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The Paris Library: A Novel Paperback – March 1, 2022

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 25,033 ratings

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An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller—based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II—The Paris Library is a moving and unforgettable “ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

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. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s 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.

“A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship” (
Booklist), The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest places.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“As a Parisian, an ardent bookworm, and a longtime fan of the American Library in Paris, I devoured The Paris Library in one hungry gulp. 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. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Meticulously researched,
The Paris Library is an irresistible, compelling read.” -- Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Chelsea Girls

“The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. 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. 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. 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." -- 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." ―
Kirkus Reviews

"A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship." ―
Booklist

"Delightful...richly detailed...Historical fiction fans will be drawn to the realistic narrative and the bond of friendship forged between a widow and a lonely young girl." ―
Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Janet Skeslien Charles is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Paris Library. Her work has been translated into thirty-seven languages. She has spent a decade researching Jessie Carson (Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade) at The Morgan Library, the NYPL, and archives across France. Her shorter work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, LitHub, and the anthology Montana Noir. To connect, visit her website JSkeslienCharles.com, @JSkeslienCharles on Instagram, or @SkeslienCharles on Twitter.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atria Books (March 1, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982134208
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982134204
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.9 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 25,033 ratings

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Janet Skeslien Charles
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Janet Skeslien Charles is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, and Miss Morgan's Book Brigade (called The Librarians of Rue de Picardie in the UK). Her essays and short stories have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Montana Noir. Her work has been translated into 38 languages. Janet was born and raised in Montana. After graduating from the University of Montana, she got a job teaching English in Ukraine. She later went to France intending to teach for a year, and has been there ever since. Place is at the heart of every story she has ever written. She loves traveling, spending time with friends and family, and researching stories of forgotten people and places. She is currently working on the final installment of her library trilogy.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
25,033 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the well-developed characters and skillful characterisation. The writing quality is praised as well-written and eloquent. The story is described as heartwarming, enlightening, and encouraging, with valuable life lessons. Readers also mention that the book is a tribute to the resilience of individuals and the enduring power of books.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

320 customers mention "Readability"311 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability and find it a worthwhile reading experience. They appreciate the wonderful cast and consider it one of their favorite books. The memoir is described as a beautiful story of survival and how books helped in a time of history.

"The Paris Library: A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant story that transports readers to the heart of..." Read more

"First of all, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it...." Read more

"...to learn some interesting events during WWII while reading a captivating story." Read more

"...The story and the characters are compelling because it is based on true stories of survival, compassion, personal growth and quiet resistance..." Read more

257 customers mention "Historical fiction"232 positive25 negative

Customers enjoy this historical fiction book. They find it fascinating to learn about interesting events during WWII while reading. The story is based on true events and is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories. Readers appreciate the part of the story set in Paris and find it moving, poignant, and enjoyable.

"...Overall, The Paris Library is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of courage and the transformative power of..." Read more

"...This is an original and interesting view of the time period in Paris, and its effects on people...." Read more

"...women couldn’t relate to a younger woman but it was fascinating to learn some interesting events during WWII while reading a captivating story." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed “The Paris Library,” an historical novel about the American Library in Paris, the role it played during the Nazi occupation of..." Read more

123 customers mention "Character development"107 positive16 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and engaging plot. They appreciate the strong female characters and lively prose. Readers find the people realistic and the definition of a hero broad.

"...The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their journeys are portrayed with empathy and depth...." Read more

"...does very well with switching time periods and making the reader comfortable with the characters...." Read more

"...I admit that I also love libraries and books. The story and the characters are compelling because it is based on true stories of survival, compassion..." Read more

"...read for every woman who dares to read and dream The characters will become your friends and stay with you!" Read more

117 customers mention "Writing quality"98 positive19 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book engaging and eloquent. They describe it as an easy read about friendship and literacy. The story is described as a must-read for women who dare to read and dream.

"...It is a beautifully written and deeply moving read that will captivate anyone who appreciates compelling historical fiction and the timeless impact..." Read more

"...The author does very well with switching time periods and making the reader comfortable with the characters...." Read more

"...Wow! What a book! I loved it! Told through multiple narrators, it goes from WWII Paris to 1980's Montana...." Read more

"A must read for every woman who dares to read and dream The characters will become your friends and stay with you!" Read more

51 customers mention "Heartwarming"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and emotional, with valuable lessons about love and friendship. They say it's touching, compassionate, and deeply moving. The sadness isn't overwhelming like in some World War II fiction, and the themes of friendship and loyalty run through the novel.

