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. 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. Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. 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. 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. Jealousy? American Library in Paris director Dorothy Reeder in her office in 1937. Do you think Margaret and Odile reconcile eventually? 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. Inevitably, Odiles story is more engrossing. Instead, Odile consents to an interview for Lilys project about France. More importantly, Odile prevents Lily from ruining a good friendship with Mary Louise, a schoolmate, in a fit of jealousy. *If you are new here, WELCOME! Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry But I also saw The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles made it on there as well. 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. 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. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. Despite Odiles and Lilys many differences, their stories reveal unexpected similarities between the chic Parisienne bookworm and the conventional, small-town teenager. There is an element of predictability in Janet Skeslien Charles The Paris Library from the get-go it doesnt take Sherlock Holmes to figure out what might happen at the end of the book, but I do not say this in a critical manner. Professor Cohen, who is Jewish, is another who sees war coming. 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. Here are a few food ideas from the pages of The Paris Library: 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. Your email address will not be published. As a Parisian, an ardent bookworm, and a longtime fan of the American Library in Paris, I devouredThe Paris Libraryin one hungry gulp. 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. Nonfiction books describing Late Stage/End Stage capitalism. How did this compare to other WWII novels you have read? 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. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Did it feel like you were reading a YA novel and a historical novel? She grows close to her neighbour Odile, discovering they share the same love of language, the same longings. The Paris Library is yet another one. My verdict with The Paris Libraryits a decent story but I thought it was lacking in some areas. There is a love story, a mystery, the pattern of history repeating. While the characters deal with their fair share of conflict, the violence and mentions of hunger are kept to a minimum given the subject. Lets talk about the friendship between Odile and Lilywhat did they both learn from each other? Bottom line? Together with her fellow librarians . 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. Bookseller friend of Hugo. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! 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. Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. As different as Odile and Lily are, the two are drawn to each other by their similarities outside of a love for books and reading, their heads are full of dreams and they possess a quick wit and instinctive understanding of their surroundings, but they also tend to jeopardise friendships because of their inability to hold their tongues. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. If you are looking for food ideas for The Paris Library, Im sure your book club will be happy to try any of the foods on this list!The Paris Library Book Club Questions and Food Ideas. 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. Looming war with Germany? 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. Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! 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. Options is the award-winning lifestyle pullout of The Edge Malaysia, the countrys premier business and investment weekly publication. 'The Paris Library': Reading, rebellion and romance meet in Janet Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris. What did you like more and what did you like less about this novel. 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! And when Margaret begins a relationship with a Nazi solider, shes horrified. Reeling from the loss of her mother and her father's remarriage, Lily finds herself adrift: overlooked at school, out of place at home. The American Library in Paris was able to stay open throughout the war. Try not to hold that against them; you never know whats in their heart. Lily often thinks about this quote. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. 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. Why do you think this was? Copyright 2023 Barbara Delinsky. The Paris Hours by Alex George: Summary and reviews - BookBrowse.com by So how does Odile end up in the tiny town of Froid, Montana, some four decades later, a widow and near-recluse? 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. Increasingly angry at his subordinate role to the Nazis and his humiliating tasks, Paul has outbursts of anger directed mainly at French women consorting with German soldiers. Together, in ways they least expect it, Odile and Lily will help each other conquer old fears, forgive past sins, and embrace the future. In 1939, Odile's life is practically perfect. One character is a link in both, a French woman who emigrates at the wars end and spends the rest of her life in Montana. Angry, Odile briefly cuts Lily out of her life but eventually forgives her. Tough and independent, Sallie refuses to let womanhood limit her ambitions as she earns the nickname Queen of the Kincaid Rumrunners. 