Later, Odile returns to her fathers office twice to steal some of these letters and spare a few people. It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. 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. Schwab, Q&A with Hannah Richell, Author of The River Home, Book Club Questions for The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle, Book Club Questions for The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dar, 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. The answers unspool in this well-plotted and richly populated novel, primarily through Odiles and Lilys alternating, first-person narrations. But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes. If you love libraries and are interested in how a library stayed open during the entire war in the center of conflict, The Paris Library is a great book club choice. Over the next five years, through the Nazi Occupation of France, the ALP founded in 1920, it still stands today also becomes the main source of Odiles small joys. Each day, they light a stinky cheroot and debate. Well, in terms of the American Library in Paris (The Paris Library of the title), there is. 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. Nazi book inspector Dr. Fuchs, initially feared, turns out to be sympathetic to the Library. 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. What are some similar books youve read? If your book club is reading this one, check out my book club questions here. One day in the City of Light. Many historical fiction stories adopt the dual timeline formatwhy do you think thats a popular choice for the genre? 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. FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | [I'm wondering about what happened to the character of Paul? *If you are new here, WELCOME! Did it feel like you were reading a YA novel and a historical novel? When Paris is liberated, Paul and another police officer encounter Margaret on the street. A rollicking soap opera that keeps the pages turning with a surfeit of births, deaths, and surprising plot reveals. 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. Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris. An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? I literally shook my head at it. 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. 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. 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. Tough and independent, Sallie refuses to let womanhood limit her ambitions as she earns the nickname Queen of the Kincaid Rumrunners. The American Library in Paris was able to stay open throughout the war. Janet Skeslien Charles is the award-winning author of Moonlight in Odessa and The Paris Library. So here is another instance in which the narrators of an audiobook can affect the readers experience. She freezes; its an image of a book she hasnt seen in sixty-five yearsa book she recognizes asThe Book of Lost Names. Carrying the guilt of betraying Margaret, Odile wears Margarets parting gift, the belt, until Lilys high school graduation. 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. Reader Q&A, Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The totality of the ALPs anti-Nazi efforts seems to involve delivering books. Chapter 3 - Paul comes to lunch - aperitif of sherry and vermouth, potato-leek soup, pork roast and rosemary . Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. 823. Their friendship blossoms as they help each other, offering support, hard truths, and loving backup. Although pragmatic, street-smart middle child Sallie is his intellectual and emotional heir, the Duke leaves his estate to her emotionally oversensitive half brother, Eddie, because hes the only boy. THE PARIS LIBRARY | Kirkus Reviews 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?). The Paris Library is yet another one. Catching her the second time, Odiles father explains that he could be executed for failing to investigate tips and tells Odile not to return. What did you think? 2023 Bookclubz, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. After all, she loves to read, speaks fluent English, and has memorized the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books. 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. 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. Surprisingly, its not little Froid, Montana, that ends up being a letdown, but rather the Nazi Occupation and the ALPs Resistance work. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. 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. Looming war with Germany? So we know that by the time we meet Odile in Montana, shes all alone. How would this have changed your reading? 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. As Lily learns more about Odile and they begin to share a love of language and books, she faces her own trials, but Odile is careful to guide Lily away from the same mistakes that have haunted her since the war. In 1983, Lily is an awkward teenager trying to find her place in small-town Montana. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. 2018 The Edge Communications Sdn. Again, I thought it was fine overall but I kept wanting to go back to the WWII storyline. Together with her fellow librarians . Courtesy of Elizabeth Yoon. I can see where the groundwork was laid for it but I still thought it was an odd story choice. Her conservative parents, especially her father, would rather Odile married than worked. Have you read The Paris Library? Required fields are marked *. The readers added a drama that was, I thought, wrong. Join the Bookclubs newsletter for monthly reading recommendations,book club tips, giveaways, and more. So does defining family. Stephanie I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. These are good times before the war, but when the Nazis invade Paris, everything changes for Odile and her family at home and at the library. by How did this compare to other WWII novels you have read? GENERAL FICTION, by 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. Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, Q&A with Kaira Rouda, Author of The Next Wife. Susan Mallery. 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. Although Lily doesnt know it, Odile is about to kill herself when Lily knocks on her door the first time. by Janet Skeslien Charles RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. 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. In 1939, Odile Souchet is thrilled to secure a job at the American Library in Paris. . In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. Perhaps because of that, I avoid books about this time, though there have certainly been a plethora of them in recent years. 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. Book Club Questions for Undaunted by Kara Goldin, Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. ISBN-13: 9781250307187 Summary One day in the City of Light. However, for The Paris Library, there was plenty of food mentioned, partly due to the fact that the story is dual-timeline. Lily has to deal not only with loss but with learning how she fits into a new family. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My verdict with The Paris Libraryits a decent story but I thought it was lacking in some areas. The Paris Library Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 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. What other books about libraries have you read and loved? View my Affiliate Disclosure page here. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Jeannette Walls When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. There is a comforting element to the expectedness of the plot and odd familiarity of the characters, which is common with historical books. Bottom line? Still, the WWII parts were interesting and well written. With his help, Margaret procures food and other items, which she shares with Odile. Were you shocked by what happened to Margaret? When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. 