lakegirl603 's review for:

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

4.5

informative inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Timing is everything. It was eerie reading this book just as the current American president issued an executive order targeting the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the funding provided by the agency. Millions of Americans use public, school, academic, and special libraries daily for culture, connection, technology services and community.  As I read, I couldn’t help but think about the fact that the brave librarians at the American Library in Paris fought valiantly to serve their subscribers during WW II, and now, libraries are under attack by the American government. The Paris Library is a delightful novel about the importance of libraries and the commitment, strength and resistance demonstrated by average everyday librarians and staff during a tumultuous and perilous time where, like today, ideas,  freedom of thought and expression were deemed dangerous by those in power. Janet Skeslien Charles brings Paris, the library, and all the characters vividly to life. I always think there is nothing left to learn about WW II, and then an author brings yet another story to life.  I knew nothing about the ALP until this novel, and treasure the knowledge the author imparted.  The novel also explores the importance of chance encounters both in Paris, and as the setting expands to 1980s Montana.  The transformative relationship between Odile and Lily was a brilliant way to weave in Odile’s self reflections on her own life, and the danger of jealousy and assumptions about others.