"...It is a beautifully written and deeply moving read that will captivate anyone who appreciates compelling historical fiction and the timeless impact..." Read more

"...The sadness is not overwhelming like it is with some WW II fiction...." Read more

"...are compelling because it is based on true stories of survival, compassion, personal growth and quiet resistance against an enemy intent on..." Read more

"...She is complex, compassionate, committed, and caring as a teen, having grown up too fast like so many in her generation, as the City of Light is..." Read more

37 customers mention "Enlightenedness"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening and encouraging. They appreciate the life lessons, courage, and transformative power of books. The characters' stories are good reminders for all of us to learn. The book restores Odile's sense of purpose and reconnects her to her French culture. The author did a great job combining two lives into her historical novel, which keeps readers fully invested until the last page.

"...and anyone interested in stories of courage and the transformative power of books...." Read more

"...because it is based on true stories of survival, compassion, personal growth and quiet resistance against an enemy intent on destruction, not just..." Read more

"...For Odile, it restores her sense of purpose, reconnects her to her French culture and allows her to love again...." Read more

"...Her history in France before and during the 2nd World War was enlightening...." Read more

27 customers mention "Resilience"27 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's depiction of resilience and perseverance. They find it a heartfelt tribute to individuals' enduring power and bravery. The story is described as inspirational and educational, revealing human virtues and failures through history.

"...is not only a historical novel but also a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of individuals and the enduring power of stories...." Read more

"...She is complex, compassionate, committed, and caring as a teen, having grown up too fast like so many in her generation, as the City of Light is..." Read more

"This novel speaks deeply to human frailties and heroism under the terrible pressure of war, in this case WWIl in Paris...." Read more

"...Bien fait, Janet Skeslien Charles. Magnifique!..." Read more

49 customers mention "Pacing"27 positive22 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it compelling and fascinating, while others feel it begins slowly and drags on. The premise is liked by some readers, but some find the characters confusing.

"...Janet Skeslien Charles has delivered a remarkable novel that is both touching and unforgettable. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...They are both terribly naive and selfish and neither seems to ever own their faults...." Read more

"...She is complex, compassionate, committed, and caring as a teen, having grown up too fast like so many in her generation, as the City of Light is..." Read more

"Despite the fact that some of this book dragged on longer than I thought necessary, it was a glimpse into a part of the WWII story I never knew...." Read more

I was swept into another (not to be forgotten) world
5 out of 5 stars
I was swept into another (not to be forgotten) world
Wow! I have so much love for this book. The writing was top-notch, the story (especially for this Francophile librarian) was captivating, the characters popped to life from the pages.There are so many books that are set during World War II, and so many set in Paris, but THE PARIS LIBRARY was unlike anything I'd read before. The book serves as a reminder that the definition of hero is quite broad. There were many unsung heroes (and heroines) doing extraordinary things and making extraordinary sacrifices, but the story of these librarians and their patrons (based on real people and situations) is thoroughly unique and enlightening. Bien fait, Janet Skeslien Charles. Magnifique!I highly recommend this informative and engaging book that will sweep you into another world. THE PARIS LIBRARY sheds light on courageous people during horrible times and will remind readers of events that are not to be forgotten. Buy the gorgeous hardcover copy, like I did. (I also have it on audio and look forward to a re-read with my ears this time.)
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
    The Paris Library: A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant story that transports readers to the heart of World War II Paris. This novel is a testament to the power of literature and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The narrative skillfully intertwines two timelines: the story of Odile Souchet, a librarian at the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation, and Lily, a young woman in the 1980s who uncovers Odile's past. The dual perspectives provide a rich and multifaceted exploration of the impacts of war on personal lives and the enduring power of books to offer solace and hope.

    Charles’ writing is both evocative and engaging, painting vivid portraits of Paris during a tumultuous period while also delving deep into the emotional and personal struggles of her characters. Odile's story is particularly compelling, showcasing her bravery and determination as she navigates the challenges of war and fights to protect the library and its priceless collections.

    The book also excels in its portrayal of the significance of literature and the bonds formed through shared love of reading. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their journeys are portrayed with empathy and depth. The exploration of themes such as friendship, love, and sacrifice adds layers of richness to the story.

    The Paris Library is not only a historical novel but also a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of individuals and the enduring power of stories. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving read that will captivate anyone who appreciates compelling historical fiction and the timeless impact of literature.

