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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.

Journey to the Heart of Occupied Paris in "The Paris Library": A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles

In the midst of World War II's turmoil, The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles unfolds a captivating tale of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of literature. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris, this novel transports readers to a world where the written word becomes a symbol of hope and resistance.

Our protagonist, Odile Souchet, is a young librarian at the American Library in Paris. As the city falls under German control, Odile finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and danger. Despite the risks, she and a group of courageous librarians devise a daring plan to save the library's precious books from destruction.

As Odile navigates the treacherous waters of occupied Paris, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters. There's Herr Zeller, the enigmatic German officer with a hidden agenda, and Monsieur Perec, the elderly Jewish scholar who entrusts Odile with a priceless collection of manuscripts. Each encounter tests Odile's resolve and forces her to confront the complexities of war and morality.

With vivid prose and meticulous historical research, Janet Skeslien Charles brings to life the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity. The Paris Library is a poignant reminder of the power of books to inspire, unite, and provide solace even in the darkest of times.

Get lost in the pages of this extraordinary novel and discover the extraordinary courage of ordinary people who risked everything to preserve the written word during one of history's most turbulent chapters.