Play Book Tag discussion

The Paris Library was sent to me as an advanced reader copy, so I might be able to create some buzz and excitement for it. It is due for entry in June! I hope I do the review justice.

Paris, Books, WWII resistance, this book has all the elements I love! Hits all the notes for me. Dual timeline, where of course the historical story is the center of the tale.

This is a book for readers who understand books and libraries and the appeal of the people who frequent these places for refuge, learning, and connection of all kinds. What I learned at the end of the book, was that all of the characters and events related to the American Library in Paris during the Second World War were true events and people. I believe only our heroine Odile is fictional. Books and their communities were at the center of the resistance in this moment, and people risked their lives for their subscribers and each other, in many untold ways. The library was more than a home for these librarians. For each, it was a refuge and a soul and community wrapped into one, and this is where the writing shone. When it spoke of the relationship of the people to the books and the library and what it meant to them. That spoke far more beautifully than the plot.

But speaking of the plot, here is what stayed with me. Heroes and Heroines that are flawed. That have petty jealousies and behavior. That sometimes the best of them shone. Sometimes young people, people are also scared, self-interested, and vulnerable to ego. We have seen so many stories where brave men and women risk anything for honor, freedom, virtue, etc. What felt real to me about this one, is that our heroes and heroines are ordinary, and therefore flawed and imperfect. But there are lessons learned, some the hard way. This story was less come see how noble and brave I am, to lets see the human side of people put in difficult positions, and how they ultimately choose. I had a lot of empathy for all of the characters involved. This is the kind of courage one shows when instead of the fantastical 17 year old hero or heroine, its the one doing their best in impossible circumstances and life too young to metabolize. I liked it even more after its pages closed, but I had to adjust to the change and the realness of it. I think its worth checking out - but only if you love books and libraries and are willing to take the risk to be human.

Wonderful review, Amy! You tempt me-

I'm still on a WWII hiatus, but this looks appealing for when I return!

Added it to the TBR.

This book screams my name! Definitely ordering it.