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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I received a free ARC from Edelweiss.
I feel like I read a different ARC than everyone else? This is yet another libraries-are-awesome and WWII women-are-heroes novel, and I think I'm just burned out on them. They all start reading the same when you've read a lot of them. I did enjoy Odile's character, but I could have done without the modern day Montana plot line--I didn't think it added any depth. And I didn't understand the odd chapter POV from Miss Reeder when most of the book is from Odile or Lily's POV. This book is complete fodder for librarians who want to hear about how great they are and the depths they will go to in order to help patrons and save the books from bad guys. Lots of quotes in this ARC that librarians will copy and paste all over:
"I was skeptical about soul mates, but could believe in bookmates, two beings bound by a passion for reading." and "Of course, he knew something was wrong, he was a librarian--part psychologicist, bartender, bouncer, and detective."
I guess I'm becoming a cynical librarian in middle age. I wanted tighter editing, too, because it took me a long time to read this book. I kept watching Netflix and the DVR instead, which tells me something. I'm sure public library book clubs will love this title and some librarians will sing its praises. But it's nothing special to me.
I feel like I read a different ARC than everyone else? This is yet another libraries-are-awesome and WWII women-are-heroes novel, and I think I'm just burned out on them. They all start reading the same when you've read a lot of them. I did enjoy Odile's character, but I could have done without the modern day Montana plot line--I didn't think it added any depth. And I didn't understand the odd chapter POV from Miss Reeder when most of the book is from Odile or Lily's POV. This book is complete fodder for librarians who want to hear about how great they are and the depths they will go to in order to help patrons and save the books from bad guys. Lots of quotes in this ARC that librarians will copy and paste all over:
"I was skeptical about soul mates, but could believe in bookmates, two beings bound by a passion for reading." and "Of course, he knew something was wrong, he was a librarian--part psychologicist, bartender, bouncer, and detective."
I guess I'm becoming a cynical librarian in middle age. I wanted tighter editing, too, because it took me a long time to read this book. I kept watching Netflix and the DVR instead, which tells me something. I'm sure public library book clubs will love this title and some librarians will sing its praises. But it's nothing special to me.
4.8 I thoroughly enjoyed this little-known story of the American Library in Paris and the sacrifices, bravery, and wit displayed by its staff and subscribers during World War II. I nearly felt every emotion that exists and simply adored getting to know the characters and their connections.
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
What another WW2 heartbreaking and full of love story. In love with historical fiction with touches of real people and real experiences.
In the lead up to WWll, a young Parisienne gets a perfect job at the American Library in Paris, and that venerable institution becomes the center place and home for the story and characters. It’s a skillful novelizing of history via composite and invented characters, with war, relationships, and human frailty providing the conflicts.
The war stories felt authentic and were treated with the emotional gravitas they deserved. The modern story worked, (though I didn’t love the main narrator of those parts, so a reading on the page may give a different vibe.) and brought the pieces of the puzzle together. The ending left some of the mess while still providing some cosmic hope.
The library lore was satisfying to this library mouse who used to long to work at one.
And Paris, well, c’est si bon. Toujours. I’ve been to France but not to Paris, and reading this fanned the flame of hope that I’ll get there someday. And of course I will visit the ALP.
The war stories felt authentic and were treated with the emotional gravitas they deserved. The modern story worked, (though I didn’t love the main narrator of those parts, so a reading on the page may give a different vibe.) and brought the pieces of the puzzle together. The ending left some of the mess while still providing some cosmic hope.
The library lore was satisfying to this library mouse who used to long to work at one.
And Paris, well, c’est si bon. Toujours. I’ve been to France but not to Paris, and reading this fanned the flame of hope that I’ll get there someday. And of course I will visit the ALP.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
As a Francophile, aspiring academic librarian, and a longtime book lover, I was very excited to read this book. I really enjoyed it for its portrayal of the American Library in Paris, and how books brought meaning and helped people form community during the dark times of World War II. I’m not a huge fan of the author’s writing style and found myself a bit disappointed in the beginning, however over time my impression definitely improved. The story itself was gripping and well constructed. Odile and Lily are relatable and interesting characters, and it was great to see how their stories progress and eventually entwine into one. I did not expect Odile’s story in France to end the way it did, which made the plot all the more interesting. I wish that we learned a bit more about Odile’s friend Lucienne and how they were connected, however the book did wrap up nicely. Overall, this was a wonderful read!
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-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:
Complicated
"Une soif de livres et de liberté" de Janet Skeslien Charles est un roman captivant qui se déroule à deux époques différentes, tissant des liens entre le passé et le présent. Voici un résumé sans spoilers :
Paris, 1939 :
Odile Souchet travaille à la Bibliothèque américaine de Paris.
Alors que la Seconde Guerre mondiale éclate, elle et ses collègues bibliothécaires s'engagent dans la Résistance.
Ils utilisent les livres comme armes pour aider ceux qui sont persécutés, en particulier les Juifs.
Le roman explore leur courage, leur détermination et les risques qu'ils prennent pour protéger la connaissance et la liberté.
Montana, 1983 :
Lily Jacobsen, une adolescente, vit dans une petite ville isolée.
Elle se lie d'amitié avec sa voisine, Odile, une femme mystérieuse et solitaire.
Leur relation se développe à travers leur amour commun des livres.
Lily, va découvrir le passé d'Odile et ses secrets.
Thèmes principaux :
Le pouvoir des livres et de la lecture.
Le courage et la résilience face à l'adversité.
L'amitié et la solidarité.
Les conséquences de la guerre et les traumatismes du passé.
Ce roman est une ode à la littérature et à ceux qui ont risqué leur vie pour la préserver. Il met en lumière le rôle essentiel des bibliothécaires dans la sauvegarde de la culture et de la liberté.
Paris, 1939 :
Odile Souchet travaille à la Bibliothèque américaine de Paris.
Alors que la Seconde Guerre mondiale éclate, elle et ses collègues bibliothécaires s'engagent dans la Résistance.
Ils utilisent les livres comme armes pour aider ceux qui sont persécutés, en particulier les Juifs.
Le roman explore leur courage, leur détermination et les risques qu'ils prennent pour protéger la connaissance et la liberté.
Montana, 1983 :
Lily Jacobsen, une adolescente, vit dans une petite ville isolée.
Elle se lie d'amitié avec sa voisine, Odile, une femme mystérieuse et solitaire.
Leur relation se développe à travers leur amour commun des livres.
Lily, va découvrir le passé d'Odile et ses secrets.
Thèmes principaux :
Le pouvoir des livres et de la lecture.
Le courage et la résilience face à l'adversité.
L'amitié et la solidarité.
Les conséquences de la guerre et les traumatismes du passé.
Ce roman est une ode à la littérature et à ceux qui ont risqué leur vie pour la préserver. Il met en lumière le rôle essentiel des bibliothécaires dans la sauvegarde de la culture et de la liberté.