The Paris Library

A Novel

By: Janet Skeslien Charles

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

An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller—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 bestselling 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.

Critic reviews

"Three narrators present a little-known story about the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation. The two main characters are a precocious preteen named Lily, who lives in Montana in 1983, and a librarian named Odile, who lives in Paris in 1939. Narrator Nicky Diss presents a sunny, high-spirited Lily, who is passionate about books and in love with the Dewey Decimal System. Narrator Sarah Feathers offers an understated yet substantial portrait of Odile, who reveals how she and library staffers tried to save the ALP by defying the Nazis—and suffered the consequences. When the war bride and the teenager meet in Montana, their mutual love of books unites them. Narrator Esther Wane deftly handles the third-person chapters."

“In 1979 Montana, pre-teen Lily is curious about her neighbor, the mysterious Odile Gustofson. All Lily knows is that Odile lived in Paris during WWII and that she still speaks with a captivating French accent. In an attempt to get to know her, Lily decides to interview Odile for a school project that leads to French lessons and a life-saving friendship. In chapters alternating between 1939 Paris and 1970s Montana, Odile’s past is revealed. As a young woman, Odile worked as a librarian at the American Library in Paris. Her love of books and libraries shines through the dialogue read by Sarah Feathers in a charming French accent. Reader Nicky Diss picks up Lily’s narrative, giving her a youthful American sound that contrasts with Feathers’ tones. She handles the older Odile’s French words with ease. Esther Wane fills in assorted characters’ chapters, sounding appropriately English, and the author reads the historical notes at the end of the recording. This is a wonderful story of the occupation, friendships across the years, and the power of books, all beautifully read. Listeners with a fondness for libraries, French language, or fine historical fiction will be enchanted.” (Candace Smith)

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!!!

History and Unforgettable Characters

At the end of the book we are reminded of our privilege to live without hatred and always treat people with respect as the visitors to the American Library were treated.

Not your typical WWII story

actually 2 stories, going back and forth; it was more the story of the young librarian at the American Library in Paris and a coming of age story set in modern Wyoming. The narration on the audio made the story feel real, and the fact review by the author at the end was interesting.

A Gem of a Read

Wonderful characters, so many different scenarios to visualize a different type of Paris during the Occupation.
Loved how the older generation guided a new generation into adulthood by remembering her own principles and mistakes she had made. So glad to have "read" this lovely tale.

An Extremely Important Book for Lovers of Literature

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the role of The American Library that stayed open all during World War II despite great danger and hardship on the part of the librarians and assistants. It was an important piece of history I hadn’t known about. As a staunch believer in the power of both spoken and written language, I feel that cultures need books more than ever. Learning about others different from ourselves creates empathy, understanding and tolerance.