A review by laheath
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

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. 
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