Still, Odile harbors jealousy toward Margaret for her wealthand resents her criticisms of the French army. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Sallie wants to support her sister but sympathizes with the bootleggersher neighbors and tenantsand recognizes that the family's finances depend on trading whiskey. She freezes; its an image of a book she hasnt seen in sixty-five yearsa book she recognizes asThe Book of Lost Names. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer. Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. This time, they did not. How do you think Odile helps her cope with that? It has been called a coming of age book, but in many regards, it is more. For example, The Nightingale dealt with female Resistance couriers and the French occupation. Were you shocked by what happened to Margaret? "well plotted and richly populated" For the young Parisian Odile Souchet in the winter of 1939, working in the American Library in Paris sounds like her ideal job. 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. Hugo's friend. 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. What did you think? In 1939, idealistic, courageous, and ambitious Odile Souchet works at the American Library in Paris when the Nazis arrive. (An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? The Paris Library was unlike any of these. This article first appeared on July26, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia. I literally shook my head at it. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast . Although Odiles family and the library staff suffer from hunger and worry, they dont really undergo tremendous hardship. Each day, they light a stinky cheroot and debate. 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. Courtesy of Elizabeth Yoon. In her second novel, The Paris Library, Janet Skeslien Charles ( Moonlight in Odessa) weaves Odile's story together with that of 14-year-old Lily Jacobsen, growing up in Montana in the mid-1980s. When the Nazis march into the city, 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. She grows close to her neighbour Odile, discovering they share the same love of language, the same longings. 199301012242 (266980-X). Why was it important for the librarians to continue to spread the love of reading during the war? Their friendship blossoms as they help each other, offering support, hard truths, and loving backup. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. While a fundamentally decent person, Odile displays the human weaknesses of jealousy and anger. 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. Join the Bookclubs newsletter for monthly reading recommendations,book club tips, giveaways, and more. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. Historical fiction concerning the intricate battles over succession within the family that controls a poor rural county in postWorld War I Virginia. Based on historical events. Hard Times. But the author has a clear affection for both Paris and the American Library, where she worked as a programs manager in 2010, and she integrates the stories of many of the real-life employees and patrons of the library into the story with finesse, earning the novel its own place in the pantheon of World War II fiction. Her shorter work has appeared in revues such as Slice and Montana Noir. She divides her time between Montana and Paris. 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. Copyright 2023 Barbara Delinsky. There will be spoilers so for more context about the story, check out spoiler-free review first. Profoundly influenced by her mothers disowning of beloved Aunt Carowho divorced for good reasonOdile is determined to not depend on men for financial security. British literature.). Odile, who recently eloped with Paul at his urgent request, has no idea what happened and worries when Margaret doesnt attend a party for her and Paul at the Library. Why do you think Odile continued to wear the red belt 40 years later? At the same time, I heard hushed, terror-filled stories from relatives were Jewish about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 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. What did you like more and what did you like less about this novel. A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. Let me know what you thought about it! 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. If your book club is reading this one, check out my book club questions here. A story of love, friendship, and betrayal, The Paris Library describes Odiles developing love for Paul, a police officer of low rank. Odile loves her job at the Library, where she finds belonging among kindred spirits. I think he snapped more out of guilt than anything else. Because of this, I cant quite give it 5 stars. "The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Book Club Questions for Undaunted by Kara Goldin, Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. 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? In February of 1939, Odile interviews for her dream job at the American Library. I was more interested in the WWII eraIll get into that more below. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles Publication Date: March 1, 2022 Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Atria Books ISBN-10: 1982134208 ISBN-13: 9781982134204 With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. 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. 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. With his help, Margaret procures food and other items, which she shares with Odile. How did this compare to other WWII novels you have read? When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Fellow employees and clients of the private lending library are her closest confidantes, and she feels a frisson of pride at violating Nazi edicts, as she packs books to send to British and Jewish colleagues who are banned from the library building. While the novel is filled with gorgeous settings and a delightful cast of characters some of whom actually existed in real life what I loved the most about The Paris Library is the way it celebrates the power of books, libraries and storytelling. While the characters deal with their fair share of conflict, the violence and mentions of hunger are kept to a minimum given the subject. It is 1939, and Odile Souchet has just returned to Paris after completing library school. What did you think of this decision by Odile to leave everything behind? Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. What do you make of her complicated friendship with Margaret? Shortly after his fourth marriage, the Duke dies unexpectedly. The tough test of time involves readers. But erasing people comes with a price, and along with a mysterious, handsome forger named Rmy, Eva decides she must find a way to preserve the real names of the children who are too young to remember who they really are. Have you read The Paris Library? How Odile ends up in the US unfolds over the course of the book. After all, she loves to read, speaks fluent English, and has memorized the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books. 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. Site by AuthorBytes. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. HISTORICAL FICTION | Based on a true World War II story about the heroic librarians of the American Library in Paris. She recovers from her fit of jealousy with Bitsi and repairs that relationship. As a result, Margarets husband leaves her and takes their daughter. Im always curious about what makes the New York Times bestsellers list. Did you know those things happened after WWII? Related Topics . 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. Both Odiles father and Paul are working under the Nazis direction. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didn't expect. Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. by Although pragmatic, street-smart middle child Sallie is his intellectual and emotional heir, the Duke leaves his estate to her emotionally oversensitive half brother, Eddie, because hes the only boy. Charles emphasizes the significance of this resistance by highlighting the role that books play in transporting people from their own situations and engaging their empathy and minds. 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. Acting in anger, Paul beats Margaret and cuts off her hair, branding her as a harlot. However, he forbids Jewish subscribers from entry. Janet Skeslien Charles by Janet Skeslien Charles RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. Three woman who join together to rent a large space along the beach in Los Angeles for their storesa gift shop, a bakery, and a bookstorebecome fast friends as they each experience the highs, and lows, of love. 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. How does this go back to the quote from Lilys mother (question #2)? 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. In a Disney-ian twist, things work out in the end, but not before they change the course of the plot and the readers affinity for the characters. Television buffs will smile at the Kincaids resemblance to the Roys of Succession. It seemed out of character to do what he did to Margaret. But I also saw The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles made it on there as well. Then, what seems like a small conflict elsewhere, suddenly escalates into war. The twist actually took away from the story for me. And his French friend a walrus with a bushy moustache. But the rest is certainly worthy. In fact, her way of coping with strong emotions is to immediately relate her feelings to a book and its Dewey Decimal number. 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! Professor Cohen, who is Jewish, is another who sees war coming. This anger alarms Odile though her love for him is undaunted. 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. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. History buffs will enjoy the many hints Walls sprinkles to show that Tudor England is her novels template (the Dukes marriage to his brothers widow; his banished daughter, Mary, and short-lived heir, Edward; the Kincaids counselor Cecil, etc.). In some ways, the story is your standard historical fiction story with the dual timelines (takes place both during the WWII era and also in the 80s in Montana). 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. Meticulously researched, moving and utterly enchanting, The Paris Library is a heart-breaking and uplifting story that is an absolute must-read for book lovers and fans of historical fiction. 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. 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. Structurally, the novel sometimes sags: Charles tends to move into the points of view of secondary characters, which leads to some repetition. 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. 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. In 1983, Lily is an awkward teenager trying to find her place in small-town Montana. Defining what is moral becomes complicated for Sallie. 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? If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! 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. Why do you think this was? Movie star in the 40's. Bouquiniste - booksellers along the Seine River in Paris. What is real, and what is mystery? [I'm wondering about what happened to the character of Paul? Honestly, at times I wondered if Id stumbled onto a YA novel. Director, American Library. Todays topic: Prousts madeleine, should it have been a croissant?. FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | His character traits changed so drastically from his introduction. Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of . In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. Fallouts are heart-rending, and are written into the story with tenderness and affection. GENERAL FICTION, by In the event of a sale, I will be awarded a small commission (at no extra cost to you or the featured books author). But when did you start to suspect a darker side to Paul? Few in Paris recognize the looming threat of war. 2018 The Edge Communications Sdn. Having learned the French language from Odile, Lily has become a Francophile and decides that she will head to the American Library upon her arrival. I mentioned this in my review but I thought the story was fine overall. Perhaps because of that, I avoid books about this time, though there have certainly been a plethora of them in recent years. Check out my book club questions here. What do you like best about reading WWII historical fiction? Susan Mallery Stephanie I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. Courtesy of Janet Skeslien Charles (See my struggle to find a recipe for The Nightingale here). When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. In what ways were they similar? Jealousy? The book also made it clear in the beginning, his disgust with women who snuggled up to Nazis. What are some similar books youve read? Books, libraries, Paris whats not to love? Bottom line? Carrying the guilt of betraying Margaret, Odile wears Margarets parting gift, the belt, until Lilys high school graduation. Looming war with Germany? For those of you who arent aware, Im an avid reader of historical fiction, and as such, Ive read plenty of WWII historical novels, particularly those set in Occupied Paris. