841. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. Who was your favorite secondary character? A common theme, in both Paris and Montana, is jealousy and the horrible toll it can take. And, because Odile isnt Jewish and has some connected friends, she sometimes partakes in black market dishes even during the war. These are good times before the war, but when the Nazis invade Paris, everything changes for Odile and her family at home and at the library. Do you think it was harder for Odile to forgive herself than it was for Margaret to forgive her? How did you feel about the format? Drama. Enter your email to receive Bookclubs' newsletter with reading recommendations and the most popular book club books each month. 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. The accompanying article discusses the looting of libraries by the Nazis across Europe during World War IIan experience Eva remembers welland the search to reunite people with the texts taken from them so long ago. Meticulously researched,The Paris Libraryis an irresistible, compelling read., Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Chelsea Girls, The Paris Libraryis 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. I really enjoyed The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and highly recommend you all read it! It includes a letter from me, discussion questions, ideas for enhancing your book club, an author Q&A, delicious French recipes, and some of my favorite French songs. I think as the war ended, seeing all that Margaret had, food, money, clothing, He just snapped. 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. Seventeen-year-old Sallie is devoted to Eddie, who's 13, but after he commits suicide she's torn by conflicting loyalties to her weak but lovable stepmother; her fathers scheming but able sister; and her older half sister, Mary, who's next in line to inherit the Kincaid empire but has not lived in Claiborne Country since her parents divorced. Lilys crush on a boy in her junior high school cant compete with the Gestapo arresting one of Odiles best friends. What do you make of her complicated friendship with Margaret? Librarian at the American Library. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. Lily has to deal not only with loss but with learning how she fits into a new family. Odile personally delivers books to Professor Cohen. Now housed in Berlins Zentral- und Landesbibliothek library, it appears to contain some sort of code, but researchers dont know where it came fromor what the code means. By some bizarre twist of fate, a much older Odile winds up living next door to Lily, and the two form an unlikely but mutually beneficial friendship Lily gains much from Odiles well-stocked bookshelves while Odile finds renewed purpose in guiding the young girl. First Edition. 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. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbors mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them. Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. Eleven days later, she reappears, just as mysteriously as she disappeared, claiming amnesia and providing no explanations for her time away. I found the Montana parts just unnecessary! When Odile visits Margaret, shes horrified. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! Categories: Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles It was intriguing to read about a different type of heroismkeeping the love of reading alive among the hardships of war. I hope that these elements will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of The Paris Library. Inevitably, Odiles story is more engrossing. Catching her the second time, Odiles father explains that he could be executed for failing to investigate tips and tells Odile not to return. Charming and Unforgettable: Read an Extract of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, 5 Quick Questions with Janet Skeslien Charles, Author of The Paris Library, Podcast: Janet Skeslien Charles on the Unusual Woman Who Sparked Her Love of France, Your email address will not be published. The story is told via two parallel narratives. The voices just werent right. The novela New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselleris one of five finalists for the 2021 American Library in Paris Book Award. She freezes; its an image of a book she hasnt seen in sixty-five yearsa book she recognizes asThe Book of Lost Names. Janet Skeslien Charles talks about her novel "The Paris Library" with 5 Quick Questions with Janet Skeslien Charles, Author of The Paris Library Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books one morning when her eyes lock on a photograph in a magazine lying open nearby. 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A story of love, friendship, and betrayal, The Paris Library describes Odiles developing love for Paul, a police officer of low rank. Despite the fact that Nazis often destroyed art and literature, they seemed to recognize that learning and reading were still important enough to keep the library open. Paris. View my Affiliate Disclosure page here. The readers added a drama that was, I thought, wrong. Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. All Rights Reserved. HISTORICAL FICTION | Try not to hold that against them; you never know whats in their heart. Lily often thinks about this quote. 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. He was doing the Nazi's dirty work. I do think there are stronger WWII historical fiction out there. 