The Paris Library: A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles - 2021 - 382 Pages - Paris in July 2024

 The Paris Library: A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles is for me a perfect start for Paris in July 2024

Paris in July 2024

Paris in July does not just include books. Contributions on your Paris vacation, your favourite meal or restaurant, French movies, music, art and more are very welcome.

"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." From the Publisher Simon and Schuster 

The Paris Library is a brilliant portrayal of the gradual take over of Paris by the Nazis up to the days after the liberation of Paris. The depiction of Parisians fleeing the city is very vivid and cinematic, it reminded me of the work of Irene Nemirosky.

 I became very involved with the people in the novel.  Everyone had their own way of trying to survive. People lose weight due to rationing, loved ones are killed or taken prisoners.  Bonds are formed and broken. Through it all we see how those working at the American Library in Paris were kept going by books. The Paris Library abounds in marvelous astute literary references.  I loved this from Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys  - “I want a long, calm book about people with large incomes—a book like a flat green meadow and the sheep feeding in it.… "

There are near r rated portions in the novel.  I was brought to mind Elizabeth Bowen remarking that during the Blitz in London she felt her sexual impulses heightened knowing any day could bring a violent death

Janet Skeslien Charles is a New York Times and international bestselling author whose work has been translated into 37 languages. Her shorter work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Montana Noir. Originally from Montana, she lives in Paris, where she is working on the final installment of her library trilogy..