The Paris Library: A Novel

Fictional, historic read.

Best book I've read all year!

Had it not been for my recent obsession with reading books about books and bookish culture, I would probably have passed this book by based on the cover alone and the fact that it takes place during the WWII era. However, the charming story of Odile Gustafson immediately drew me in (and not just because we share a name). Odile's journey to become employee of a place she deeply loves and cherishes, The American Library in Paris, reminded me of my love of books and libraries. It reminds me of when I worked for a bookseller and realized that loving books and working with them can be both rewarding and challenging. I could see each section of the library as Odile experienced it and, as a reader, there is nothing better than being transported and seeing the world through the character's eyes as it develops around you. On top of this, you have Lily who meets Odile later in life and helps Odile to break out of her past.

Janet Skesllen Charles has a knack for visual storytelling that I can't say I have found in other stories that I have read. I was inspired to do my own research into the library and makes me want to visit it myself (although I would have rather seen it in its hayday). I hope there will be more entries like this from this author in the future.

I appreciated the scenes in Montana and enjoyed those scene, especially.

I learned how critically important libraries were during WW2 and not just for literary purposes. People depended on the library for news from around the world and from the front. I also enjoyed the transition to Montana and the impact of Odiel's experience on a more modern community.