Miss Morgan's Book Brigade

A Novel

By: Janet Skeslien Charles

Narrated by: Marin Ireland, Sarah Gadon, Jackie Sanders, Cassandra Campbell

From the New York Times bestselling author Janet Skeslien Charles and based on the true story of Jessie Carson—the American librarian who changed the literary landscape of France—this is “a moving tale of sacrifice, heroism, and inspired storytelling immersed in the power of books to change our lives” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author).

1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild destroyed French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen—children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears.

1987: When NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives, she becomes consumed with learning her fate. In her obsessive research, she discovers that she and the elusive librarian have more in common than their work at New York’s famed library, but she has no idea their paths will converge in surprising ways across time.

Based on the extraordinary little-known history of the women who received the Croix de Guerre medal for courage under fire, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a “rich, glorious, life-affirming tribute to literature and female solidarity. Simply unforgettable” (Kate Thompson, author of The Wartime Book Club).

History you don’t often hear of

I’m always pleasantly surprised when a book of historical fiction is able to teach a part of history that we normally don’t hear about. As such, the story told in this book is an important account of brave and courageous women who made a difference in France in World War I, then later back in their home countries. That said, just be aware that until the last chapters, this is not a happy story. It’s often dark and depressing, which accurately portrays much of what they faced. It does make me want to go spend more time in the stacks of a library and to do research like the later timeline in this book portrays. Hopefully, this book will inspire you to look up more about the actual people who make up these incredible stories.

WONDERFUL history and accurate description of the Women that helped France in WWI

Really well written, interesting characters. Details were captivating. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to read about strong and brilliant women in history !

Lost interest

I lost interest in this book because of its rough writing, unbalanced vocabulary and grating narration for most of it. It was fairly interesting for heavy history. It is a story of librarian Jessie Carson and the women who started the French libraries for children during and after WWI. Told in dual format, another overused style.

What a great escape.

I loved the narration and the flow between past and present. The French voices by the narrator were excellent!

Who were the CARDS?

Interesting premise. Enjoyed learning about the CARDS. But, I didn’t have any trouble putting it down.