The Paris Library

Trigger warnings: death, antisemitism, war, violence, attempted suicide

Post contains affiliate links; read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Odile works at the American Library in Paris when World War II begins.

In the 1940s, Odile is a librarian at the American Library in Paris. She is obsessed with the Americans' notion of assigning numbers to subjects and has memorized the Dewey Decimal System. Her father is a constable who is determined to set her up with one of his police officers, as he doesn't approve of a working woman. Odile's twin Remy is in law school but quits to join the army.

In 1980s Montana, young Lily is curious about her foreign neighbor Odile. After her mother's untimely death, she finds herself at Odile's house asking to learn French. Lily learns life lessons from Odile in addition to French, and Odile's wartime story unfolds as their relationship grows.

The two women learn from each other and have their past hurts healed by their closeness.

Recommended for fans of World War II fiction and Francophiles who enjoy historical fiction. Readers who enjoy intergenerational tales of bonding will also appreciate the story.

Janet Skeslien Charles is a former employee of the American Library in Paris. She splits living arrangements between Paris and Montana.

Publisher: Atria

Length: 368 pages

Release Date: February 2, 2021

You may also enjoy:

I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Edelweiss+ and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.