Title: The Paris Library
Author: Janet Skeslien Charles
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2021
Date of Publication: February 9, 2021
Pages: 368
ISBN-13: 9781982134198
Summary
The Paris Library is a dual-timeline historical novel that follows the lives of Odile Souchet, a young librarian in Paris during World War II, and Lily, a teenager in small-town Montana in the 1980s.
Odile works at the American Library in Paris, a place that becomes a refuge as the Nazi occupation intensifies.
Together with her fellow librarians, they risk their lives to protect the library and serve its patrons, even defying the Nazis to deliver books to Jewish readers barred from the library.
Decades later, Lily, curious about her mysterious neighbor Odile, learns about Odile’s past and the painful choices she made during the war.
The novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of literature to offer solace.
Main Plot & Characters
The novel centers on two main characters: Odile Souchet, a passionate young librarian in 1940s Paris, and Lily, an inquisitive teenager in 1980s Montana.
Odile’s narrative recounts her dedication to the American Library and the dangers she and her colleagues face as they resist Nazi orders.
In Montana, young Lily befriends Odile and gradually uncovers her wartime secrets.
Through their relationship, the two women share stories of love, loss, and redemption across generations.
Key Themes of The Paris Library
Themes include resilience, the importance of community, and the transformative power of literature.
The novel highlights the sacrifices people make in times of war and the lasting effects of trauma.
It also underscores the value of books as a source of comfort and connection, showing how literature bridges cultural and generational gaps.
The story explores friendship, loyalty, and the complex moral choices made during dark times.
Writing Style
Janet Skeslien Charles’s writing is descriptive, capturing the emotional weight of both timelines. She clearly makes vivid portrayals of wartime Paris and the more tranquil Montana setting.
Charles’s language reflects the era-specific dialogues, giving authenticity to both Odile’s and Lily’s perspectives.
Impact of The Paris Library
The novel resonates with readers for its exploration of lesser-known stories of courage and solidarity within the literary community during WWII.
The Paris Library celebrates the enduring spirit of libraries and the role they play in preserving humanity even in the bleakest times.
The novel invites readers to appreciate the power of literature and community in shaping resilience.
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