Reviews

A Biblioteca de Paris by Janet Skeslien Charles

lwils513's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

mmitch10's review against another edition

challenging sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

It was a little slow and read like pretty much every other historical fiction novel set in WWII Paris

jordanj07's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

cmah's review against another edition

4.0

A beautiful, sad story about family and love, and personal growth. About how hard it is to walk the line between doing what’s right and not letting our own unhappiness blind us or cloud our judgement. As well as not being too quick to judge others, and try to put ourselves in their shoes.

ebkara's review against another edition

5.0

The enigmatic French neighbour who has an intriguing back story. She was the librarian in the American Library in Paris before and during the war. I love historical fiction and this book really delivered with a mix of friendship, love, fear, compassion, betrayal and redemption.

mkhahn's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

I enjoyed the developing of the characters in different time periods and how their lives crossed each other. It was realistic in that it was all tied up in a happy ending. Although the ending seemed a little unsatisfying, but I don’t know how it could have been done any better. 

beth_0219's review against another edition

5.0

Historical fiction is not a genre I often find myself in, but I adored this book. A story inspired by the brave librarians who refused to let censorship and hatred win. While also exploring the power of books, words, friendship (especially between women), and forgiveness through the coming-of-age stories of two women 40 years apart.

Surprised I enjoyed this so much. Definitely recommend.

hannabanana11's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

toebean5's review against another edition

3.0

The group loved this, and it made for a great discussion.

I found it kind of...fine? There were so many loose ends for me (maybe for a sequel?).

mama7301's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75