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. 841. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. 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. The answers unspool in this well-plotted and richly populated novel, primarily through Odiles and Lilys alternating, first-person narrations. The Paris Library | Bookreporter.com What do you make of her complicated friendship with Margaret? It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. As Lily learns more about Odile and they begin to share a love of language and books, she faces her own trials, but Odile is careful to guide Lily away from the same mistakes that have haunted her since the war. Looming war with Germany? I was born at the very end of WW II and grew up reading Exodus and The Diary of Anne Frank. FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. RELEASE DATE: March 28, 2023. 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. In a moment of anger, Odile reveals Margarets secret to Paul but immediately regrets doing so. Shortly after his fourth marriage, the Duke dies unexpectedly. 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. Why do you think this was? She loves to read, has memorised the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books, and has developed a clever way of coping with strong emotions, which is to immediately relate her feelings to a book and its number. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. However, he forbids Jewish subscribers from entry. Surely you know where this is going, by this point? Janet Skeslien Charles's latest novel, The Paris Library, introduces us to Frenchwoman Odile Souchet. What is real, and what is mystery? 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. 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. 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. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. Categories: When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Required fields are marked *. Welcome back. With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. Why do you think Odile continued to wear the red belt 40 years later? Her friendship with Odile was a strong part but I wasnt so into the teenager angst. It seemed out of character to do what he did to Margaret. [I'm wondering about what happened to the character of Paul? Rogers fiance. by And his French friend a walrus with a bushy moustache. British literature. In 1939, idealistic, courageous, and ambitious Odile Souchet works at the American Library in Paris when the Nazis arrive. Odile often reminisces about food from France or makes dishes for Lily. For The Paris Library, I provide your book club with a brief summary, food ideas, and discussion questions in that order!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'bookclubbites_com-box-3','ezslot_6',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bookclubbites_com-box-3-0'); If you are a fan of WWII fiction, then you know that in the last few years there has been a boom of great historical novels from the time period that feature unique aspects of the war. Required fields are marked *. She's memorized the Dewey Decimal system. Im always curious about what makes the New York Times bestsellers list. What did you think? When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. Janet Skeslien Charles Books, libraries, Paris whats not to love? Over the next five years, through the Nazi Occupation of France, the ALP founded in 1920, it still stands today also becomes the main source of Odiles small joys. In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. The twist actually took away from the story for me. 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. For more on this award-winning author, visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Janet-Skeslien-Charles/164282829. Listening to Odiles stories, Lily fantasizes about Jews hidden in the library building. 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. 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. So how does Odile end up in the tiny town of Froid, Montana, some four decades later, a widow and near-recluse? Their friendship blossoms as they help each other, offering support, hard truths, and loving backup. Yup another historical fiction novel that I could not put down. Profoundly influenced by her mothers disowning of beloved Aunt Carowho divorced for good reasonOdile is determined to not depend on men for financial security. Paris. A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. A little more drama would have made the Nazi horrorsand Odiles dilemmas--more vivid. 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. The book also made it clear in the beginning, his disgust with women who snuggled up to Nazi's. WWII during the German occupation and 1980s Montana are the setting for this intelligent and rich novel of two young womens coming of age. Author Janet Skeslien Charles Shares the Story Behind The Paris Library Published in 2021, Janet Skeslien Charless The Paris Library: A Novel tells the story of the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles : r/booksuggestions - Reddit More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. Over the next five years, through the harsh Nazi Occupation of France, the ALPwhich is an actual institution, founded in 1920-- also becomes the main source of Odiles small joys. After a scold at the Library informs on Professor Cohen, its Paul who arrests her. While additional detail would have made the horrors wreaked by the Nazis and Odiles dilemmas during this time more vivid, this is a novel after all, and more than earns its place in the pantheon of WWII fiction. Her debut novel. Later, Odile returns to her fathers office twice to steal some of these letters and spare a few people. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Its an interesting tactic to connect the past with more of the present. LITERARY FICTION | Based on the true Second World War story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris who risked their lives during the Nazis war on words, The Paris Library by award-winning novelist Janet Skeslien Charles is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and of heroism found in the quietest of places. 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. Show more Genres Historical FictionFictionHistoricalWorld War IIBooks About BooksAudiobook France Bottom line? The Paris Library is a historical fiction novel based on the true WWII story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris. Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library: the untold story of heroic And the sound of masticating between sentences? 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. The men are similarly flawed and human. GENERAL FICTION, by Is there anything new here? by One day in the City of Light. Rivalry and secrets? While Odile develops a close friendship with Margaret, she also is envious of her lifestyle. And his French frienda walrus with a bushy mustache. New Paris Library: Visionary or Outdated? - The New York Times But when did you start to suspect a darker side to Paul? While the characters deal with their fair share of conflict, the violence and mentions of hunger are kept to a minimum given the subject. He knew arresting those people was wrong. Even beyond the wartime drama, her ALP communitymany of them true historical figuresare a wonderfully colorful lot. The Paris Library Book Club Questions and Food Ideas Do you think Margaret and Odile reconcile eventually? There she meets an American soldier, agrees to marry him, and leaves Paris without ever seeing her family and friends again. As I mentioned in the intro, recipes for books about World War II are often a challenge since most countries faced rations, if not starvation. Jeannette Walls Its a community of the intellectually curious as well as English speakers looking for a home in Paris. Fellow employees and clients of the private lending library are her closest confidantes, and 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. This anger alarms Odile though her love for him is undaunted. And when Margaret begins a relationship with a Nazi solider, shes horrified. Rmy is wounded in the early fighting and then in a prisoner-of-war camp, where he later perishes. 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. The Paris Library | Shelf Awareness Who was your favorite secondary character? Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. 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. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. Did it satisfy you or were you left wishing for more? For Lilys high school graduation, Odile gives her a plane ticket to Paris. 