()
UMGC Europe Book Club observes Veterans Day on November 19, 2024 at 1200 CET via Zoom with a special feature on “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles. This compelling historical novel intertwines themes of literacy, democracy and intergenerational friendship, serving as a tribute to Veterans Day and honoring those who endured WWII. By exploring how literature became a source of connection during one of history’s darkest periods, the novel underscores the enduring value of books as symbols of hope and freedom.
Janet Skeslien Charles masterfully interweaves real historical events and characters from the library’s wartime legacy into her narrative. The American Library in Paris was one of the few institutions that remained open throughout WWII, providing the source material for the novel. Dorothy Reeder, the library’s real-life director who appears in the story, held steadfast to the library’s mission, declaring that closing was never an option. Considering Nazi Germany’s penchant for book burning, the American Library’s existence challenged the occupation through community literacy. The library staff persevered, despite great peril, fortified by a deep commitment to aiding soldiers and civilians. Even as the war intensified, the library’s volunteer service sent books to the front lines, providing comfort and solace to soldiers far from home. Established as a memorial for those who had fallen in WWI, the American Library carried forward its legacy, believing profoundly in the power of books.
Set in Nazi-occupied Paris, “The Paris Library” immerses readers in the world of Odile, a young French librarian. During the phony war and the bleak years after the fall of Paris, the doors of the American Library stay open, offering refuge and resilience through literature. As the library continues its circulation, Odile risks her own safety to protect the collection and provides banned books to Jewish patrons and French Resistance fighters. Through Odile’s acts of defiance, Charles depicts how books can be agents of change and vehicles of comfort in times of unimaginable hardship. For Odile and her colleagues, the American Library is both a physical sanctuary and a symbolic democratic space.
Beyond its portrayal of WWII, “The Paris Library” emphasizes the theme of intergenerational friendship. In a parallel storyline decades after the war in a small town in Montana, Odile forms a close bond with her young neighbor, Lily. As Odile shares her experiences of war and survival, Lily gains insight into resilience and discovers how literature can offer perspective and guidance. It is through a shared love of the French language that Lily transforms into a bold young woman, and Odile’s mentorship shapes the young girl’s dreams, taking her well beyond her small town. This intergenerational friendship illustrates the timeless value of shared stories and history, and how the past is always just a conversation away.
Flyer for UMGC Book Club (UMGC)
UMGC Europe Book Club selected “The Paris Library” to commemorate Veterans Day and to reinforce its mission of building a welcoming, inclusive community rooted in empathy and resilience. Whether you’re a student, a military member, a veteran, or simply a book lover in our community, we invite you to join us in exploring this historical novel and engaging in meaningful conversation.
For more information, visit our Facebook page or email bookclub-europe@umgc.edu with questions about membership or upcoming events.
