Its an interesting tactic to connect the past with more of the present. As Odile describes some of them to a dying American soldier whom shes tending: Theres an Englishmanimagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. For more on this award-winning author, visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Janet-Skeslien-Charles/164282829. I found the Montana parts just unnecessary! The men are similarly flawed and human. The interview with Miss Reeder, the Directress, begins well, but Odile falters when asked her reasons for wanting to work at the Library. The Paris Library is a dual-timeline story of family, friendship, resistance, romance, betrayal, heroism, bravery, and books. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. I'm wondering about what happened to the The Paris Q&A Odile describes them to a dying American soldier she tends to: Theres an Englishman imagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. When Paris is liberated, Paul and another police officer encounter Margaret on the street. Did this surprise you? Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of genius. It was intriguing to read about a different type of heroismkeeping the love of reading alive among the hardships of war. How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? WWII during the German occupation and 1980s Montana are the setting for this intelligent and rich novel of two young womens coming of age. Discussion questions for The Paris Library: A Novel - BOOKCLUBS.COM 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. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?, A post shared by Atria Books (@atriabooks). Stephanie I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. In 1983, Lily is an awkward teenager trying to find her place in small-town Montana. The Paris Library Character Analysis | SuperSummary (An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? After all, she loves to read, speaks fluent English, and has memorized the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books. In fact, many of the characters in the book are based, often by actual name, on real people. Just as Odile told Margarets secret so many years ago, Lily almost told Mary Louises boyfriend about an affair that Mary Louise had. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting work of historical fiction. The two form a bond, which deepens when Lilys mother dies. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. by Janet Skeslien Charles RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. 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? What do you like best about reading WWII historical fiction? 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. 823. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. ", 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.". 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. In many ways, this story really is a love letter to bookworms. Published in 2021, Janet Skeslien Charless The Paris Library: A Novel tells the story of the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation. 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 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. Who was your favorite secondary character? Fans of Lester's own French novels will be delighted with this wartime story. "The Paris Library" marks Janet Skeslien Charles's second novel of her writing career. After roaming the streets of Paris, Odile gravitates to the American Hospital, where she once volunteered and does so again. 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. The twist actually took away from the story for me. 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. She even loves the way books smell. Both her husband and son have passed away and she doesnt seem to have any connections with her past. As a graduate student in 1942, Eva was forced to flee Paris after the arrest of her father, a Polish Jew. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. By some bizarre twist of fate, a much older Odile winds up living next door to Lily, and the two form an unlikely but mutually beneficial friendship Lily gains much from Odiles well-stocked bookshelves while Odile finds renewed purpose in guiding the young girl. 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. It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! [Paul is interesting. Together with her fellow librarians . 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. She's memorized the Dewey Decimal system. Meanwhile, in 1980s Montana, Lily is a lonely teenager desperate to escape the small town she lives in, as she balances mourning for her late mother, her relationship with her fathers new wife and her misunderstood passion for the written word. I think the Montana one could have been fleshed out a bit better. WWII. How do you think Odile helps her cope with that? When Charles worked there in 2010, she was captivated by the story of. And the sound of masticating between sentences? More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. 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. She freezes; its an image of a book she hasnt seen in sixty-five yearsa book she recognizes asThe Book of Lost Names. 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. Were you more engaged in one storyline over the other? Her debut novel. Lily helps Odile overcome her guilt and regain a sense of belonging with others. Categories: In this one, the Montana storyline focuses more on the teenager Lily and I wasnt as engaged with her arc. 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. Historical fiction concerning the intricate battles over succession within the family that controls a poor rural county in postWorld War I Virginia. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Odiles husband and son are deceased. Oftentimes, its not surprisingfor instance, Kristin Hannahs The Four Winds is currently number one. Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). 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. He knew why those apartments were empty. Rmy is wounded in the early fighting and then in a prisoner-of-war camp, where he later perishes. 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. Located just two blocks from the Eiffel Tower, the private American Library in Paris has welcomed bibliophiles since 1920. Do you think Margaret and Odile reconcile eventually? But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. 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. 