Bree is a friendly but standoffish bookstore owner who keeps everyone she knows at arms length, from guys she meets in bars to her friends. 823. What was the rippling impact of Remy joining the French Army? The twist actually took away from the story for me. Book club questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles examines both timelines in this historical fiction story. Well, in terms of the American Library in Paris (The Paris Library of the title), there is. A story of love, friendship, and betrayal, The Paris Library describes Odiles developing love for Paul, a police officer of low rank. Margaret is arrested as an enemy alien, but a sympathetic German releases herand then becomes her lover. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. Three woman who join together to rent a large space along the beach in Los Angeles for their storesa gift shop, a bakery, and a bookstorebecome fast friends as they each experience the highs, and lows, of love. This work of historical fiction, based on a true story, highlights courage, the importance of keeping intellectual curiosity alive, and the meaning and value of friendship. In a moment of anger, Odile reveals Margarets secret to Paul but immediately regrets doing so. In 1939, Odile Souchet is thrilled to secure a job at the American Library in Paris. It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. A charming, ruthless autocrat, feared yet beloved, he has three acknowledged children by three different wives (not to mention unacknowledged offspring). When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Susan Mallery. Looming war with Germany? But the author has a clear affection for both Paris and the American Library, where she worked as a programs manager in 2010, and she integrates the stories of many of the real-life employees and patrons of the library into the story with finesse, earning the novel its own place in the pantheon of World War II fiction. Published in 2021, Janet Skeslien Charless The Paris Library: A Novel tells the story of the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Paul and the other three policemen were collaborators themselves, having done the Nazis' dirty work, no matter how much they disliked it, and then having enjoyed the spoils of the belongings of the Jews they arrested. Required fields are marked *. Investigators find her empty car on the edge of a deep, gloomy pond, the only clues some tire tracks nearby and a fur coat left in the carstrange for a frigid night. Based on historical events. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Despite knowing about Lilys faults, Odile loves her unconditionally and accepts her. Both Odiles father and Paul are working under the Nazis direction. If you love libraries and are interested in how a library stayed open during the entire war in the center of conflict, The Paris Library is a great book club choice. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. influencers in the know since 1933. 2021. The historical fiction genre loves dual timelines! Categories: Drama. Janet Skeslien Charles was inspired to write her novel after working at the American Library in Paris and learning about the bravery of the librarians who w. Surprisingly, its not little Froid, Montana, that ends up being a letdown, but rather the Nazi Occupation and the ALPs Resistance work. Later, Odile returns to her fathers office twice to steal some of these letters and spare a few people. It is charming and moving, with a perfect balance between history and fiction., Tatiana de Rosnay, New York Times bestselling author of Sarah's Key, A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. Fans of Lester's own French novels will be delighted with this wartime story. However, for The Paris Library, there was plenty of food mentioned, partly due to the fact that the story is dual-timeline. My verdict with The Paris Libraryits a decent story but I thought it was lacking in some areas. Although Odiles family and the library staff suffer from hunger and worry, they dont really undergo tremendous hardship. GENERAL FICTION, by She's memorized the Dewey Decimal system. And his French friend a walrus with a bushy moustache. [I'm wondering about what happened to the character of Paul? 2018 The Edge Communications Sdn. I get what the author was trying to convey but I didnt think it was executed in the best way. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number), Worth the Wait: New Fiction From 6 Favorites, Hang the Moon Will Be Adapted for TV Series. On that note, Ive provided book club questions and a delicious food ideas for The Paris Library, so if you are looking for book club ideas and more, keep reading! The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles Publication Date: March 1, 2022 Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Atria Books ISBN-10: 1982134208 ISBN-13: 9781982134204 Stephanie I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. [Paul is interesting. Theyre all here, and theyre universal, nest-ce pas? Then, what seems like a small conflict elsewhere, suddenly escalates into war. Oftentimes, its not surprisingfor instance, Kristin Hannahs The Four Winds is currently number one. But I also saw The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles made it on there as well. In THE PARIS LIBRARY, the beloved library, its staff, and its subscribers come to life and remind us of both the horrors of World War II and the vital role books play in keeping us afloat in difficult times. Bhd. Ive always been a huge fan of historical stories told from alternate lenses in this case, that of a young girl wandering the streets of Paris and working in a library. Book Summary. The Paris Library: A Novel. Her shorter work has appeared in revues such as Slice and Montana Noir. Ask the Author. The WWII parts are very strong and I was engaged with learning more about the American Library in Parissomething I didnt know anything about going into this story. I think this story could have been first rate if we had just had ONE chronological timeline instead of the two. Following Odile in her new job at the American Library in Paris, the novel offers a unique and refreshing take on the events of WWII, as seen through the lens of the library, its staff and subscribers. He felt guilty about what he'd done and took it out on Margaret. I think he anger was always visible, I agree with you that Paul was missing from the wrap up of the book but also Odiles parents. A little more drama would have made the Nazi horrorsand Odiles dilemmas--more vivid. Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. This time, they did not. Still, the WWII parts were interesting and well written. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. There she meets an American soldier, agrees to marry him, and leaves Paris without ever seeing her family and friends again. Odile is initially angry but understands Margarets predicament. Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library is an unforgettable. Increasingly angry at his subordinate role to the Nazis and his humiliating tasks, Paul has outbursts of anger directed mainly at French women consorting with German soldiers. American Library in Paris director Dorothy Reeder in her office in 1937. "The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet seems to have the perfect life with her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. Janet Skeslien Charles Lily helps Odile overcome her guilt and regain a sense of belonging with others. The tough test of time involves readers. Margaret blames her for divulging the secret and never wants to see her again. So how does Odile end up in the tiny town of Froid, Montana, some four decades later, a widow and near-recluse? Carrying the guilt of betraying Margaret, Odile wears Margarets parting gift, the belt, until Lilys high school graduation. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is another engaging WWII historical fiction novel. If your book club is reading this one, check out my book club questions here. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Rmy is wounded in the early fighting and then in a prisoner-of-war camp, where he later perishes. Soon thereafter, Lilys father remarries. Perhaps because of that, I avoid books about this time, though there have certainly been a plethora of them in recent years. "The Paris Library" marks Janet Skeslien Charles's second novel of her writing career. In a Disney-ian twist, things work out in the end, but not before they change the course of the plot and the readers affinity for the characters. On September 3, 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War. After roaming the streets of Paris, Odile gravitates to the American Hospital, where she once volunteered and does so again. Based on the true World War. So that was a bit of a disappointment to me. 823. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry by A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we arefamily, friends, and favorite authorsThe Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. Chapter 1 Summary: "OdileParis, February 1939" Entranced by the Dewey Decimal System, Odile Souchet is both excited and nervous for her interview at the American Library in Paris. History buffs will enjoy the many hints Walls sprinkles to show that Tudor England is her novels template (the Dukes marriage to his brothers widow; his banished daughter, Mary, and short-lived heir, Edward; the Kincaids counselor Cecil, etc.). Shortly after his fourth marriage, the Duke dies unexpectedly. Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris (ALP), this book tells an unforgettable tale of romance, friendship and family in the most unusual of situations. As different as Odile and Lily are, the two are drawn to each other by their similarities outside of a love for books and reading, their heads are full of dreams and they possess a quick wit and instinctive understanding of their surroundings, but they also tend to jeopardise friendships because of their inability to hold their tongues. Odile initially blames Bitsi, Rmys love and her friend, for his decision but later repairs the friendship. Fallouts are heart-rending, and are written into the story with tenderness and affection. Reader Q&A, His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. And Ashley is a young, very-much-in-love bakery owner specializing in muffins who devotes herself to giving back to the community through a nonprofit that helps community members develop skills and find jobs. Surely you know where this is going, by this point? The Paris Library was unlike any of these. Who was your favorite secondary character? Odile Souchet is obsessed with books, and her new job at the American Library in Paris with its thriving community of students, writers and book lovers is a dream come true. Lily is a lonely teenager desperate to escape small-town Montana. What other books about libraries have you read and loved? All Rights Reserved. 841. In many ways, this story really is a love letter to bookworms. One follows Odile Souchet, a new librarian . You can read order the book on Amazon here. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Janet Skeslien Charles is an award-winning author with over a decade's worth of roaming the streets of Paris and researching in its libraries. