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elmtreebooks's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Oof. Would not have finished were it not our book club pick this month.
Historical fiction but with no authentic sense of place. There were brief moments where the book was good, and the premise was a great story starting point! But overall the execution was trite and unlikable and a waste of a good idea. The worst part was reading the author’s notes at the end, and seeing how much potential this topic had in the hands of a more adept writer or with a better developmental editor that could help create actual character arcs that are satisfying.
My main issues:
- flowery writing stuffed with so many similes and metaphors that you’re often tripping over five in one paragraph. It makes the writing feel so trite and amateur, like reading a middle school age book report.
- I am biased against first person POV generally, but I especially hated that the two leads, Odile and Lily, were written with the same voice and immaturity. They both behaved and thought like a bratty teenager, which made sense for Lily, but Odile was purportedly a college grad and a woman so independently minded that she sought a career when it was unusual to do so. But other than that one act, she is a naïve idiot for the rest of the book. She is constantly cruel and judgmental to her “closest friends,” a thoughtless gossip, and does some truly heinous things throughout the book.
- She has moments of reflection (which oddly are written like they are reflections from the future and she’s telling the story of the past, but then the next line the verbs are present tense again? ) but she doesn’t actually learn from any of her choices until she runs away to Montana and takes no accountability with those she harms.
- “Do as I say, not as I did….” Is not a character arc.
- She claims innocence about the apartment trysts, but even if she had no idea the real reason why the apartments were empty… what possible explanation would have made her behavior ok? There was no excuse regardless of the real explanation?
- The world building lacked an authentic sense of place. Descriptions were glutted with unimportant factual details that didn’t create an emotional response, like an AP Euro history paper stuffed with rote memorizarion in an attempt to earn extra credit from the teacher. Yeah, you did the research — but fact-stuffing like that doesn’t evoke a sense of place and time.
- Overall, the character arcs were so messy and all over the place, so you were left with no one worth rooting for, except Mary Louise and maybe Lily. And Odile wasn’t worth loving to hate either. Just a frustrating trudge through a book that attempts to tell a story about a time of great complexity and conflict, but gives us the POV of a simpleton with no nuance or understanding of the world around her. She bumbles through the story, and the reader does too. She faces no consequences for her actions, and just runs away. It is the most uneventful non-development of a character arc.
- And seriously, I cannot overstate how many cheesy similes and metaphors were packed into this book. It was astonishing. If this hadn’t already been such a disappointing waste of time, I’d go back through and keep a tally.
Overall, deeply “meh” that veered into “ugh” territory regularly.
Historical fiction but with no authentic sense of place. There were brief moments where the book was good, and the premise was a great story starting point! But overall the execution was trite and unlikable and a waste of a good idea. The worst part was reading the author’s notes at the end, and seeing how much potential this topic had in the hands of a more adept writer or with a better developmental editor that could help create actual character arcs that are satisfying.
My main issues:
- flowery writing stuffed with so many similes and metaphors that you’re often tripping over five in one paragraph. It makes the writing feel so trite and amateur, like reading a middle school age book report.
- I am biased against first person POV generally, but I especially hated that the two leads, Odile and Lily, were written with the same voice and immaturity. They both behaved and thought like a bratty teenager, which made sense for Lily, but Odile was purportedly a college grad and a woman so independently minded that she sought a career when it was unusual to do so. But other than that one act, she is a naïve idiot for the rest of the book. She is constantly cruel and judgmental to her “closest friends,” a thoughtless gossip, and does some truly heinous things throughout the book.
- She has moments of reflection (which oddly are written like they are reflections from the future and she’s telling the story of the past, but then the next line the verbs are present tense again? ) but she doesn’t actually learn from any of her choices until she runs away to Montana and takes no accountability with those she harms.
- “Do as I say, not as I did….” Is not a character arc.
- She claims innocence about the apartment trysts, but even if she had no idea the real reason why the apartments were empty… what possible explanation would have made her behavior ok? There was no excuse regardless of the real explanation?
- The world building lacked an authentic sense of place. Descriptions were glutted with unimportant factual details that didn’t create an emotional response, like an AP Euro history paper stuffed with rote memorizarion in an attempt to earn extra credit from the teacher. Yeah, you did the research — but fact-stuffing like that doesn’t evoke a sense of place and time.
- Overall, the character arcs were so messy and all over the place, so you were left with no one worth rooting for, except Mary Louise and maybe Lily. And Odile wasn’t worth loving to hate either. Just a frustrating trudge through a book that attempts to tell a story about a time of great complexity and conflict, but gives us the POV of a simpleton with no nuance or understanding of the world around her. She bumbles through the story, and the reader does too. She faces no consequences for her actions, and just runs away. It is the most uneventful non-development of a character arc.
- And seriously, I cannot overstate how many cheesy similes and metaphors were packed into this book. It was astonishing. If this hadn’t already been such a disappointing waste of time, I’d go back through and keep a tally.
