46 pages • 1 hour read
The Paris Library: A Novel
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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
154,424 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
154,424 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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