2021. Once Lily graduates from high school, Odile gives her a generous gift inspired by her own past. American Library in Paris director Dorothy Reeder in her office in 1937. In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. Nonfiction books describing Late Stage/End Stage capitalism. Together, in ways they least expect it, Odile and Lily will help each other conquer old fears, forgive past sins, and embrace the future. When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. ", Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names, "Intelligent and sensuously rich.A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries.". The Paris Library is a historical fiction novel based on the true WWII story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris. The Paris Library Character Analysis | SuperSummary The twist actually took away from the story for me. Very distracting. Hope you enjoyed book club questions for The Paris Library! I do recommend The Paris Library, but the print version, please. Even though this was clearly historical fiction based on real events, were you surprised to learn in the afterward that many of the characters were based on real people? There are public reading rooms, an innovation in French reference libraries, but French people have never developed the habit of using public libraries. Charles emphasizes the significance of this resistance by highlighting the role that books play in transporting people from their own situations and engaging their empathy and minds. More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. Her World War I veteran husband and her daughter have no knowledge of her whereabouts, and England unleashes an unprecedented manhunt to find the up-and-coming mystery author. Angry, Odile briefly cuts Lily out of her life but eventually forgives her. Despite knowing about Lilys faults, Odile loves her unconditionally and accepts her. 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! When the women meet drooling over a boardwalk storefront that none of them can afford on her own, a plan is hatched to divide the space in three, and a friendshipand business partnershipis born. Oftentimes, its not surprisingfor instance, Kristin Hannahs The Four Winds is currently number one. Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). HISTORICAL FICTION | Were glad you found a book that interests you! 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. Your email address will not be published. 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 by Janet Skeslien Charles . But when did you start to suspect a darker side to Paul? After a scold at the Library informs on Professor Cohen, its Paul who arrests her. Margaret blames her for divulging the secret and never wants to see her again. Did it feel like you were reading a YA novel and a historical novel? When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. But the twist, agh, the twist was just so bizarre. Site by AuthorBytes. When she decides to write a report on France, she visits the only French person she knowsher lonely neighbor, Odile. Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. Did you know those things happened after WWII? The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles | Goodreads For the young Parisian Odile Souchet in the winter of 1939, working in the American Library in Paris sounds like her ideal job. In a moment of anger, Odile reveals Margarets secret to Paul but immediately regrets doing so. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Paris Library. The Paris Hours (George) Summary Guide - LitLovers In any event, there is plenty to discuss about The Paris Library and who doesnt love a WWII novel? Author Mallery has created a delightful story of friendship between three women that also offers a variety of love stories as they fall in love, make mistakes, and figure out how to be the bestalbeit still flawedversions of themselves. One follows Odile Souchet, a new librarian . Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of 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. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. But amidst the dazzling creativity of the city's most famous citizens, four regular people are each searching for something they've lost. For dessert you could serve Professor Cohens Russian cigarettes! Stephanie I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. Susan Mallery. Sallie wants to support her sister but sympathizes with the bootleggersher neighbors and tenantsand recognizes that the family's finances depend on trading whiskey. Acting in anger, Paul beats Margaret and cuts off her hair, branding her as a harlot. Surely you know where this is going, by this point? Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. Once We Were Home Book Club Questions and Recipe, It Starts with Us and It Ends with Us Book Club Questions and Recipe, 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, Chapter 3 Paul comes to lunch aperitif of sherry and vermouth, potato-leek soup, pork roast and rosemary mashed potatoes, and, Chapter 4 Odile makes Lilys family leek and potato soup when Lilys mother grows weaker (made with leeks sauted in butter and boiled potatoes that are pureed with a dollop of cream), Chapter 9 Odile, Paul, and Margaret go to lunch steak frites and tarte tatin with caramelized apples, Chapter 12 After the funeral Sliced roast, mashed potatoes and gravy and Odiles croque monsieur, Chapter 12 Lily and Robbys cupcake fiasco in home economics (mixed the salt and the sugar measurements), Chapter 21 Odile comes over for Eleanors bad Thanksgiving dinner turkey and pumpkin pie and later Odile comes for Christmas, too gingerbread cookies and hot cider, Chapter 27 The librarys Christmas party hot spiced wine, creamy Camembert, oranges, foie gras, Chapter 39 Eleanor takes Lily shopping for makeup in the city a lunch of a club sandwich and a French dip, Chapter 43 After the wedding Aunt Pierrette makes roasted pheasant, mashed potatoes and flan and then the library holds a surprise reception with wedding cake, chocolates, champagne and tea. But as Lily uncovers more about Odiles mysterious past, she discovers a dark secret, closely guarded and long hidden. This guide provides access to digital materials at the Library of Congress, links to external websites, and a print bibliography. Even beyond the wartime drama, the ALP community, many of them true historical figures, are an engrossing, colourful coterie of regulars. 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. She feels a frisson of pride at violating Nazi edicts, as she packs books to send to British and Jewish colleagues who are banned from the library building. In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. Director, American Library. Odile initially blames Bitsi, Rmys love and her friend, for his decision but later repairs the friendship. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. 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. Janet Skeslien Charles. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer. Based upon her own experiences working at the American Library in Paris and growing up in rural Montana, Charles tells the story of "The Paris Library" with two distinct threads. WWII. Still, the WWII parts were interesting and well written. Let me know what you thought about it! Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. Based on the true World War II story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris, The Paris Library is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together. Both are too quick to blurt out criticisms, jeopardizing their closest friendships out of hurt and jealousy. In 1939, Odile Souchet, the daughter of the captain of a police precinct, has just finished library school. She learned about the history of the American Library in Paris while working there as the programs manager. Her friendship with Lily does open the door to her past and causes her to reflect and maybe see past events in a different light. It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Check out my book club questions here. Loyalty and betrayal? Why do you think this was? How would this have changed your reading? How did you feel about a younger Lily contrasted with a more mature Odile? "The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. The Paris Library is yet another one. I think Paul attacked Margaret to distance himself from his own guilt, directing his self-hatred at her and pretending he wasn't the collaborator, she was. What role did her unfaithful husband play, and what was he not telling investigators? For Lilys high school graduation, Odile gives her a plane ticket to Paris. The tough test of time involves readers. Book Clubs Janet Skeslien Charles Book Summary. How Odile ends up in the US unfolds over the course of the book. Were you surprised to learn what Odile was doing the day that Lily barged in to ask about her report on France? Hard Times. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Her debut novel. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. "The Paris Library" marks Janet Skeslien Charles's second novel of her writing career. And there is no mention of him at all at the end of the book. Carrying the guilt of betraying Margaret, Odile wears Margarets parting gift, the belt, until Lilys high school graduation. Do you think Margaret and Odile reconcile eventually? Despite Odiles and Lilys many differences, their stories reveal unexpected similarities between the chic Parisienne bookworm and the conventional, small-town teenager. What are some similar books youve read? After all, she loves to read, speaks fluent English, and has memorized the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books. Instead, Odile consents to an interview for Lilys project about France. A rollicking soap opera that keeps the pages turning with a surfeit of births, deaths, and surprising plot reveals. How did this compare to other WWII novels you have read? 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. Charles herself actually lived in Paris for over a decade and even worked at The American Library in Paris, which is certainly evident when you follow her detailed descriptions of this building and the different kinds of people who occupied it. Its a city I truly love and reading this was a balm for my travel-deprived senses, reliving the City of Lights, even if it was in the pre-war years of the 1940s. The novel is a dual timeline story and the second timeline follows Lily, a young girl in 1980s Montana who is now the neighbor of Odile Souchet. How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? I thought this one was decent overall but I had some issues with it. The Paris Library Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. Book Reading, Writing, and Literature . The Paris Library is a dual-timeline story of family, friendship, resistance, romance, betrayal, heroism, bravery, and books. Again, I thought it was fine overall but I kept wanting to go back to the WWII storyline. The Paris Library | Bookreporter.com His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. In Occupied Paris, choices as black and white as the words on a page become a murky shade of grey choices that will put many on the wrong side of history, and the consequences of which will echo for decades to come. Published in 2021, Janet Skeslien Charless The Paris Library: A Novel tells the story of the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Surprisingly, its not little Froid, Montana, that ends up being a letdown, but rather the Nazi Occupation and the ALPs Resistance work. The book in the photograph, an eighteenth-century religious text thought to have been taken from France in the waning days of the war, is one of the most fascinating cases. 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. Jeannette Walls Janet Skeslien Charles What did you think? Have you read The Paris Library? Almost 40 years later, Lily befriends Odile, who lives alone and is isolated. Related Topics . When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. 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. While a fundamentally decent person, Odile displays the human weaknesses of jealousy and anger. So does defining family. Just as Odile told Margarets secret so many years ago, Lily almost told Mary Louises boyfriend about an affair that Mary Louise had. 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. For those of you who arent aware, Im an avid reader of historical fiction, and as such, Ive read plenty of WWII historical novels, particularly those set in Occupied Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of genius. Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. a book review by Fran Hawthorne: The Paris Library: A Novel When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. The Paris Hours by Alex George: Summary and reviews - BookBrowse.com Given her love of books and enchantment with the Dewey Decimal System, Odile seeks and secures a job at the American Library in Paris in the months before World War II. Her newest novel,I Meant to Tell You, was published in November 2022 by Stephen F. Austin State University Press. influencers in the know since 1933. Your email address will not be published. While her brother Rmy supports her, Odile's Papa is convinced that she needs to focus on marriage. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Among those who do is Rmy, whoto his familys horrorjoins the French army. Book Review: Reading is a rebellious act in Janet Skeslien Charles's Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library: the untold story of heroic