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A review by mamaflom
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"Books and ideas are like blood; they need to circulate and they keep us alive." Professor Cohen, The Paris Library.
The Paris Library intertwines the story of Odile, a woman in Paris, beginning in 1939 and Lily, a teenager in Froid, MT, in 1983. The dual timeline enhanced the telling of the story and enabled Ms. Charles to reveal details in a way that made me want more throughout the book. (Not to be revealed here in order to refrain from spoilers)
Based on a true story of the amazing librarians that kept the American Library in Paris open during the WWII, it is much different that other historical novels I have read. It is focused on relationships - family, friends, colleagues, lovers - how we navigate, make mistakes and hope for forgiveness. I felt that I had become friends with Odile, Margaret, Miss Reeder, Bitsi and Professor Cohen and felt their heartache at many points. I had not heard of the American Library before reading this novel and I hope to be able to visit it at some point in the near future.
It was apparent that a great deal of research was done in order to write and the conversations felt genuine for the characters. I appreciate that Ms. Charles took the time to do this and include some letters in the book as well. The result is a novel that will stay with you, make you think and more importantly make you feel.
The Paris Library intertwines the story of Odile, a woman in Paris, beginning in 1939 and Lily, a teenager in Froid, MT, in 1983. The dual timeline enhanced the telling of the story and enabled Ms. Charles to reveal details in a way that made me want more throughout the book. (Not to be revealed here in order to refrain from spoilers)
Based on a true story of the amazing librarians that kept the American Library in Paris open during the WWII, it is much different that other historical novels I have read. It is focused on relationships - family, friends, colleagues, lovers - how we navigate, make mistakes and hope for forgiveness. I felt that I had become friends with Odile, Margaret, Miss Reeder, Bitsi and Professor Cohen and felt their heartache at many points. I had not heard of the American Library before reading this novel and I hope to be able to visit it at some point in the near future.
It was apparent that a great deal of research was done in order to write and the conversations felt genuine for the characters. I appreciate that Ms. Charles took the time to do this and include some letters in the book as well. The result is a novel that will stay with you, make you think and more importantly make you feel.