Overall, deeply “meh” that veered into “ugh” territory regularly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Sexual assault
Minor: War
christyreads83's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and War
Minor: Infidelity and Police brutality
laheath's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I feel like I've read a good amount of WWII historical fiction, so I always appreciate finding another true, but little-known, story. This book combined that element with others that I love: stories of resistance and libraries/booklovers. Odile works at the American Library in Paris before and during the Nazi occupation. The group of librarians and subscribers become a sort of family during the war, keeping the library open and delivering books to Jewish subscribers who are no longer allowed in by German decree. They feel it's just one more way to do their part in addition to the rationing, volunteering at the hospital, and sending packages to their loved ones fighting with the Allies.
These chapters are alternated with the story of Lily who lives next door to Odile in Montana in the mid to late 1980's. As Lily is going through her teen years, she faces some difficult circumstances. Each time, Odile has some wise words from her past experiences to help her grow through these. They both learn how the choices we make and our relationships with others shape us into the people we become.
These chapters are alternated with the story of Lily who lives next door to Odile in Montana in the mid to late 1980's. As Lily is going through her teen years, she faces some difficult circumstances. Each time, Odile has some wise words from her past experiences to help her grow through these. They both learn how the choices we make and our relationships with others shape us into the people we become.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War, and Hate crime
eesti23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
"A bookmark—a bright ribbon, really—beckoned from each, inviting the Directress to return."
“Life’s a brawl. You must fight for what you want.”
"I had learned that love was not patient, love was not kind. Love was conditional. The people closest to you could turn their backs on you, saying goodbye for something that seemed like nothing. You could only depend on yourself."
"Yet there was solace: in reading other people’s stories, I knew that I wasn’t alone."
"It was why I read—to glimpse other lives."
“Two feed your stomach, the rest your soul. We’ll find another way to soothe your heart.”
"GRIEF IS A sea made of your own tears. Salty swells cover the dark depths you must swim at your own pace. It takes time to build stamina. Some days, my arms sliced through the water, and I felt things would be okay, the shore wasn’t so far off. Then one memory, one moment would nearly drown me, and I’d be back to the beginning, fighting to stay above the waves, exhausted, sinking in my own sorrow."
"The Library is a bridge of books between cultures.”
"She wished she could make them understand that Paris was home. She’d made her life’s work, her life here."
"You’re nothing without principles. Nowhere without ideals. No one without courage."
"Love is accepting someone, all parts of them, even the ones you don’t like or understand."
"‘Accept people for who they are, not for who you want them to be.’”
Judging by the number of highlighted quotes I had, The Paris Library provided plenty food for thought. This was a really interesting angle on WWII history in France. There were great characters, both in the past and present storylines. I gasped out loud at the
This was my pick for The StoryGraph's Onboarding Reading Challenge 2022, prompt three, ...head to your Up Next Suggestions (Home > To-Read Pile > Search and Filter > Suggestions) and read the book from your Random Pick prompt....
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Antisemitism
Moderate: War and Physical abuse
Minor: Infidelity and Suicidal thoughts
bookishaddictions's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I love good historical fiction novels, especially the ones that are based around true events. While The Paris Library isn’t exactly how the events happened, Charles definitely got the overall basis of it across. I found that the characters each faced so many relatable challenges, as well as scenarios I could never imagine being in myself. Odile and Lily take readers on adventures that show both the best and the worst of humanity. If you enjoyed The Paris Architect, you’ll likely enjoy this one 🇫🇷
I will say, The Paris Library has reminded me that I could never learn the Dewey Decimal System 🤣🤷🏼♀️
I will say, The Paris Library has reminded me that I could never learn the Dewey Decimal System 🤣🤷🏼♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Racism, and Racial slurs
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, and Gun violence
bookellys's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
Now I love a war film. Saving Private Ryan has got to be THE best movie of all time! But I have not read many historical fiction books based around the war for some reason.
Enter my Booksta name twin who treated me to The Paris Library for Easter ❤️ and I’m so thankful that she did as it was a beautifully written story of the horrors of the war and quiet heroics of ordinary people that undoubtedly saved lives.
This book has it all: love, loss, friendship, heartbreak… and is sadly based on a true story! We forget the privileges that we have and though the last couple of years have been tough, it’s nothing compared to what the Parisians and many like them had to encounter under Nazi occupation.
I also hardly ever read the Author’s Notes but felt compelled this time to learn more about the real people who inspired this book and all the time and effort that went into its research.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Physical abuse, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
Minor: Classism
zoepagereader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was intrigued by this one. I had never heard of the American Library of Paris nor did I know that that was a thing countries did. However much I enjoyed that aspect it though, I didn’t understand why it was necessary to add 80’s Orile’s story in, much less told through a different person’s perspective. Not to mention the horrid amount of slut-shaming that took place throughout the book. “Oh she’s wearing furs when people are starving? What a slut.”It just made no sense it the contexts it was frequently used in. I think the majority of the characters could have handled their problems better, or at the very least not take their anger out on others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Stalking, War, Grief, Blood, Gun violence, and Rape
Moderate: Antisemitism
louisecalder's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Violence
heylookitsjan's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Genocide, Grief, Sexual violence, and War
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Title: The Paris Library
Author: Janet Skeslien Charles
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.5
Pub Date: February 2, 2021
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Enchanting • Unforgettable • Literary
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Paris, 1939: Odile, seems to have it all; a handsome boyfriend, an English best friend, a beloved twin, and her dream job as a librarian at the American library in Paris. And when war is declared, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapon she has - books.