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? I can see where the groundwork was laid for it but I still thought it was an odd story choice. Odile is initially angry but understands Margarets predicament. What is real, and what is mystery? As Odiles family, home, and eventually coworkers are all affected by the Nazi occupation of France, she fights the war with the best weapons she hasbooks. A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. Hardcover. One follows Odile Souchet, a new librarian . The Paris Library. Ask the Author. What are some similar books youve read? And, of course, there was All the Light We Cannot See as well. 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. This article first appeared on July26, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia. Now housed in Berlins Zentral- und Landesbibliothek library, it appears to contain some sort of code, but researchers dont know where it came fromor what the code means. What was the rippling impact of Remy joining the French Army? There she meets an American soldier, agrees to marry him, and leaves Paris without ever seeing her family and friends again. Check out my book club questions here. But the twist, agh, the twist was just so bizarre. 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. Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library: the untold story of heroic Book Review: Reading is a rebellious act in Janet Skeslien Charles's GENERAL FICTION, by While Odile develops a close friendship with Margaret, she also is envious of her lifestyle. Were you shocked by what happened to Margaret? However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. For Lilys high school graduation, Odile gives her a plane ticket to Paris. For dessert you could serve Professor Cohens Russian cigarettes! Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). Intellectually curious and socially awkward at times, Lily reminds Odile of her younger self. Odile describes them to a dying American soldier she tends to: Theres an Englishman imagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. Or someone from Lilys timelineEleanor, Lilys mother, Mary Louise? And the sound of masticating between sentences? He knew why those apartments were empty. I know historical fiction genre loves the dual timeline style but it really isn't always necessary. Did this surprise you? [I think Paul is an interesting character and he illustrates some of the conflicted feelings Parisians felt about the Occupation. Do you think that Odile knew that there would be consequences to telling Paul or not? Perhaps because of that, I avoid books about this time, though there have certainly been a plethora of them in recent years. 199301012242 (266980-X). Theyre all here, and theyre universal, nest-ce pas? However, for The Paris Library, there was plenty of food mentioned, partly due to the fact that the story is dual-timeline. In fact, many of the characters in the book are based, often by actual name, on real people. RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2022. Well, in terms of the American Library in Paris (The Paris Library of the title), there is. GENERAL FICTION, by In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. In February of 1939, Odile interviews for her dream job at the American Library. 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. 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. She lands her dream job assisting patrons of the American Library, which serves both foreigners and Parisians, and falls in love with one of the police officers her father brings home for dinner. Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. Only Eva holds the answerbut will she have the strength to revisit old memories and help reunite those lost during the war? All Rights Reserved. The Paris Library - #bookthoughts - Armed with A Book 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. Discussion questions for The Paris Library: A Novel - BOOKCLUBS.COM Listening to Odiles stories, Lily fantasizes about Jews hidden in the library building. Soon thereafter, Lilys father remarries. THE PARIS LIBRARY | Kirkus Reviews 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. After living in Paris, how could she settle for this dull dot on the plains? wonders Lily Jacobsen, the seventh grader who lives next door. Lily has to deal not only with loss but with learning how she fits into a new family. While her brother Rmy supports her, Odile's Papa is convinced that she needs to focus on marriage. The author has actually worked there in recent years and learned first-hand about the efforts of librarians and volunteers not only to keep it open during the German occupation of Paris, but to smuggle books to Jews and to allied forces on the front. The Truth Behind the Inspiring WWII Novel, 'The Paris Library' by 841. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of . When Odile visits Margaret, shes horrified. And Ashley is a young, very-much-in-love bakery owner specializing in muffins who devotes herself to giving back to the community through a nonprofit that helps community members develop skills and find jobs. 2021. The historical fiction genre loves dual timelines! or ask your favorite author a question with It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. So that was a bit of a disappointment to me. Her debut novel. 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. Their friendship blossoms as they help each other, offering support, hard truths, and loving backup. The Paris Library Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis After all, she loves to read, speaks fluent English, and has memorized the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books. She even loves the way books smell. Unsurprisingly, Odiles life is much more interesting than Lilys. Hard Times. It is 1939, and Odile Souchet has just returned to Paris after completing library school. Lily helps Odile overcome her guilt and regain a sense of belonging with others. The totality of the ALPs anti-Nazi efforts seems to involve delivering books. Rivalry and secrets? The book also made it clear in the beginning, his disgust with women who snuggled up to Nazis. Still, though, I did enjoy learning about the real-life American Library in Paris and the push to keep reading alive during the horrors of war. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. Reader Q&A, There are public reading rooms, an innovation in French reference libraries, but French people have never developed the habit of using public libraries. The Paris Library Summary & Study Guide - www.BookRags.com 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. One night in search of lost time. Book Reading, Writing, and Literature . 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. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?. In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. The two form a bond, which deepens when Lilys mother dies. 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? The Paris Library: A Novel Hardcover - February 9, 2021 by Janet Skeslien Charles (Author) 20,410 ratings Editors' pick Best Literature & Fiction See all formats and editions Kindle $13.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover $25.46 90 Used from $1.80 15 New from $16.90 3 Collectible from $37.67 Paperback Will Odile ever reconnect with Margaret again. The witty and idealistic Odile is someone I imagine I would have been friends with. Ive always been a huge fan of historical stories told from alternate lenses in this case, that of a young girl wandering the streets of Paris and working in a library. Her friendship with Lily does open the door to her past and causes her to reflect and maybe see past events in a different light. Because of this, I cant quite give it 5 stars. Did you know about the American Library in Paris prior to reading this novel? Why do you think Odile continued to wear the red belt 40 years later? 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. 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. by Were you surprised to learn what Odile was doing the day that Lily barged in to ask about her report on France? In a moment of anger, Odile reveals Margarets secret to Paul but immediately regrets doing so. A common theme, in both Paris and Montana, is jealousy and the horrible toll it can take. Is there anything new here? 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? 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. Site by AuthorBytes. The twist actually took away from the story for me. The Paris Library combines a love of literature with an inspirational tale of ordinary people standing up to fight injustice. Nazi book inspector Dr. Fuchs, initially feared, turns out to be sympathetic to the Library. She freezes; its an image of a book she hasnt seen in sixty-five yearsa book she recognizes asThe Book of Lost Names. You can read order the book on Amazon here. 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. This thread is archived . 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. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. One day in the City of Light. Looming war with Germany? My sister, who is an avid reader, read the print version at the same time that I listened to the audiobook, and she loved it. "The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. The Paris Library Character Analysis | SuperSummary But as Lily uncovers more about Odiles mysterious past, she discovers a dark secret, closely guarded and long hidden. Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles 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? It seemed out of character to do what he did to Margaret. Retrieve credentials. There she meets a young woman who is the same age she was during the war and who badly needs a life coach. There are many wonderful things about this book, not the least being the settings, which are as well painted and written as the rest. WWII. The Book of Lost Names revolved around a female document forger. Lilys crush on a boy in her junior high school cant compete with the Gestapo arresting one of Odiles best friends. Odiles husband and son are deceased. Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. As Odile describes some of them to a dying American soldier whom shes tending: Theres an Englishmanimagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Among those who do is Rmy, whoto his familys horrorjoins the French army. In any event, there is plenty to discuss about The Paris Library and who doesnt love a WWII novel? 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. Step into The Paris Library through the pages of this novel 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. RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. Both are too quick to blurt out criticisms, jeopardizing their closest friendships out of hurt and jealousy. influencers in the know since 1933. A rollicking soap opera that keeps the pages turning with a surfeit of births, deaths, and surprising plot reveals. Professor Cohen, Margaret, Ms. Reeder, etc? I really enjoyed The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and highly recommend you all read it! Janet Skeslien Charles The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didn't expect. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of genius. I was more interested in the WWII eraIll get into that more below. First Edition. You can order the book on Amazon here. Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books one morning when her eyes lock on a photograph in a magazine lying open nearby. Chapter 3 - Paul comes to lunch - aperitif of sherry and vermouth, potato-leek soup, pork roast and rosemary . At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. So here is another instance in which the narrators of an audiobook can affect the readers experience. Hard Times. The Paris Library is another novel about WWII France from a unique perspective. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?, A post shared by Atria Books (@atriabooks).
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