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Based on the true World War II story of the American Library in Paris, an unforgettable novel about the power of books and the bonds of friendship—and the ordinary heroes who can be found in the most perilous times and the quietest places.Paris, 1939. Young, ambitious, and tempestuous, Odile Souchet has it all: Paul, her handsome police officer beau; Margaret, her best friend from England; Remy, her twin brother who she adores; and a dream job at the American Library in Paris, working alongside the library’s legendary director, Dorothy Reeder. When World War II breaks out, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear—including her beloved library. After the Nazi army marches into the City of Light and declares a war on words, Odile and her fellow librarians join the Resistance with the best weapons they have: books. Again and again, they risk their lives to help their fellow Jewish readers, but by war’s end, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. Montana, 1983. Odile’s solitary existence in gossipy small-town Montana is unexpectedly interrupted by her neighbor Lily, a lonely teenager craving adventure. As Lily uncovers more about Odile’s mysterious past, they find they share not only a love of language but also the same lethal jealousy. Odile helps Lily navigate the troubled waters of adolescence by always recommending the right book at the right time, never suspecting that Lily will be the one to help her reckon with her own terrible secret. Based on the true story of the American Library in Paris, The Paris Library is a mesmerizing and captivating novel about the people and the books that make us who we are, for good and for bad, and the courage it takes to forgive.

Journey to Occupied Paris During World War II with "Paris Library": A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles

In the midst of German occupation, a young American librarian fights for freedom, friendship, and the preservation of literature in "Paris Library," a captivating historical novel by Janet Skeslien Charles.

Odile Souchet, a young and passionate librarian, finds herself at the center of a dangerous operation when the Nazis seize the American Library in Paris. Determined to save the books and protect her beloved city, Odile joins forces with a group of brave individuals to smuggle books to those who desperately need them.

As the war rages on, Odile's life becomes intertwined with that of Lily, a wealthy American who flees to Paris to escape the suffocating expectations of her family. Together, they navigate the perilous streets of occupied Paris, facing danger at every turn as they carry out their clandestine mission.

"Paris Library" is a poignant and inspiring tale of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of books. Janet Skeslien Charles vividly portrays the indomitable spirit of those who stood up against tyranny, highlighting the importance of preserving knowledge and fighting for what we believe in.

Immerse yourself in the world of "Paris Library" and be captivated by the extraordinary story of Odile and Lily. Discover the strength of human connection in times of adversity and the enduring power of literature to inspire and change lives.

With its rich historical setting, memorable characters, and compelling plot, "Paris Library" is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, book lovers, and anyone who believes in the power of words.