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. Additionally, Odile motivates Lily to stand up for herself and insist on achieving her goal to attend college. How Odile ends up in the US unfolds over the course of the book. The Book of Lost Names revolved around a female document forger. Bookseller friend of Hugo. Courtesy of Elizabeth Yoon. Check out my book club questions here. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. Rogers fiance. With his help, Margaret procures food and other items, which she shares with Odile. Enter your email to receive Bookclubs' newsletter with reading recommendations and the most popular book club books each month. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. For more on this award-winning author, visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Janet-Skeslien-Charles/164282829. Did you know about the American Library in Paris prior to reading this novel? Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. I was not familiar with this one prior to seeing it on the list and since Im a huge fan of historical fiction, I decided to check it out. Although pragmatic, street-smart middle child Sallie is his intellectual and emotional heir, the Duke leaves his estate to her emotionally oversensitive half brother, Eddie, because hes the only boy. How does this go back to the quote from Lilys mother (question #2)? However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. Only Eva holds the answerbut will she have the strength to revisit old memories and help reunite those lost during the war? Were you surprised to learn what Odile was doing the day that Lily barged in to ask about her report on France? The novela New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselleris one of five finalists for the 2021 American Library in Paris Book Award. Their friendship blossoms as they help each other, offering support, hard truths, and loving backup. Looming war with Germany? Tough and independent, Sallie refuses to let womanhood limit her ambitions as she earns the nickname Queen of the Kincaid Rumrunners. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. This thread is archived . A story of courage, defiance and betrayal in Occupied Paris, perfect for fans ofAll the Light We Cannot See, The Book Thief andThe Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society. Did it feel like you were reading a YA novel and a historical novel? The Paris Library is yet another one. Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. So we know that by the time we meet Odile in Montana, shes all alone. The witty and idealistic Odile is someone I imagine I would have been friends with. When Lily's mother becomes ill, Lily grows close to her previously frosty next-door neighbor Odile, who moved to Montana as a bride immediately after the war ended. Hard Times. In fact, many of the characters in the book are based, often by actual name, on real people. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. Her newest novel,I Meant to Tell You, was published in November 2022 by Stephen F. Austin State University Press. Why do you think Odile continued to wear the red belt 40 years later? Finding refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, she begins forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting work of historical fiction. In this one, the Montana storyline focuses more on the teenager Lily and I wasnt as engaged with her arc. She freezes; its an image of a book she hasnt seen in sixty-five yearsa book she recognizes asThe Book of Lost Names. All opinions are 100% mine and every book, unless otherwise noted, is handpicked by me to be featured on the site. Family intrigue plays out against the backdrop of 1920s Claiborne County, where racism is a given, Prohibition is the law, and bootlegging is the main source of income for Blacks and Whites. Again, I thought it was fine overall but I kept wanting to go back to the WWII storyline. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast . FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. An impromptu celebration on the beach at sunset with champagne becomes a weekly touchpoint to their lives as they learn more about each other and themselves. Welcome back. As the older Odile and Lily become friends we learn more about Odiles regrets from wartime and the vibrant cast of readers and librarians she knew at the American Library in Paris. Odile, who recently eloped with Paul at his urgent request, has no idea what happened and worries when Margaret doesnt attend a party for her and Paul at the Library. I completely agree! I think he snapped more out of guilt than anything else. The Paris Library combines a love of literature with an inspirational tale of ordinary people standing up to fight injustice. Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. RELEASE DATE: March 28, 2023. Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. 2023 Bookclubz, Inc. All rights reserved. The story is told via two parallel narratives. The friendship between the two has grown so strong that Odile wants Margaret to be her matron of honor when she marries Paul, who has proposed to her. Acting in anger, Paul beats Margaret and cuts off her hair, branding her as a harlot. Mikki is a settled-in-her-routines divorced mother of two, happily a mom, gift-shop owner, and co-parent with her ex-husband, Perry. Rivalry and secrets? And his French frienda walrus with a bushy mustache. Movie star in the 40's. Bouquiniste - booksellers along the Seine River in Paris. by Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. For example, The Nightingale dealt with female Resistance couriers and the French occupation. While Odile develops a close friendship with Margaret, she also is envious of her lifestyle. I do recommend The Paris Library, but the print version, please. How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? Lily has to deal not only with loss but with learning how she fits into a new family. Even beyond the wartime drama, her ALP communitymany of them true historical figuresare a wonderfully colorful lot. In 1983, Lily is an awkward teenager trying to find her place in small-town Montana. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! If you are looking for food ideas for The Paris Library, Im sure your book club will be happy to try any of the foods on this list!The Paris Library Book Club Questions and Food Ideas. The American Library in Paris was able to stay open throughout the war. Will Odile ever reconnect with Margaret again. I thought this one was decent overall but I had some issues with it. The main character, Odile, narrates the time in Paris, while a secondary narratora young girl named Lily, who is coming of age in a small Montana town in the 1980sallows the author to revisit Odile later in life and emphasize the timelessness of friendship. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Review: The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton, Q&A with Peng Shepherd, Author of The Cartographers, Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Book Club Questions for The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin, Review: You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, 10 Book Club Books to Read in Summer 2023, Book Club Questions for Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Review: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Book Club Questions for The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes, Book Club Questions for Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, (Updated April 2023) Reeses Book Club Picks: Entire List, Book Club Questions for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Book Club Questions for Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. Your email address will not be published. When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. The totality of the ALPs anti-Nazi efforts seems to involve delivering books. So does defining family. Almost 40 years later, Lily befriends Odile, who lives alone and is isolated. I do think there are stronger WWII historical fiction out there. She grows close to her neighbour Odile, discovering they share the same love of language, the same longings. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. Apartment building concierge. The story is told via two parallel narratives. I mentioned this in my review but I thought the story was fine overall. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. I hope that these elements will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of The Paris Library. (See my struggle to find a recipe for The Nightingale here). Susan Mallery While the characters deal with their fair share of conflict, the violence and mentions of hunger are kept to a minimum given the subject. The authors affection for both Paris and the ALP, where she worked as a programme manager in 2010, comes through beautifully as she integrates the stories of many of the real-life employees and patrons of the library into the story with finesse. When Paris is liberated, Paul and another police officer encounter Margaret on the street. What are some similar books youve read? RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. Why do you think this was? After living in Paris, how could she settle for this dull dot on the plains? wonders Lily Jacobsen, the seventh grader who lives next door. If you love reading about WWII or the time period, but have trouble getting through some of the violence and starvation that was rampant during the war, then I think you will like The Paris Library. Agatha Christie novels have withstood the test of time, due in no small part to Christies masterful storytelling and clever mind that may never be matched, but Agatha Christies untold history offers perhaps her greatest mystery of all. Try not to hold that against them; you never know whats in their heart. Lily often thinks about this quote. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of . Among those who do is Rmy, whoto his familys horrorjoins the French army. Or someone from Lilys timelineEleanor, Lilys mother, Mary Louise? But the twist, agh, the twist was just so bizarre. Here are a few food ideas from the pages of The Paris Library: Chapter 2 - Lily invites Odile over to learn more about France - chocolate chip cookies - and later, when Lily visits Odile serves her Russian cigarette cookies. Malaysian fantasy writer Zen Cho lands multiple awards by breaking frontiers, Poojitha Menons first solo sculptural exhibition Talking Heads chronicles her journey into clay, Sneakertopia at Singapores ArtScience Museum shows how street art drives interest in sneakers, Malachi Edwin Vethamani keeps poetry alive by giving voice to things others may not care about, HSBC Malaysias mosaic lions find new home at Tun Razak Exchange KL. Jeannette Walls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Retrieve credentials. Book Reading, Writing, and Literature . My novel, The Paris Library, tells the true tale of the international team of librarians who defied the Nazis in order to hand-deliver books to Jewish readers. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?. Television buffs will smile at the Kincaids resemblance to the Roys of Succession. While the novel is filled with gorgeous settings and a delightful cast of characters some of whom actually existed in real life what I loved the most about The Paris Library is the way it celebrates the power of books, libraries and storytelling. The Paris Library is a historical fiction novel based on the true WWII story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris.
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