulars. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 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. 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. ", 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.". In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. "The Paris Library" marks Janet Skeslien Charles's second novel of her writing career. It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. Librarian at the American Library. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. On that note, Ive provided book club questions and a delicious food ideas for The Paris Library, so if you are looking for book club ideas and more, keep reading! It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. The book also made it clear in the beginning, his disgust with women who snuggled up to Nazi's. influencers in the know since 1933. I literally shook my head at it. Let me know what you thought about it! Additionally, Odile motivates Lily to stand up for herself and insist on achieving her goal to attend college. 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? Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. Meticulously researched, moving and utterly enchanting, The Paris Library is a heart-breaking and uplifting story that is an absolute must-read for book lovers and fans of historical fiction. A little more drama would have made the Nazi horrorsand Odiles dilemmas--more vivid. Is there anything new here? I also loved all of the mentions of Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God in the novel, a personal favorite of mine! If you love reading about WWII or the time period, but have trouble getting through some of the violence and starvation that was rampant during the war, then I think you will like The Paris Library. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. 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. After living in Paris, how could she settle for this dull dot on the plains? wonders Lily Jacobsen, the seventh grader who lives next door. Lily helps Odile overcome her guilt and regain a sense of belonging with others. She divides her time between Montana and Paris. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. The tough test of time involves readers. Hope you enjoyed book club questions for The Paris Library! Still, Odile harbors jealousy toward Margaret for her wealthand resents her criticisms of the French army. As a graduate student in 1942, Eva was forced to flee Paris after the arrest of her father, a Polish Jew. "The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. But the twist, agh, the twist was just so bizarre. Both her husband and son have passed away and she doesnt seem to have any connections with her past. In what ways were they similar? 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. 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. You can order the book on Amazon here. 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. This thread is archived . 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. Charles once worked at the American Library in Paris as a programs manager and now divides her time between Paris and Montana. And, of course, there was All the Light We Cannot See as well. Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. What makes this book interesting plot-wise is that the storyline alternates between the early 1940s Paris and small-town 1980s Froid, Montana. 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. 823. Because of this, I cant quite give it 5 stars. Odile personally delivers books to Professor Cohen. A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. (An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? GENERAL FICTION, by Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. The novela New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselleris one of five finalists for the 2021 American Library in Paris Book Award. I think Paul attacked Margaret to distance himself from his own guilt, directing his self-hatred at her and pretending he wasn't the collaborator, she was. 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. In many ways, this story really is a love letter to bookworms. Lily is a lonely teenager desperate to escape small-town Montana. The Paris Library is a dual-timeline story of family, friendship, resistance, romance, betrayal, heroism, bravery, and books. I know the war changes people, but wasn't this a bit extreme? Her debut novel. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number), Worth the Wait: New Fiction From 6 Favorites, Hang the Moon Will Be Adapted for TV Series. All Rights Reserved. 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. Paul and the other three policemen were collaborators themselves, having done the Nazis' dirty work, no matter how much they disliked it, and then having enjoyed the spoils of the belongings of the Jews they arrested. 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. Director, American Library. Fellow employees and clients of the private lending library are her closest confidantes, and 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. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. GENERAL FICTION, by Jealousy? But I also saw The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles made it on there as well. Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of . Why was it important for the librarians to continue to spread the love of reading during the war? 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. As the older Odile and Lily become friends we learn more about Odiles regrets from wartime and the vibrant cast of readers and librarians she knew at the American Library in Paris. While the chapters featuring Lily are snappy and often amusing, especially as she begins to adopt Parisian airs, they play a distinctly secondary role to those concerning Odile's life during the war. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. 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? 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? 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. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. 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. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?, A post shared by Atria Books (@atriabooks). And, because Odile isnt Jewish and has some connected friends, she sometimes partakes in black market dishes even during the war. She recovers from her fit of jealousy with Bitsi and repairs that relationship. Odiles husband and son are deceased. Why do you think its hard for us not to hold what people do or dont say against them and instead see them with compassion in light of our own fallibility? A rollicking soap opera that keeps the pages turning with a surfeit of births, deaths, and surprising plot reveals. 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. Here are a few food ideas from the pages of The Paris Library: Chapter 2 - Lily invites Odile over to learn more about France - chocolate chip cookies - and later, when Lily visits Odile serves her Russian cigarette cookies. Categories: But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes. The Paris Library was unlike any of these. How does this go back to the quote from Lilys mother (question #2)? That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Once We Were Home Book Club Questions and Recipe, It Starts with Us and It Ends with Us Book Club Questions and Recipe, Chapter 2 Lily invites Odile over to learn more about France chocolate chip cookies and later, when Lily visits Odile serves her Russian cigarette cookies, Chapter 3 Paul comes to lunch aperitif of sherry and vermouth, potato-leek soup, pork roast and rosemary mashed potatoes, and, Chapter 4 Odile makes Lilys family leek and potato soup when Lilys mother grows weaker (made with leeks sauted in butter and boiled potatoes that are pureed with a dollop of cream), Chapter 9 Odile, Paul, and Margaret go to lunch steak frites and tarte tatin with caramelized apples, Chapter 12 After the funeral Sliced roast, mashed potatoes and gravy and Odiles croque monsieur, Chapter 12 Lily and Robbys cupcake fiasco in home economics (mixed the salt and the sugar measurements), Chapter 21 Odile comes over for Eleanors bad Thanksgiving dinner turkey and pumpkin pie and later Odile comes for Christmas, too gingerbread cookies and hot cider, Chapter 27 The librarys Christmas party hot spiced wine, creamy Camembert, oranges, foie gras, Chapter 39 Eleanor takes Lily shopping for makeup in the city a lunch of a club sandwich and a French dip, Chapter 43 After the wedding Aunt Pierrette makes roasted pheasant, mashed potatoes and flan and then the library holds a surprise reception with wedding cake, chocolates, champagne and tea.
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