The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles (2021 fiction)
In 1939, bibliophile Odile Souchet obtains her dream job at the American Library in Paris (ALP). There she meets the dedicated librarians Dorothy Reeder and Boris Netchaeff, among others, and a cast of unique subscribers that bring fascination and joy to her days. Unfortunately, the Nazis soon occupy Paris, banning books and certain subscribers, and threatening to close the library. All of the “enemy alien” staff remains as long as possible, and the staff delivers books to the subscribers who can no longer come in person. The library remains open in spite of tragedies that strike the librarians and subscribers one by one. In alternating chapters, the novel also tells the story of Lily, a young teenager in 1983 Montana, who loses her mother and her way in life but befriends her next-door neighbor, who is Odile, the aloof “war bride” and now widow. Odile provides guidance and friendship and French lessons, but much of her past remains a mystery. As the story unravels, much of the mystery is solved. This is not only a book about the valiant librarians of the ALP, but about friendship and family and love and betrayal. Librarians will particularly enjoy all of the Dewey numbers sprinkled liberally throughout the book.
Reviewed by Ginger Russell
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