    Overall, The Paris Library is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of courage and the transformative power of books. Janet Skeslien Charles has delivered a remarkable novel that is both touching and unforgettable. Highly recommended!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
    First of all, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. The author does very well with switching time periods and making the reader comfortable with the characters. I tried to read it a while back and there was sadness. I couldn't do it then, but I waited and read it this week. The sadness is not overwhelming like it is with some WW II fiction. This is an original and interesting view of the time period in Paris, and its effects on people. My only problem is that one thread of the book was unresolved or maybe not fully explored at the end and that was the relationship between Paul and Odile. I wanted a resolution there and a confrontation over what transpired with Margaret. That seemed contrary to what I knew about Paul from before so I wanted his explanation rather than Margaret's.

    I won't give the plot away I hope in the review, but I enjoyed it very much and would definitely read more from this author in the future.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2024
    Overall, we all enjoyed it. Mostly. I think some of the older women couldn’t relate to a younger woman but it was fascinating to learn some interesting events during WWII while reading a captivating story.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2022
    I put books on my kindle that I call "knock offs" or what used to be called paper backs; books read for leisure and then given away and never read again. After reading a knock off I typically remove it from my kindle, but I did not remove this book because I want to read it again. I loved this story. I admit that I also love libraries and books. The story and the characters are compelling because it is based on true stories of survival, compassion, personal growth and quiet resistance against an enemy intent on destruction, not just of books but also culture, history and the people who want to know the truth. It reminds me of more recent stories of curators who stayed behind in Iraq to save artifacts and protect the museums. Some died. Some survived. It is easy to forget these stories of human passion and commitment to something, or someone, loved and cherished. We often forget about those who quietly go about protecting our culture and history while maintaining continuity for the community and the individual. They become the quiet heroes. The dual stories demonstrate the conflicting perspectives between youth and age that are only reconciled by compassion and understanding. History is often considered boring and forgettable but history, large or small scale, is what shapes us and often seems to repeat itself. Books and libraries remind us that language, culture, government, fantasy, and dreams of the future change; that change is inevitable. We learn from change. Books and libraries help us to do that.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Marie
    5.0 out of 5 stars À lire !
    Reviewed in Canada on September 10, 2024
    Excellent livre ! Je l'ai lu jusqu'aux petites heures du matin.
  • Chiara Losi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lettura gradevole
    Reviewed in Italy on July 25, 2024
    Inizialmente un po’ lento però dalla seconda metà del libro diventa avvincente. Mi ricorda molto “El tiempo entre costuras” di Maria Dueñas. Se vi è piaciuto quel libro oppure “Fiore di Rocca” di Ilaria tuti, allora vi piacerà anche questo.
  • Client d'Amazon
    1.0 out of 5 stars Totally phoney
    Reviewed in France on November 22, 2022
    This is the low quality equivalent of the series Emily in Paris .
    This novel is supposed to describe life in Paris during WW2 but it is full of inconsistencies and the style is very poor. Full of clichés like the smell of croissants which is supposed to pervade Paris.
    What a disappointment !
  • beth
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely heartwarming read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2021
    I think anything that involves a Paris library set in the 1940s is a instant purchase for me, and I’m glad that this book lived up to the expectation.

    At first I found it a little hard to get into but after the first third of the book I couldn’t stop reading, quite literally as I was up into the early hours after reading 200 pages in one go!

    I was unsure to start with of the two timelines, one set in Paris in the 1940s at the library and the second of the main character Odile’ new life in Montana, America. As I continued to read I loved them both equally as they really added to the setting of the story and the background of the characters.

    It explored some tough themes of the WW2 and the Jewish subscribers of the library and how they were handled, how books were the saviour for lots of people especially those at war that had little else and how families coped with so much pain during the war.

    The only thing I would have liked is a little bit more conclusion at the end as I felt there were still a few unanswered questions into how certain characters felt after a certain departure (no spoilers)! Overall though it was a really lovely book and written very well and explored a side to France during WW2 in a different way.
  • K Sen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gem of a book for book lovers
    Reviewed in India on June 20, 2021
    Little known part of WW II wherein librarians of American Library in Paris demonstrated exemplary courage to go against the occupying Nazis and ensured steady supplies of books and journals first to the wounded, sick soldiers and then to other subscribers including those prohibited from using the library. At the same time,it is a story about friendship, family bonds and humanity. It will be a treasure trove for any book lover to go through this book and learn about an extraordinary librarian cum friend by the name of Odile Southey.