Margaret is arrested as an enemy alien, but a sympathetic German releases herand then becomes her lover. I think Paul attacked Margaret to distance himself from his own guilt, directing his self-hatred at her and pretending he wasn't the collaborator, she was. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Show more Genres Historical FictionFictionHistoricalWorld War IIBooks About BooksAudiobook France A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we arefamily, friends, and favorite authorsThe Paris Libraryshows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places. Or someone from Lilys timelineEleanor, Lilys mother, Mary Louise? His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. A rollicking soap opera that keeps the pages turning with a surfeit of births, deaths, and surprising plot reveals. Charles herself actually lived in Paris for over a decade and even worked at The American Library in Paris, which is certainly evident when you follow her detailed descriptions of this building and the different kinds of people who occupied it. All Rights Reserved. Profoundly influenced by her mothers disowning of beloved Aunt Carowho divorced for good reasonOdile is determined to not depend on men for financial security. A thoroughly enjoyable read, kind-hearted and brimming with delightful bookish allusions., Matthew Sullivan, author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, "Having lived in an apartment just above the current location of the American Library in Paris, I've always felt connected to the institution and wondered about its story, so I'm grateful to Janet Skeslien Charles for penning such a vivid, enjoyable, based-on-a-true-story tale. So we know that by the time we meet Odile in Montana, shes all alone. On that note, Ive provided book club questions and a delicious food ideas for The Paris Library, so if you are looking for book club ideas and more, keep reading! The men are similarly flawed and human. A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we arefamily, friends, and favorite authorsThe Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places. One follows Odile Souchet, a new librarian . There will be spoilers so for more context about the story, check out spoiler-free review first. Most often, they add. If you love libraries and are interested in how a library stayed open during the entire war in the center of conflict, The Paris Library is a great book club choice. Who was your favorite secondary character? So does defining family. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Book club questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles examines both timelines in this historical fiction story. 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. LITERARY FICTION | In fact, many of the characters in the book are based, often by actual name, on real people. Options is the award-winning lifestyle pullout of The Edge Malaysia, the countrys premier business and investment weekly publication. And the sound of masticating between sentences? Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Did you know about the American Library in Paris prior to reading this novel? Why do you think its hard for us not to hold what people do or dont say against them and instead see them with compassion in light of our own fallibility? Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. Hardcover. On September 3, 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War. Her newest novel,I Meant to Tell You, was published in November 2022 by Stephen F. Austin State University Press. Nonfiction books describing Late Stage/End Stage capitalism. Using her own life experiences, Odile guides Lily to accept her overprotective father and her stepmother, who is struggling with two baby boys. influencers in the know since 1933. Even though this was clearly historical fiction based on real events, were you surprised to learn in the afterward that many of the characters were based on real people? Paris. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didnt expect. 841. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Although Odiles family and the library staff suffer from hunger and worry, they dont really undergo tremendous hardship. She learned about the history of the American Library in Paris while working there as the programs manager. WWII. Meanwhile, in 1980s Montana, Lily is a lonely teenager desperate to escape the small town she lives in, as she balances mourning for her late mother, her relationship with her fathers new wife and her misunderstood passion for the written word. While a fundamentally decent person, Odile displays the human weaknesses of jealousy and anger. Enter your email to receive Bookclubs' newsletter with reading recommendations and the most popular book club books each month. Margaret blames her for divulging the secret and never wants to see her again. Tough and independent, Sallie refuses to let womanhood limit her ambitions as she earns the nickname Queen of the Kincaid Rumrunners. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer. Have you read The Paris Library? I get what the author was trying to convey but I didnt think it was executed in the best way. A little more drama would have made the Nazi horrorsand Odiles dilemmas--more vivid. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. Following Odile in her new job at the American Library in Paris, the novel offers a unique and refreshing take on the events of WWII, as seen through the lens of the library, its staff and subscribers. HISTORICAL FICTION | The authors affection for both Paris and the ALP, where she worked as a programme manager in 2010, comes through beautifully as she integrates the stories of many of the real-life employees and patrons of the library into the story with finesse. For the young Parisian Odile Souchet in the winter of 1939, working in the American Library in Paris sounds like her ideal job. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Review: The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton, Q&A with Peng Shepherd, Author of The Cartographers, Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Book Club Questions for The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin, Review: You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, 10 Book Club Books to Read in Summer 2023, Book Club Questions for Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Review: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Book Club Questions for The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes, Book Club Questions for Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, (Updated April 2023) Reeses Book Club Picks: Entire List, Book Club Questions for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Book Club Questions for Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. 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. Hearing her detail what she loved most made me realize that I loved those things, too. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Located just two blocks from the Eiffel Tower, the private American Library in Paris has welcomed bibliophiles since 1920. Schwab, Q&A with Hannah Richell, Author of The River Home, Book Club Questions for The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle, Book Club Questions for The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dar, 10 Book Club Books to Read in Summer 2023, Book Club Questions for Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Review: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Book Club Questions for The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes, Book Club Questions for Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, (Updated April 2023) Reeses Book Club Picks: Entire List, Book Club Questions for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Book Club Questions for Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. 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. Oftentimes, its not surprisingfor instance, Kristin Hannahs The Four Winds is currently number one. Although Lily doesnt know it, Odile is about to kill herself when Lily knocks on her door the first time. It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. 2021. The tough test of time involves readers. Based on the true Second World War story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris who risked their lives during the Nazi's 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. Even beyond the wartime drama, her ALP communitymany of them true historical figuresare a wonderfully colorful lot. One night in search of lost time. 