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In any event, there is plenty to discuss about The Paris Library and who doesnt love a WWII novel? The Truth Behind the Inspiring WWII Novel, 'The Paris Library' I literally shook my head at it. By some bizarre twist of fate, a much older Odile winds up living next door to Lily, and the two form an unlikely but mutually beneficial friendship Lily gains much from Odiles well-stocked bookshelves while Odile finds renewed purpose in guiding the young girl. Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. Unsurprisingly, Odiles life is much more interesting than Lilys. His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. 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. 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? How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? 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. Your email address will not be published. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles | Book Club Discussion 841. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is another engaging WWII historical fiction novel. As the war proceeds and the Nazis take over the city, she fears for her twin brother, who has been captured by the Germans, places herself in danger by transporting books to Jewish patrons who are forbidden to visit the library, and begins to question some of her boyfriend's actions. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. The twist actually took away from the story for me. British literature.). The records they keep inThe Book of Lost Nameswill become even more vital when the resistance cell they work for is betrayed and Rmy disappears. The Paris Library : Book summary and reviews of The Paris Library by Heartbreaking and Uplifting: Read our review of The Paris Library by 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. This article first appeared on July26, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia. I get what the author was trying to convey but I didnt think it was executed in the best way. 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. Each day, they light a stinky cheroot and debate. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. 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. Once Lily graduates from high school, Odile gives her a generous gift inspired by her own past. He was so kind and intuitive with Odile and others. With his help, Margaret procures food and other items, which she shares with Odile. 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. What was the rippling impact of Remy joining the French Army? The Paris setting was vividly imagined and beautifully wrought, especially the library, which is depicted as a warm, happy, safe and enlightened place. Soon thereafter, Lilys father remarries. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of . by Looming war with Germany? Did this surprise you? The author demonstrates that a woman can be strong and independent while in a loving relationship. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. 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. Or someone from Lilys timelineEleanor, Lilys mother, Mary Louise? Oftentimes, its not surprisingfor instance, Kristin Hannahs The Four Winds is currently number one. Margaret is eventually attacked by Paul and when Odile learns the truthshe leaves behind Paris forever to marry an American. She loves everything about books and libraries. or ask your favorite author a question with All rights reserved. Were you more engaged in one storyline over the other? The historical fiction genre loves dual timelines! But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. PARIS, 1939 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. 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. Hugo's close lady friend. Hugo's friend. 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. This guide provides access to digital materials at the Library of Congress, links to external websites, and a print bibliography. Do you think that Odile knew that there would be consequences to telling Paul or not? As a graduate student in 1942, Eva was forced to flee Paris after the arrest of her father, a Polish Jew. 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 Odile visits Margaret, shes horrified. 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. Show more Genres Historical FictionFictionHistoricalWorld War IIBooks About BooksAudiobook France In fact, her way of coping with strong emotions is to immediately relate her feelings to a book and its Dewey Decimal number. Very distracting. 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? 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. Were glad you found a book that interests you! The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles | Goodreads Her conservative parents, especially her father, would rather Odile married than worked. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Odile loves her job at the Library, where she finds belonging among kindred spirits. Theyre all here, and theyre universal, nest-ce pas? Because of this, I cant quite give it 5 stars. Malaysian fantasy writer Zen Cho lands multiple awards by breaking frontiers, Poojitha Menons first solo sculptural exhibition Talking Heads chronicles her journey into clay, Sneakertopia at Singapores ArtScience Museum shows how street art drives interest in sneakers, Malachi Edwin Vethamani keeps poetry alive by giving voice to things others may not care about, HSBC Malaysias mosaic lions find new home at Tun Razak Exchange KL. Why was it important for the librarians to continue to spread the love of reading during the war? This thread is archived . 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. ", Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names, "Intelligent and sensuously rich.A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries.". 2018 The Edge Communications Sdn. It is charming and moving, with a perfect balance between history and fiction., Tatiana de Rosnay, New York Times bestselling author of Sarah's Key, A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. Discuss the dual timeline. Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris Janet Skeslien Charles's The Paris Library is an unforgettable. Were you surprised to learn what Odile was doing the day that Lily barged in to ask about her report on France? Rogers fiance. 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. She even loves the way books smell. While the characters deal with their fair share of conflict, the violence and mentions of hunger are kept to a minimum given the subject. However, he forbids Jewish subscribers from entry. Both her husband and son have passed away and she doesnt seem to have any connections with her past. Books connect a middle-aged ex-librarian and a schoolgirl, both of whomlong for similar things (Photo: Atria Books). How Odile ends up in the US unfolds over the course of the book. Nazi book inspector Dr. Fuchs, initially feared, turns out to be sympathetic to the Library. So does defining family. Professor Cohen, who is Jewish, is another who sees war coming. Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. The Paris Library: A Novel. A rollicking soap opera that keeps the pages turning with a surfeit of births, deaths, and surprising plot reveals. Jeannette Walls A little more drama would have made the Nazi horrorsand Odiles dilemmas--more vivid. American Library in Paris director Dorothy Reeder in her office in 1937. Paris. 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 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. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Agatha Christie novels have withstood the test of time, due in no small part to Christies masterful storytelling and clever mind that may never be matched, but Agatha Christies untold history offers perhaps her greatest mystery of all. The Paris Library Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis Try not to hold that against them; you never know whats in their heart. Lily often thinks about this quote. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile. The Paris Library: A Novel - amazon.com A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. Strong and kind women, such as Professor Cohen of the Sorbonne and Library Directress Miss Reeder, are role models for Odile.