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 Reading, Writing, and Literature . British literature. Agatha Christie novels have withstood the test of time, due in no small part to Christies masterful storytelling and clever mind that may never be matched, but Agatha Christies untold history offers perhaps her greatest mystery of all. American Library in Paris director Dorothy Reeder in her office in 1937. 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. In her second novel, The Paris Library, Janet Skeslien Charles ( Moonlight in Odessa) weaves Odile's story together with that of 14-year-old Lily Jacobsen, growing up in Montana in the mid-1980s. It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. And the sound of masticating between sentences? 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. After roaming the streets of Paris, Odile gravitates to the American Hospital, where she once volunteered and does so again. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles And his French frienda walrus with a bushy mustache. Intellectually curious and socially awkward at times, Lily reminds Odile of her younger self. His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. I also loved all of the mentions of Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God in the novel, a personal favorite of mine! The Paris Library Character Analysis | SuperSummary The book also made it clear in the beginning, his disgust with women who snuggled up to Nazis. All Rights Reserved. Categories: Based on the true World War. Theyre all here, and theyre universal, nest-ce pas? Book Club Questions for American Pop by Snowden Wright, Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. What do you like best about reading WWII historical fiction? Were you more engaged in one storyline over the other? How did you feel about the format? 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. Bookseller friend of Hugo. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. Apartment building concierge. Odile loves her job at the Library, where she finds belonging among kindred spirits. Director, American Library. Lets talk about the friendship between Odile and Lilywhat did they both learn from each other? A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. The girls sounded bratty, the prose almost juvenile. Ask the Author. RELEASE DATE: March 28, 2023. Lilys crush on a boy in her junior high school cant compete with the Gestapo arresting one of Odiles best friends. 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 In a moment of anger, Odile reveals Margarets secret to Paul but immediately regrets doing so. While her brother Rmy supports her, Odile's Papa is convinced that she needs to focus on marriage. 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. 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. Its an interesting tactic to connect the past with more of the present. As I mentioned in the intro, recipes for books about World War II are often a challenge since most countries faced rations, if not starvation. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didn't expect. Janet Skeslien Charles Discuss the dual timeline. In any event, there is plenty to discuss about The Paris Library and who doesnt love a WWII 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 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. 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. 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. Author Janet Skeslien Charles Shares the Story Behind The Paris Library 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. Treaty of Paris: Primary Documents in American History The book also made it clear in the beginning, his disgust with women who snuggled up to Nazi's. Your email address will not be published. Her newest novel,I Meant to Tell You, was published in November 2022 by Stephen F. Austin State University Press. One night in search of lost time. The Paris Library is a dual-timeline story of family, friendship, resistance, romance, betrayal, heroism, bravery, and books. The Paris Library | Book by Janet Skeslien Charles | Official Publisher When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Options is the award-winning lifestyle pullout of The Edge Malaysia, the countrys premier business and investment weekly publication. 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. Listening to Odiles stories, Lily fantasizes about Jews hidden in the library building. A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. The Paris Library: A Novel - amazon.com 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. 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. Because of this, I cant quite give it 5 stars. A thoroughly enjoyable read, kind-hearted and brimming with delightful bookish allusions." 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. Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles 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. Eleven days later, she reappears, just as mysteriously as she disappeared, claiming amnesia and providing no explanations for her time away. He knew why those apartments were empty. Each day, they light a stinky cheroot and debate. Despite Odiles and Lilys many differences, their stories reveal unexpected similarities between the chic Parisienne bookworm and the conventional, small-town teenager. I do think there are stronger WWII historical fiction out there. 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. 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. 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. 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. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. What makes this book interesting plot-wise is that the storyline alternates between the early 1940s Paris and small-town 1980s Froid, Montana. Odile personally delivers books to Professor Cohen. The Book of Lost Names revolved around a female document forger. The Truth Behind the Inspiring WWII Novel, THE PARIS LIBRARY The Paris Library | Bookreporter.com The Paris Library | Shelf Awareness 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. The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?, A post shared by Atria Books (@atriabooks). But the rest is certainly worthy. 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? He felt guilty about what he'd done and took it out on Margaret. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! Is there anything new here? But then the Nazis invade Paris and everything changes. Atria Books. Margaret is eventually attacked by Paul and when Odile learns the truthshe leaves behind Paris forever to marry an American. 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. Were you surprised to learn what Odile was doing the day that Lily barged in to ask about her report on France? 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. Jealousy? 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. Only Eva holds the answerbut will she have the strength to revisit old memories and help reunite those lost during the war? Rmy is wounded in the early fighting and then in a prisoner-of-war camp, where he later perishes. Young Odile is independent and headstrong. 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. 823. Do you think it was harder for Odile to forgive herself than it was for Margaret to forgive her? The twist actually took away from the story for me. 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. Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. 'The Paris Library': Reading, rebellion and romance meet in Janet Janet Skeslien Charles talks about her novel "The Paris Library" with Hugo's friend. 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. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles | Book Club Discussion 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. I completely agree! Loyalty and betrayal? The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles : r/booksuggestions - Reddit 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. 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.
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