The Paris Library: A Novel

· Simon and Schuster · Narrated by Janet Skeslien Charles, Nicky Diss, Sarah Feathers, and Esther Wane
4.8
6 reviews
Audiobook
11 hr 53 min
Unabridged
Eligible
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About this audiobook

An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller—based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II—The Paris Library is a moving and unforgettable “ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

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. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s 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.

“A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship” (Booklist), The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest places.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
6 reviews
Kimberly Costa
March 4, 2021
Paris, 1939 World War II is underway, and Odile Souchet has just landed her dream job at the American Library in Paris, working alongside the library’s legendary director, Dorothy Reeder. Before long she has a best friend and a handsome police officer for a boyfriend. But then her brother joins the war, and the Nazi’s invade Paris. This was a riveting story from the library’s efforts to send books to the troops, to getting books to Paris Jews who are no longer permitted within its walls. Betrayal, loss, and Odile’s attempt to protect others held me captive. It was fascinating to learn how she ended up in Montana. I wept for Odile. Montana, 1983 Odile lives alone in a small-Montana town when her life is interrupted by her teenage neighbor Lily. Odile is there through the dark times for Lily, and the two strike up a friendship. I liked Lily and her coming of age story. It was interesting to see growth from both as they admitted mistakes, learned, healed and grew. Their story is one of kindred spirits, confessions, compassion, friendship and understanding. Charles did a wonderful job of weaving both stories and showing the parallel between the two protagonists, even though their lives were very different. I think we can all relate to both and their passion for books endeared them to me. The tale was narrated by Nicky Diss, Sarah Feathers, and Esther Wane. Mostly, I enjoyed the audio and liked that key characters had their own narrator as we switched between the two timelines. Odile’s narration in Paris had some issues that annoyed me. I could hear swallowing and intake of breathes. Her voice seemed wet and I am not sure if it was the accent she developed for Odile or if this was a production/editing issue. Don’t miss the fascinating chat with the author at the end. She shares the history of the American Library. You’ll want to add it to your travel bucket list.
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About the author

Janet Skeslien Charles is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Paris Library. Her work has been translated into thirty-seven languages. She has spent a decade researching Jessie Carson (Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade) at The Morgan Library, the NYPL, and archives across France. Her shorter work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, LitHub, and the anthology Montana Noir. To connect, visit her website JSkeslienCharles.com, @JSkeslienCharles on Instagram, or @SkeslienCharles on Twitter.

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