The Paris Library - Janet Skeslien Charles

I think I have mentioned before that I like historical fiction. Have I also mentioned that I love the library? I probably should have been a librarian, but alas, I did not get my Masters in Library Science. So combining my love of the library with my enjoyment of historical fiction, I had to read this book. I ordered it from...you guessed it....the library and after a long wait, it finally arrived!

The Paris Library is split between two time periods, one with Odile in Paris during WWII. She has just gotten her dream job at the American Library in Paris. The rest of the book takes place in the 1980's in Froid Montana, where she now lives next door to a teenager named Lily.

In Paris during WWII, the librarians do their best to keep the library open and books accessible to everyone during the war. At first there are high hopes that France will defeat the German army, but France's defeat comes quickly and lives are changed forever as the Germans occupy much of France.

Odile is just out of university and at her dream job, but her father is determined to find her a husband. He is a policeman and keeps bringing home different officers for her to meet. She dislikes them all, until she meets Paul. She quickly falls in love with him. At the library she makes some wonderful friends, including Margaret, a British woman who moved to Paris with her diplomat husband. Odile also has a twin brother Remy, who ends up joining the army against her father's wishes. The occupation was horrible, and Odile usually tries her best to help and care for people, but she made a few mistakes. One mistake haunts her and pushed her to move to Montana.

Lily is a teenager in the small town of Froid, Montana. She has a wonderful mother, who unexpectedly dies, so Lily's life is turned upside down. She is very curious about Odile, and eventually they become friends. Odile helps her navigate through high school by imparting some of her wisdom. Lily, also makes some silly mistakes, but finds a way to make things right and in the end teaches Odile something too.

The book was wonderful, and is based on a true story! I loved the characters, though at times it was a bit slow. I would definitely recommend this one for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.......loving the library doesn't hurt either!