best friends and their books

Tracie’s Version

If you liked Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” I would highly suggest this novel.

Goodreads synopsis:

“Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together.

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.”

I really enjoyed this novel. The setting, the characters and for once the slow pace. It wasn’t a book I felt the need to rush through and for some reason I kind of liked it that way.

The theme of bringing books to those who are in need and protecting the library at all costs were something all book lovers can get behind. And the sprinkle of romance was a plus.

I also love when a book jumps back and forth in time. I loved getting to know young Odile as well as elderly Odile.

I enjoyed it, although it wasn’t life altering so I gave it 4 stars.