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The Paris Library

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The Paris Library

By: Janet Skeslien Charles
Narrated by: Nicky Diss, Sarah Feathers, Esther Wane, Janet Skeslien Charles
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About this listen

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.

©2020 Janet Skeslien Charles (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
Fiction World War II France War

Critic Reviews

"I devoured The Paris Library in one hungry gulp...charming and moving." (Tatiana de Rosnay, author of Sarah's Key)

"An irresistible, compelling read." (Fiona Davis, author of The Chelsea Girls)

What listeners say about The Paris Library

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Beautiful but sad story

Another wartime tragically sad story but told beautifully - narration was faultless, and the characters were beautifully portrayed.

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Interesting Story

Has good characters with lots of depth. Good life lessons. Very enjoyable. worth a read.

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2 people found this helpful

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not this library

narration was annoying especially when the whining started. story not as good as i expected.

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New favorite

An amazing story with a beautiful meaning and twist. This has been added to my favorites list.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Interesting read but nothing special

Interesting protagonist and some historical events portrayed well. Switching perspectives wasn’t necessary, some superfluous characters. Really frustrating narration choices- characters think with an English accent but speak with a French accent.

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What a beautiful story

Loved this book - written do beautifully - you can tell the amount of research that has gone into the history of the library.

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Loved it from beginning to end

What about! The story is very well written, with romance, thriller and suspense. Highly recommend

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Average

This book covered interesting topics, but the writing never really lifted off into good literature. Somewhere between a quick, easy read and a book that really draws you in on characters, plot or beautiful use of language. If you want an average read, then go for it.

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Slow to start but worth staying to the end

I struggled with the story in the beginning. It seemed to go on without getting anywhere. I nearly gave up until Odile's story really started to unfold then I couldn't stop listening. It's worth seeing it through to the end.

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