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. Finding refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, she begins forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. Odile initially blames Bitsi, Rmys love and her friend, for his decision but later repairs the friendship. While that might not be historically accurate, this is a novel, after all. As the older Odile and Lily become friends we learn more about Odiles regrets from wartime and the vibrant cast of readers and librarians she knew at the American Library in Paris. He was so kind and intuitive with Odile and others. However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. Among those who do is Rmy, whoto his familys horrorjoins the French army. I thought this one was decent overall but I had some issues with it. And, of course, there was All the Light We Cannot See as well. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Listening to Odiles stories, Lily fantasizes about Jews hidden in the library building. There she meets an American soldier, agrees to marry him, and leaves Paris without ever seeing her family and friends again. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didnt expect. How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting work of historical fiction. Almost 40 years later, Lily befriends Odile, who lives alone and is isolated. The main character, Odile, narrates the time in Paris, while a secondary narratora young girl named Lily, who is coming of age in a small Montana town in the 1980sallows the author to revisit Odile later in life and emphasize the timelessness of friendship. 2021. Odile describes them to a dying American soldier she tends to: Theres an Englishman imagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. Only Eva holds the answerbut will she have the strength to revisit old memories and help reunite those lost during the war? 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? Reader Q&A, 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. 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. As Odile describes some of them to a dying American soldier whom shes tending: Theres an Englishmanimagine a crane wearing a paisley bow tie. Required fields are marked *. The voices just werent right. 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. Did this surprise you? 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. I completely agree! In this one, the Montana storyline focuses more on the teenager Lily and I wasnt as engaged with her arc. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. Margaret eventually tells Odile the secret of her German lover. Rivalry and secrets? 841. That said, I had a major problem with the audio version. Catching her the second time, Odiles father explains that he could be executed for failing to investigate tips and tells Odile not to return. 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. The two form a bond, which deepens when Lilys mother dies. Well-researched, stirring, and rich with detail, THE PARIS LIBRARY is an ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both. Is there anything new here? Odiles father, a police captain, must investigate the thousands of tips from informants. 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. Do you think Margaret and Odile reconcile eventually? As I mentioned in the intro, recipes for books about World War II are often a challenge since most countries faced rations, if not starvation. For the young Parisian Odile Souchet in the winter of 1939, working in the American Library in Paris sounds like her ideal job. Drama. Check out my book club questions here. He felt guilty about what he'd done and took it out on Margaret. Book Summary. Jeannette Walls With her trademark historical fiction exploration into the shadows of the past, acclaimed author Marie Benedict brings us into the world of Agatha Christie, imagining why such a brilliant woman would find herself at the center of such murky historical mysteries. Its an interesting tactic to connect the past with more of the present. 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. Both her husband and son have passed away and she doesnt seem to have any connections with her past. Based on the true World War. GENERAL FICTION, by I can see where the groundwork was laid for it but I still thought it was an odd story choice. Retrieve credentials. The Paris Library combines a love of literature with an inspirational tale of ordinary people standing up to fight injustice. While the chapters featuring Lily are snappy and often amusing, especially as she begins to adopt Parisian airs, they play a distinctly secondary role to those concerning Odile's life during the war. After all, she loves to read, speaks fluent English, and has memorized the Dewey Decimal system for cataloguing library books. 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. or ask your favorite author a question with WWII during the German occupation and 1980s Montana are the setting for this intelligent and rich novel of two young womens coming of age. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. One day in the City of Light. Discuss the dual timeline. Lily has to deal not only with loss but with learning how she fits into a new family. Odiles husband and son are deceased. Do you think that Odile knew that there would be consequences to telling Paul or not? What role did her unfaithful husband play, and what was he not telling investigators? Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. Giving her a belt, Margaret tells Odile to remember the meaning of friendship when she wears it. 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. The Paris Library: A Novel. On September 3, 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War. 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. It follows Odile Souchet, who secures a position at the circulation desk of the American Library in Paris just as the war breaks out. Will Odile ever reconnect with Margaret again. I think you see a gradual change in Paul as the war dragged on. 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. Very distracting. Your email address will not be published. So that was a bit of a disappointment to me. Looming war with Germany? In fact, many of the characters in the book are based, often by actual name, on real people.

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