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. or ask your favorite author a question with As a Parisian, an ardent bookworm, and a longtime fan of the American Library in Paris, I devouredThe Paris Libraryin one hungry gulp. In fact, many of the characters in the book are based, often by actual name, on real people. 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. Having learned the French language from Odile, Lily has become a Francophile and decides that she will head to the American Library upon her arrival. Janet Skeslien Charles has penned an unforgettable novel that spans 60 years and several generations in the midst of historic turning points as dramatic as those we are living through now. An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? The Paris Library Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is another engaging WWII historical fiction novel. And, of course, there was All the Light We Cannot See as well. Despite Odiles and Lilys many differences, their stories reveal unexpected similarities between the chic Parisienne bookworm and the conventional, small-town teenager. In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. Curious about Odiles past, Lily looks through Odiles personal effects and, on finding a crow letter (which Odile stole), wrongly accuses her of being an informant. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of genius. When she decides to write a report on France, she visits the only French person she knowsher lonely neighbor, Odile. Intellectually curious and socially awkward at times, Lily reminds Odile of her younger self. 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. She learned about the history of the American Library in Paris while working there as the programs manager. The Paris Library: A Novel - amazon.com 841. 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. The tough test of time involves readers. 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. 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. Susan Mallery. Heartbreaking and Uplifting: Read our review of The Paris Library by This post contains links to products that I may receive compensation from at no additional cost to you. At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 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. The witty and idealistic Odile is someone I imagine I would have been friends with. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting work of historical fiction. Were you more engaged in one storyline over the other? This guide provides access to digital materials at the Library of Congress, links to external websites, and a print bibliography. While that might not be historically accurate, this is a novel, after all. Inevitably, Odiles story is more engrossing. Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles For dessert you could serve Professor Cohens Russian cigarettes! The Paris Library : Book summary and reviews of The Paris Library by One night in search of lost time. Once Lily graduates from high school, Odile gives her a generous gift inspired by her own past. 2023 Bookclubz, Inc. All rights reserved. It was intriguing to read about a different type of heroismkeeping the love of reading alive among the hardships of war. What are some similar books youve read? GENERAL FICTION, by The Paris Librarian Character List - BookCompanion Odiles husband and son are deceased. Jeannette Walls. 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.). "The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. The synopsis talks about a betrayal in the past and Ill be honest, I thought that twist was strange. Were you surprised to learn what Odile was doing the day that Lily barged in to ask about her report on France? Step into The Paris Library through the pages of this novel Looming war with Germany? Almost 40 years later, Lily befriends Odile, who lives alone and is isolated. 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. In many ways, this story really is a love letter to bookworms. 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. by British literature.). The Paris Library. The Paris Library was unlike any of these. Margaret blames her for divulging the secret and never wants to see her again. Fallouts are heart-rending, and are written into the story with tenderness and affection. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Catching her the second time, Odiles father explains that he could be executed for failing to investigate tips and tells Odile not to return. 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. Book club questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles examines both timelines in this historical fiction story. Courtesy of Janet Skeslien Charles Located just two blocks from the Eiffel Tower, the private American Library in Paris has welcomed bibliophiles since 1920. Even beyond the wartime drama, the ALP community, many of them true historical figures, are an engrossing, colourful coterie of regulars. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! Well, in terms of the American Library in Paris (The Paris Library of the title), there is. Surprisingly, its not little Froid, Montana, that ends up being a letdown, but rather the Nazi Occupation and the ALPs Resistance work. Try not to hold that against them; you never know whats in their heart. Lily often thinks about this quote. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. This role is especially crucial in the difficult conditions of occupied Paris, where food is increasingly scarce, and the arrest of Jewish citizens and enemy aliens is a constant threat. Soon thereafter, Lilys father remarries. Will Odile ever reconnect with Margaret again. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast . Thats not to say that schoolgirl crushes and adjusting to the woman her father marries after her mother dies arent valid storylines, but can they really hold a candle to the Gestapo arresting one of Odiles best friends? The novela New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselleris one of five finalists for the 2021 American Library in Paris Book Award. Apartment building concierge. 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. 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. Bookseller friend of Hugo. A charming, ruthless autocrat, feared yet beloved, he has three acknowledged children by three different wives (not to mention unacknowledged offspring). 823. Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris. 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. But then the Nazis invade Paris and everything changes. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of . A common theme, in both Paris and Montana, is jealousy and the horrible toll it can take. But the twist, agh, the twist was just so bizarre. Hard Times. Jealousy? Check out my book club questions here. Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. Acting in anger, Paul beats Margaret and cuts off her hair, branding her as a harlot. *If you are new here, WELCOME! As Odile describes some of them to a dying American soldier whom shes tending: Theres an Englishmanimagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. Treaty of Paris: Primary Documents in American History His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. 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. Angry, Odile briefly cuts Lily out of her life but eventually forgives her. I think the Montana one could have been fleshed out a bit better. 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. 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. Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Atria Books. How did you feel about the format? While the story comes down clearly on the side of all-encompassing love, Mallery has struck a careful balance: There is just enough sex to be spicy, just enough swearing to be naughty, and just enough heartbreak to avoid being cloying. This article first appeared on July26, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia. 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. In her second novel, The Paris Library, Janet Skeslien Charles ( Moonlight in Odessa) weaves Odile's story together with that of 14-year-old Lily Jacobsen, growing up in Montana in the mid-1980s. Stephanie I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. Book Club Questions for American Pop by Snowden Wright, Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. It is 1939, and Odile Souchet has just returned to Paris after completing library school. She grows close to her neighbour Odile, discovering they share the same love of language, the same longings.
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