The Paris Library

A Novel

By: Janet Skeslien Charles

Narrated by: Nicky Diss, Sarah Feathers, Esther Wane, Janet Skeslien Charles

Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today best seller - 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 best-selling 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.

©2021 Janet Skeslien Charles. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

A great glimpse at a little known event

An honest look at life in Paris during and immediately after the war. The pairing of this story with a young girl’s life in 1980s Montana shows that the backdrops may change, but human nature stay the same. I highly recommend The Paris Library.

Facinating

A charming story based on real people, locations and activities that really happened in Paris during WWII.

great book spanning 2 generations.

loved the narration and the back and forth in time. did not want it to end.

Good but. A bit lengthy

Good book and I loved the story. But it could’ve been about two hours shorter.

Fascinating!

I learned so much from this historical novel! How brave the characters were is unfathomable.

Wonderful!

I so enjoyed this book. It was easy to listen to and held my attention.

Beautiful historical fiction

So many emotions were felt from delight in the references to many classic books, joy in the characters’ relationships, and shock at the historical facts. I want to read this book now (instead of listening to it) so I can experience it again.

Enthralling

Very informative and fascinating to read. Impressive background research of facts surrounding the storyline are enlightening.

Mesmerizing story

Have read many Holocaust books, but this one brought to life another aspect of heroism to the atrocities of WWII. Listening to these stories only enhanced my many perspectives of this tragic time in history.

Lest we forget....

Very interesting. I normally avoid Holocaust books, because I don’t need/ want to feel sad right now. This book had so many layers of personalities, relationships and motivations to absorb that, though the setting/backdrop was tragic, the story kept me engaged. I found the characters to be believable. The narrators were great!!!