The Paris Library - Book Review

The Paris Library  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical Fiction
Author: Janet Skeslien Charles
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Buy at:  Amazon

Review

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me an advanced e-copy of The Paris Library in exchange for an honest review.

This book has three of my most favourite elements bundled up together. My favourite genre (Historical fiction), my favourite holiday destination (Paris) and my love of books. I was gripped right from the beginning when the library and its staff were mentioned.

The Paris Library captures the voices of the courageous library staff who defied the Nazis to help the subscribers and to share a love of literature during the Occupation.

There are a lot of books written on WWII and the Nazis Occupation, the story (a true story and events) about a library was something new to me. I liked reading about the number system used in the libraries during those years for stacking the books and the reference of classics throughout.


The author, Janet Skeslien Charles, worked at the American Library, Paris and she used her knowledge and love of books to enrich the language of The Paris Library. The dual timelines are an interesting way to reflect the contrast and similarities between WWII (Paris) and 4 decades later in Montana. Janet’s brilliant storytelling technique is reflected on how she wove the story around the real characters and it is so captivating.

The author’s note, in the end, was an eye-opener when I found out that most of the characters and the events in the book were real. She researched them well and wrote this gripping book.

If you love books, historical fiction and Paris - The Paris Library is a MUST read.

Mark your calendars, it is coming out on 02 Feb 2021.