Montana 1983: Widowed and alone, Odile is suffering from loneliness. Lily, a lonely teenager, soon takes a keen interest of her recluse, French neighbour. What develops is a unlikely friendship.
A story of love and friendship, of family and sacrifice, of grief and betrayal, of self-discovery and the power of literature.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Based on the true WWII story of the heroic American librarian, Miss Reeder, who created the Soldiers' Service in order to deliver books to servicemen and to Jewish readers after they were banned from entering the library, The Paris Library is a reminder of why I love historical fiction so much. It brought to life a part of history I knew nothing about, and is an ode to the essential nature of books and libraries.
The library atmosphere, the description of books, and the cast of incredible characters really immersed me into the story. The sense of 'found family' among the secondary characters was an additional bonus. It demonstrated how the library staff risked their lives to provide a small piece of normalcy to patrons, all while exploring the consequences of their choices. This novel was well researched, and the dual timeline worked, but I continually was drawn back to Paris and Odile's trials. At times there were parts of Lily's story that felt unnecessary. I also found it odd how there were only a small numbers of chapters from the perspective of secondary characters, to me this detracted from the story and felt inconsistent. And yet it was the ending which felt rushed, that left me feeling disappointed, although I adored the story as a whole.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• book lovers
• readers of historical fiction (particularly WWII)
• fans of Lilac Girls and/or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Breathing in the best smell in the world - a mélange of the mossy scent of musty books and crisp newspaper pages - I felt as if I'd come home."
"I wished I could go back to that last moment. I would say, 'You were the best mom in the world. I need you. We need you. I loved the way we watched robins and hoped for hummingbirds. I wished we had one more morning. One more hug. One more change to say I love you."
"Grief is a sea made of your own tears. Salty swells cover the dark depths you must swim at your own pace. It takes time to build stamina. Some days, my arms sliced through the water, and I felt things would be okay, the shore wasn't so far off. Then one memory, one moment would nearly drown me, and I'd be back to the beginning fighting to stay above the waves, exhausted, sinking in my own sorrow."
Author: Janet Skeslien Charles
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.5
Pub Date: February 2, 2021
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Enchanting • Unforgettable • Literary
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Paris, 1939: Odile, seems to have it all; a handsome boyfriend, an English best friend, a beloved twin, and her dream job as a librarian at the American library in Paris. And when war is declared, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapon she has - books.
Montana 1983: Widowed and alone, Odile is suffering from loneliness. Lily, a lonely teenager, soon takes a keen interest of her recluse, French neighbour. What develops is a unlikely friendship.
A story of love and friendship, of family and sacrifice, of grief and betrayal, of self-discovery and the power of literature.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Based on the true WWII story of the heroic American librarian, Miss Reeder, who created the Soldiers' Service in order to deliver books to servicemen and to Jewish readers after they were banned from entering the library, The Paris Library is a reminder of why I love historical fiction so much. It brought to life a part of history I knew nothing about, and is an ode to the essential nature of books and libraries.
The library atmosphere, the description of books, and the cast of incredible characters really immersed me into the story. The sense of 'found family' among the secondary characters was an additional bonus. It demonstrated how the library staff risked their lives to provide a small piece of normalcy to patrons, all while exploring the consequences of their choices. This novel was well researched, and the dual timeline worked, but I continually was drawn back to Paris and Odile's trials. At times there were parts of Lily's story that felt unnecessary. I also found it odd how there were only a small numbers of chapters from the perspective of secondary characters, to me this detracted from the story and felt inconsistent. And yet it was the ending which felt rushed, that left me feeling disappointed, although I adored the story as a whole.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• book lovers
• readers of historical fiction (particularly WWII)
• fans of Lilac Girls and/or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Breathing in the best smell in the world - a mélange of the mossy scent of musty books and crisp newspaper pages - I felt as if I'd come home."
"I wished I could go back to that last moment. I would say, 'You were the best mom in the world. I need you. We need you. I loved the way we watched robins and hoped for hummingbirds. I wished we had one more morning. One more hug. One more change to say I love you."
"Grief is a sea made of your own tears. Salty swells cover the dark depths you must swim at your own pace. It takes time to build stamina. Some days, my arms sliced through the water, and I felt things would be okay, the shore wasn't so far off. Then one memory, one moment would nearly drown me, and I'd be back to the beginning fighting to stay above the waves, exhausted, sinking in my own sorrow."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Bullying, and Hate crime
Moderate: War, Grief, and Death
Minor: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Police brutality, Child death, and Death of parent