Oregon Public Library discussion

1. Many historical fiction stories adopt the dual timeline format—why do you think that’s a popular choice for the genre?

2. Were you more engaged in one storyline over the other?

3. What do you like best about reading WWII historical fiction? Did you know about the American Library in Paris prior to reading this novel?

4. Why was it important for the librarians to continue to spread the love of reading during the war?

5. Let’s talk about the friendship between Odile and Lily—what did they both learn from each other? In what ways were they similar?

6. What was the rippling impact of Remy joining the French Army?

7. Odile begins a romance with Paul and thinks she has it all. But when did you start to suspect a darker side to Paul?

8. While Odile develops a close friendship with Margaret, she also is envious of her lifestyle. And when Margaret begins a relationship with a Nazi solider, she’s horrified. What do you make of her complicated friendship with Margaret?

9. Margaret is eventually attacked by Paul and when Odile learns the truth—she leaves behind Paris forever to marry an American. What did you think of this decision by Odile to leave everything behind?

10. Will Odile ever reconnect with Margaret again?

11. Have you ever been to Paris?