The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles: Book Review

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For me, The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles, was a special treat that was totally unexpected. Sort of like a surprise birthday or holiday gift that I wasn’t expecting.

Published February 9, 2021, this book wasn’t even on my radar until about 6 months later, when I first noticed it.  I then had it checked out of the library twice before I finally had time to read it.  So, yeah, I dishonored this book a bit by continually pushing it to the bottom of my To Be Read list. And what a mistake!

My Take: The Paris Library was an unexpected favorite for me. This dual-timeline historical novel combines WWII Paris, the remarkable true story of the American Library in Paris, and characters I became completely invested in. I especially loved that it introduced me to a piece of wartime history I knew nothing about while celebrating something I’ve loved my entire life: books and libraries. If you enjoy historical fiction based on lesser-known true stories, especially those set during WWII, I highly recommend it.

Review of The Paris Library

Have you seen The Paris Library online or in your local bookstore or library yet?

Why did I decide to read The Paris Library? Paris in the title. Because, well…Paris! And beyond that?  The word library gets me every time!

So, a combination of both words, as in “The Paris Library,” means this was an automatic read for me.

This book is a treasure. The Paris Library is based on the true story of the heroic librarians at The American Library in Paris during WWII.

If you enjoy novels that bring real people and lesser-known moments in history to life, you can browse more of my historical fiction recommendations here.

This was in part a learning experience for me, as I didn’t know anything about The American Library or the role its librarians played during WWII.  Learning about this was fascinating for me, and may well be for you too!

Synopsis of The Paris Library

The Paris Library moves between Paris during World War II and Montana in the 1980s. In 1939 Paris, young Odile Souchet lands her dream job at the American Library in Paris, only to see her world transformed by the Nazi occupation. As restrictions tighten around the library and its patrons, Odile and her fellow librarians find ways to continue getting books into the hands of readers who are no longer allowed through its doors.

Decades later in Montana, teenager Lily forms an unlikely friendship with her elderly neighbor, Odile. As the two grow closer, Lily begins to discover that her mysterious neighbor has carried the memories—and consequences – of her wartime experiences with her for many years.

Exactly Who Is The Paris Library For?

• This book is a treasure for anyone who has had a love of libraries since childhood.
• This book is a treasure for anyone who feels a sense of comfort while they’re in the library.
• This book is a treasure for anyone who feels a sense of wonder at being in the library.

If you fall into any of those categories, then this book is definitely for you. In fact, it’s probably a perfect fit if you’re in the mood to explore historical fiction today.

Based on a little-known corner of history and actual characters that existed there at that time, The Paris Library inspires you to seek out the comfort of libraries and books.

The Paris Library – What I Liked

First of all, I felt an instant connection with the characters, whom I liked immensely.

The story is written in a dual time frame, and dual-time frame books are among my favorite. The historical part of it starts in 1939 in Paris. The contemporary part is in 1983 Montana. The author flips back and forth between the two, but not so often that it becomes distracting or causes confusion with what’s happening in the book.

I loved that I was able to learn something new about a specific time in history that I actually read about often – WWII Paris. I, personally, always feel somehow more fulfilled when I come away from a good book not just having enjoyed it, but also actually learning something new about a time or place in history.

Here’s something cool – The American Library in Paris still exists and you can visit it the next time you find yourself in Paris. I certainly intend to!

And finally, this book reminded me of how important books are to me. And everything to do with books. Like the library! It reminded me of the love affair that I’ve had with books ever since I was a small child.

The Paris Library – What I Didn’t Like

There was absolutely nothing in this book that I didn’t like.

The Paris Library – Read, Reread, Or Reconsider?

And now for my 3 R’s of book reviews. Read, Reread, or Reconsider?

What is my opinion of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles?

A definite READ.

If The Paris Library leaves you wanting more from Janet Skeslien Charles, she has continued writing historical fiction inspired by remarkable women, books, and real moments from the past.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Paris Library

Is The Paris Library Worth Reading?

The Paris Library gave me exactly what I hope for when I pick up historical fiction: a story that completely absorbed me while introducing me to a piece of history I knew very little about. I loved the Paris setting, the dual timeline, the characters, and especially learning about the remarkable work of the American Library in Paris during World War II.

And maybe most of all, I loved that this is a novel about people who understand just how important books can be. For someone who has loved books and libraries for as long as I can remember, that made this one particularly special.

My verdict: definitely read it.

What To Read Next

If The Paris Library left you wanting more historical fiction filled with books, wartime secrets, and stories from the past, you have plenty of places to go next on Looks Like Books.

• Explore Historical Fiction – Browse more historical fiction recommendations across different eras, settings, and styles.
• The French Gift by Kirsty Manning – Another WWII-era story connecting women, books, and secrets across time.
• The London House by Katherine Reay – A dual-timeline historical mystery involving family secrets and wartime history.
• Kristin Hannah Books in Order – If WWII historical fiction is your particular weakness, explore Kristin Hannah’s books and find your next read.

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