The Paris Library: A Novel

An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller—based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II—The Paris Library is a moving and unforgettable “ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

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368 pages

Average rating: 7.46

335 RATINGS

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10 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

erikajanae
Jul 07, 2024
7/10 stars
WWII historical fiction novel. Based on actual events, people, and the role The American Library in Paris played in the resistance during Nazi occupation. A beautiful tribute to the importance of libraries, books, and access to information, especially during trying times.
Anonymous
May 19, 2024
8/10 stars
I really enjoyed this book, but it's always hard to read about World War 2.

I had no idea that there was an American library in Paris until this book. It has recently hit its 100th anniversary. It's amazing that these strong librarians did so much to protect the library and to provide books to its subscribers.

It's definitely worth reading, but I don't foresee myself reading it more than once.
Valarie
Apr 26, 2024
6/10 stars
Most of the book is excellent, down to fine details. But the ending is what caused me to only give it 3 stars. It felt a little unfinished as though Charles just wanted to rush the ending. I felt the main (French) character did not remain "true to character" at the end. Without giving too much away, I feel that she would have done more to reconnect. Based on her other actions, I felt she wouldn't have behaved that way, at the very least, in respect to her parents. There was so much unresolved. I believe Charles was trying to tie all her loose ends together with a small detail about the main (American) character's graduation gift. It didn't really work. Furthermore, you aren't unmarried because you decide to be, either, and that was a major aspect that just seemed random and unfinished in my mind. Would a husband not search for his bride?? All in all, I was really loving it until the end. But I cannot give it more than 3 stars.
featherdrop07
Nov 14, 2023
8/10 stars
Fictional, historic read.
HF Book Lovers
Apr 15, 2023
10/10 stars
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