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. Based on historical events. What are some similar books youve read? Despite knowing about Lilys faults, Odile loves her unconditionally and accepts her. or ask your favorite author a question with document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Janet Skeslien Charles is an award-winning author with over a decade's worth of roaming the streets of Paris and researching in its libraries. (An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? 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. Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. A common theme, in both Paris and Montana, is jealousy and the horrible toll it can take. You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with 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. Intellectually curious and socially awkward at times, Lily reminds Odile of her younger self. Both are too quick to blurt out criticisms, jeopardizing their closest friendships out of hurt and jealousy. With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. This 1954 classic by a precocious 18-year-old takes us to the sun-drenched Riviera, where lazy and selfish 17-year-old Ccile is holidaying with her widowed father and his latest girlfriend. Her father refuses to help the Professor. 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. Your email address will not be published. The Paris Library was unlike any of these. 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. Do you think Margaret and Odile reconcile eventually? Professor Cohen, Margaret, Ms. Reeder, etc? Susan Mallery. FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. In THE PARIS LIBRARY, the beloved library, its staff, and its subscribers come to life and remind us of both the horrors of World War II and the vital role books play in keeping us afloat in difficult times. Hard Times. Trouble signing in? Listening to Odiles stories, Lily fantasizes about Jews hidden in the library building. How did you feel about the format? 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. In any event, there is plenty to discuss about The Paris Library and who doesnt love a WWII novel? Odile personally delivers books to Professor Cohen. I thought this one was decent overall but I had some issues with it. [I think Paul is an interesting character and he illustrates some of the conflicted feelings Parisians felt about the Occupation. 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. Its a community of the intellectually curious as well as English speakers looking for a home in Paris. Still, Odile harbors jealousy toward Margaret for her wealthand resents her criticisms of the French army. First Edition. Both Odiles father and Paul are working under the Nazis direction. How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. This post contains links to products that I may receive compensation from at no additional cost to you. Lilys crush on a boy in her junior high school cant compete with the Gestapo arresting one of Odiles best friends. Ask the Author. FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | Even beyond the wartime drama, the ALP community, many of them true historical figures, are an engrossing, colourful coterie of regulars. Meticulously researched,The Paris Libraryis an irresistible, compelling read., Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Chelsea Girls, The Paris Libraryis a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. Your email address will not be published. Told over the course of a single day in 1927, The Paris Hours takes four ordinary people whose stories, told together, are as extraordinary as the glorious city they inhabit. Lily has to deal not only with loss but with learning how she fits into a new family. 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. However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. by Janet Skeslien Charles RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. But the twist, agh, the twist was just so bizarre. Odile is initially angry but understands Margarets predicament. Still, the WWII parts were interesting and well written. Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes. Soon thereafter, Lilys father remarries. Fellow employees and clients of the private lending library are her closest confidants. I do think there are stronger WWII historical fiction out there. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry 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. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. In 1983, Lily is an awkward teenager trying to find her place in small-town Montana. I love to read and review various genres with a focus on contemporary fiction, historical fiction with some mysteries/thrillers and also select nonfiction and memoirs. Why do you think Odile continued to wear the red belt 40 years later? For Lilys high school graduation, Odile gives her a plane ticket to Paris. Unsurprisingly, Odiles life is much more interesting than Lilys. 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 Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting work of historical fiction. In what ways were they similar? When Lily's mother becomes ill, Lily grows close to her previously frosty next-door neighbor Odile, who moved to Montana as a bride immediately after the war ended. Chapter 3 - Paul comes to lunch - aperitif of sherry and vermouth, potato-leek soup, pork roast and rosemary . 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. Drama. Book Club Questions for American Pop by Snowden Wright, Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. In fact, her way of coping with strong emotions is to immediately relate her feelings to a book and its Dewey Decimal number. Carrying the guilt of betraying Margaret, Odile wears Margarets parting gift, the belt, until Lilys high school graduation. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Stephanie I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. While the characters deal with their fair share of conflict, the violence and mentions of hunger are kept to a minimum given the subject. Mikki is a settled-in-her-routines divorced mother of two, happily a mom, gift-shop owner, and co-parent with her ex-husband, Perry. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?, A post shared by Atria Books (@atriabooks). Based on the true World War. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Let me know what you thought about it! What did you think of this decision by Odile to leave everything behind? The girls sounded bratty, the prose almost juvenile. The WWII parts are very strong and I was engaged with learning more about the American Library in Parissomething I didnt know anything about going into this story. At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. The book in the photograph, an eighteenth-century religious text thought to have been taken from France in the waning days of the war, is one of the most fascinating cases. Margaret is eventually attacked by Paul and when Odile learns the truthshe leaves behind Paris forever to marry an American. I think as the war ended, seeing all that Margaret had, food, money, clothing, He just snapped. Charming and Unforgettable: Read an Extract of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, 5 Quick Questions with Janet Skeslien Charles, Author of The Paris Library, Podcast: Janet Skeslien Charles on the Unusual Woman Who Sparked Her Love of France, Your email address will not be published. This anger alarms Odile though her love for him is undaunted. Bottom line? British literature.). I think he anger was always visible, I agree with you that Paul was missing from the wrap up of the book but also Odiles parents. The Paris Library combines a love of literature with an inspirational tale of ordinary people standing up to fight injustice. Odile often reminisces about food from France or makes dishes for Lily. Reader Q&A, Did you ever have someone outside of your family who helped guide you through a difficult time and learn to appreciate your family, despite their flaws? Check out my book club questions here. You can order the book on Amazon here. This time, they did not. She grows close to her neighbour Odile, discovering they share the same love of language, the same longings. Did it satisfy you or were you left wishing for more? He knew why those apartments were empty. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of genius. World War II Paris during the German occupation forms the setting for an intelligent and sensuously rich novel of a young woman's coming-of-age. Almost 40 years later, Lily befriends Odile, who lives alone and is isolated. Once Lily graduates from high school, Odile gives her a generous gift inspired by her own past.
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