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. Janet Skeslien Charles. You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with 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? 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. At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles Step into The Paris Library through the pages of this novel Still, Odile harbors jealousy toward Margaret for her wealthand resents her criticisms of the French army. The American Library in Paris was able to stay open throughout the war. Susan Mallery. On September 3, 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War. The historical fiction genre loves dual timelines! Let me know what you thought about it! The Paris Library - #bookthoughts - Armed with A Book Listening to Odiles stories, Lily fantasizes about Jews hidden in the library building. I get what the author was trying to convey but I didnt think it was executed in the best way. But then the Nazis invade Paris and everything changes. Did you know about the American Library in Paris prior to reading this novel? 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. a book review by Fran Hawthorne: The Paris Library: A Novel 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. A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. The Paris Library is another novel about WWII France from a unique perspective. "well plotted and richly populated" For the young Parisian Odile Souchet in the winter of 1939, working in the American Library in Paris sounds like her ideal job. 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. Books, libraries, Paris whats not to love? Author Janet Skeslien Charles Shares the Story Behind The Paris Library In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. What makes this book interesting plot-wise is that the storyline alternates between the early 1940s Paris and small-town 1980s Froid, Montana. The Paris Library [Book Review] - Reading Ladies Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. by Did it feel like you were reading a YA novel and a historical novel? Again, I thought it was fine overall but I kept wanting to go back to the WWII storyline. Do you think that Odile knew that there would be consequences to telling Paul or not? (See my struggle to find a recipe for The Nightingale here). Treaty of Paris: Primary Documents in American History Heartbreaking and Uplifting: Read our review of The Paris Library by 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. This anger alarms Odile though her love for him is undaunted. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of . British literature.). Instead, Odile consents to an interview for Lilys project about France. 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. The Paris Library: A Novel Hardcover - February 9, 2021 by Janet Skeslien Charles (Author) 20,410 ratings Editors' pick Best Literature & Fiction See all formats and editions Kindle $13.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover $25.46 90 Used from $1.80 15 New from $16.90 3 Collectible from $37.67 Paperback 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. The Paris Library | Shelf Awareness Were you shocked by what happened to Margaret? The tough test of time involves readers. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. Both are too quick to blurt out criticisms, jeopardizing their closest friendships out of hurt and jealousy. With his help, Margaret procures food and other items, which she shares with Odile. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Its a city I truly love and reading this was a balm for my travel-deprived senses, reliving the City of Lights, even if it was in the pre-war years of the 1940s. Director, American Library. Hard Times. 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. Janet Skeslien Charles The author demonstrates that a woman can be strong and independent while in a loving relationship. Book Review: Reading is a rebellious act in Janet Skeslien Charles's Rogers fiance. What do you make of her complicated friendship with Margaret? The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. So here is another instance in which the narrators of an audiobook can affect the readers experience. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. Did you know those things happened after WWII? 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. Later, Odile returns to her fathers office twice to steal some of these letters and spare a few people. Courtesy of Elizabeth Yoon. 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. Hope you enjoyed book club questions for The Paris Library! The Paris Library Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary 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. 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. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Looming war with Germany? In any event, there is plenty to discuss about The Paris Library and who doesnt love a WWII novel? While that might not be historically accurate, this is a novel, after all. Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles influencers in the know since 1933. Nazi book inspector Dr. Fuchs, initially feared, turns out to be sympathetic to the Library. While the novel is filled with gorgeous settings and a delightful cast of characters some of whom actually existed in real life what I loved the most about The Paris Library is the way it celebrates the power of books, libraries and storytelling. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. Will Odile ever reconnect with Margaret again. 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. View my Affiliate Disclosure page here. A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries. GENERAL FICTION, by One night in search of lost time. 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. Surely you know where this is going, by this point? 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. With her trademark historical fiction exploration into the shadows of the past, acclaimed author Marie Benedict brings us into the world of Agatha Christie, imagining why such a brilliant woman would find herself at the center of such murky historical mysteries. So does defining family. 841. The Paris Library book review | eat. live. travel. write. Book Club Questions for Undaunted by Kara Goldin, Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Professor Cohen, who is Jewish, is another who sees war coming. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. The Paris Library: A Novel. Librarian at the American Library.