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. If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. 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. Bree is a friendly but standoffish bookstore owner who keeps everyone she knows at arms length, from guys she meets in bars to her friends. Lilys mother tells her People dont always know what to do or say. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. When war breaks out, the Nazis are soon in Paris. While that might not be historically accurate, this is a novel, after all. There is a comforting element to the expectedness of the plot and odd familiarity of the characters, which is common with historical books. LITERARY FICTION | Do you think it was harder for Odile to forgive herself than it was for Margaret to forgive her? An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? You can read order the book on Amazon here. In fact, many of the characters in the book are based, often by actual name, on real people. A Season in Hell by Rimbaud. With a new job and a new love, Odiles future looks bright. 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Library, Podcast: Janet Skeslien Charles on the Unusual Woman Who Sparked Her Love of France, Your email address will not be published. Movie star in the 40's. Bouquiniste - booksellers along the Seine River in Paris. Hard Times. The story is told via two parallel narratives. 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. But when did you start to suspect a darker side to Paul? 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. (An awkward luncheon with a would-be suitor? So that was a bit of a disappointment to me. This role is especially crucial in the difficult conditions of occupied Paris, where food is increasingly scarce, and the arrest of Jewish citizens and enemy aliens is a constant threat. The tough test of time involves readers. So does defining family. Show more Genres Historical FictionFictionHistoricalWorld War IIBooks About BooksAudiobook France As Odiles family, home, and eventually coworkers are all affected by the Nazi occupation of France, she fights the war with the best weapons she hasbooks. The two form a bond, which deepens when Lilys mother dies. Unsurprisingly, Odiles life is much more interesting than Lilys. A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. Increasingly angry at his subordinate role to the Nazis and his humiliating tasks, Paul has outbursts of anger directed mainly at French women consorting with German soldiers. Instead, Odile consents to an interview for Lilys project about France. So here is another instance in which the narrators of an audiobook can affect the readers experience. 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. As a Parisian, an ardent bookworm, and a longtime fan of the American Library in Paris, I devouredThe Paris Libraryin one hungry gulp. This article first appeared on July26, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia. 10 of the best novels about France - that will take you there However, her twin brother, Rmy, with whom shes close, and Paul, her new suitor, are supportive. For example, The Nightingale dealt with female Resistance couriers and the French occupation. Fans of Lester's own French novels will be delighted with this wartime story. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Published in 2021, Janet Skeslien Charless The Paris Library: A Novel tells the story of the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation. The Paris Library is superbly researched and has a plot twist at the end that I didnt expect. His discontent was seen as he was required to direct traffic and when he was forced to clean up slurs painted on Nazi posters. How do you think Odile helps her cope with that? Professor Cohen, Margaret, Ms. Reeder, etc? 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! Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles | Book Club Discussion Hard Times. In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. I'm wondering about what happened to the The Paris Q&A When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. What did you think? New Paris Library: Visionary or Outdated? - The New York Times She's memorized the Dewey Decimal system. Seventeen-year-old Sallie is devoted to Eddie, who's 13, but after he commits suicide she's torn by conflicting loyalties to her weak but lovable stepmother; her fathers scheming but able sister; and her older half sister, Mary, who's next in line to inherit the Kincaid empire but has not lived in Claiborne Country since her parents divorced. Her friendship with Lily does open the door to her past and causes her to reflect and maybe see past events in a different light. Margaret, an English woman in a loveless marriage, finds a home at the Library and begins a friendship with Odile. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In 1939, Odile Souchet is thrilled to secure a job at the American Library in Paris. The Paris Library Book Club Questions and Food Ideas How might Lilys life have been different without Odile? Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2022. RELEASE DATE: March 28, 2023. A rollicking soap opera that keeps the pages turning with a surfeit of births, deaths, and surprising plot reveals. Did you know about the American Library in Paris prior to reading this novel? Paris between the wars teems with artists, writers, and musicians, a glittering crucible of genius. Book Club Questions for The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles Odile is initially angry but understands Margarets predicament. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is another engaging WWII historical fiction novel. It was intriguing to read about a different type of heroismkeeping the love of reading alive among the hardships of war. I love to read and review various genres with a focus on contemporary fiction, historical fiction with some mysteries/thrillers and also select nonfiction and memoirs. Even beyond the wartime drama, her ALP communitymany of them true historical figuresare a wonderfully colorful lot. Finding refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, she begins forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. Despite knowing about Lilys faults, Odile loves her unconditionally and accepts her. Odiles husband and son are deceased. 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. In defiance of this edict, the Library workers deliver books to the homes of Jewish subscribers. Intellectually curious and socially awkward at times, Lily reminds Odile of her younger self. 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? The Paris Librarian Character List - BookCompanion "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. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles : r/booksuggestions - Reddit What role did her unfaithful husband play, and what was he not telling investigators? 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. Options is the award-winning lifestyle pullout of The Edge Malaysia, the countrys premier business and investment weekly publication.