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Janet Skeslien Charles

The Paris Library: A Novel

Janet Skeslien CharlesFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Janet Skeslien Charles

The Paris Library

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1940s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2021, Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library: A Novel intertwines the stories of Odile, who works at the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation, and Lily, a young girl in 1980s Montana discovering her own path. The narrative explores themes of courage, intellectual curiosity, and the value of friendship as Odile navigates wartime challenges and Lily finds inspiration in Odile's past. The book contains themes of war, loss, and complex emotional dynamics.

Informative

Emotional

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

154,424 ratings

80%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library is praised for its rich historical detail and engaging narrative, adeptly juggling dual timelines. The novel's exploration of friendship and resilience during WWII captivates many readers, though some find the pacing uneven and certain characters underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a compelling read with minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Paris Library?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with rich, emotional narratives, and a love for literature will appreciate The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will find this book appealing for its WWII backdrop and intergenerational storytelling.

4.3

154,424 ratings

80%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1940s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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