The Paris library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Summary:
"Paris, 1939. Young, ambitious, and tempestuous, Odile Souchet has it all: Paul, her handsome police officer beau; Margaret, her best friend from England; her adored twin brother Remy; and a dream job at the American Library in Paris, working alongside the library's legendary director, Dorothy Reeder. But when World War II breaks out, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear - including her beloved library. After the invasion, as the Nazis declare a war on words and darkness falls over the City of Light, Odile and her fellow librarians join the Resistance with the best weapons they have: books. They risk their lives again and again to help their fellow Jewish readers. When the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. Montana, 1983. Odile's solitary existence in gossipy small-town Montana is unexpectedly interrupted by Lily, her neighbor, a lonely teenager longing for adventure. As Lily uncovers more about Odile's mysterious past, they find they share a love of language, the same longings, the same lethal jealousy. Odile helps Lily navigate the troubled waters of adolescence by always recommending just the right book at the right time, never suspecting that Lily will be the one to help her reckon with her own terrible secret. Based on the true story of the American Library in Paris, The Paris Library explores the geography of resentment, the consequences of terrible choices made, and how extraordinary heroism can be found in the quietest of places."--Provided by publisher.
The Adult Book Club provides an informal, congenial atmosphere for patrons over eighteen years of age to share their literary interpretations of the current book selection. Everyone should read the month’s selection before the meeting. Please feel free to attend even if you haven’t finished the book as long as you don’t mind hearing how the book ends. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the discussion, but listeners are welcome.
Light refreshments are served by individuals from the group on a volunteer basis. Extra copies of the book selection are available one month in advance at the library circulation desk.
Registration is required.
Program facilitated by: Karen Raymer