Review: The Paris Library

Title: The Paris Library

Author: Janet Skeslien Charles

Publisher: 2nd June 2020 by Hachette Australia/Two Roads

Pages: 380 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, cultural, France, world war II

My Rating: 3.5 crowns

Synopsis:

IN THE DARKNESS OF WAR, THE LIGHT OF BOOKS - PARIS 1939

Odile Souchet is obsessed with books, and working at The American Library in Paris for the formidable director Dorothy Reeder is all she has ever dreamed of. The Library and its thriving community of students, writers, diplomats and book lovers provide her with a safe haven. When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes. The Nazi 'Library Protector' changes the rules overnight, declaring a war on words and making the librarians risk their lives to do their jobs.

Under the courageous guidance of Miss Reeder, Odile and her fellow librarians defy the authorities to make sure all their subscribers, even those deemed no longer desirable, get access to books and remain part of their community, whatever the cost.

Choices as black and white as the words on a page become a murky shade of grey - choices that will put many of the wrong side of history, and the consequences of which will echo for decades to come.

The Paris Library illuminates a seldom-seen slice of history: the role of women and their fate during the war. It also recounts the consequences of unspeakable betrayal, when the people we count on for understanding and protection fail us.

My Thoughts

‘How can you stay?’ Gently, she cupped my cheek. ‘Because I believe in the power of books – we do important work, by making sure knowledge is available, and by creating community.’

A story about books and Paris ... too good to pass by! This is a dual time narrative, one that is both well researched and written, exploring a librarian during WWII and an American high school student who meets up with the Parisian librarian many years later. 

‘Sometimes I like books more than people.’ ‘Books don’t lie or steal,’ he said. ‘We can depend on them.’ I was surprised, and heartened, to hear an echo of my own feelings.’

The thing I probably admired most about this tale was the focus on books and their impact during dark times. The importance of libraries and the power of literature to see a person through difficult days at any stage in  life is something I support. The author herself states that ‘... language is a gate that we can open and close on people. The words we use shape perception as do the books we read, the stories we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves.’ To bring to people's attention this unique story from WWII and the courage demonstrated by these Parisian librarians was notable.

‘People read,’ the Directress said. ‘War or no war.’

The Author’s Notes at the conclusion of the story reveal that many of the characters are in fact based around real people and actual events that occurred during Nazi Occupation. Having worked for a time in the American Library in Paris in 2019, the author committed to following up on stories she learnt of what occurred during this time and the result is this most insightful book.  Odile makes for a fascinating lead character who is a master of the Dewy Decimal system and thrilled to be working her first job at the library in 1939. The range of secondary characters who work or volunteer at the library is broad and eclectic. As they are determined to stay open during occupation, Odile and the staff work to provide books to recovering soldiers and as many of their Jewish subscribers as possible. There will be risks and there will be sorrows.

‘We must serve in the field of morale.’ ‘Morale? Then why books? Why not wine?’ a redhead quipped. ‘That’s what I’d want.’ ‘Who says it’s either or?’ I asked. They laughed. ‘But seriously, why books. Because no other thing possesses that mystical faculty to make people see with other people’s eyes. The Library is a bridge of books between cultures.’

My problem with the book was the modern day timeline. I just didn’t like it. Montana USA 1983 sees an older Odile as seen through the eyes of teenager Lily and the relationship they embark on.  I thought there would have been better ways to make the connections of past to present and confess not to be interested in Lily’s story at all. I truly feel that the American Library in Paris contained enough material and merit without having to bring in teenage angst from the 1980s.

‘I was needed at the Library. I was happy there. ‘I can’t rest,’ I told my father. ‘Miss Reeder says books promote understanding, which is important now more than ever.’

All up bibliophiles and  lovers of historical fiction will appreciate this window into a little known part of the Nazi occupation of Paris. Told from such a unique perspective, it was gratifying to learn of the librarian's courageous enterprise through literature and how the devastation of war impacts upon people. Most certainly  a tale of betrayal and loss but also one of hope and the power of friendship. 

‘You were brave,’ I told Odile. ‘Keeping the Library open and making sure all people could check out books.’ She sighed. ‘I merely did the minimum.’ ‘Le minimum? What you did was amazing. You gave subscribers hope. You showed that during the worst of times, people were still good. You saved books and people. You risked your life to defy the fricking Nazis. That’s huge.’ ‘If I could go back, I would do more.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.