Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Set between World War II Paris and 1980s Montana, The Paris Library follows Odile, a young librarian at the American Library in Paris, whose life becomes entangled with war, love, and betrayal. Years later, a lonely teenager named Lily becomes her neighbor, and the two form an unlikely friendship. I was drawn in by the promise of books, history, and found family, all themes I usually adore.

✅ What I Liked:
The library setting was easily my favorite part. The author’s research shines through, and I loved the real-life details about how librarians risked everything to deliver books to Jewish subscribers during the occupation. Odile’s passion for literature and her loyalty to her friends made her a compelling, if flawed, protagonist.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
While the concept is wonderful, I struggled to feel emotionally connected to the characters. Their relationships often felt a little distant, as though I were watching from behind glass rather than being part of their world. There was so much potential for deep emotion, but it stayed just out of reach.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you love historical fiction inspired by real events and you’re drawn to stories about books, libraries, and quiet acts of courage, this will likely appeal to you. Fans of The Book Thief or The Nightingale might find this a gentle, character-driven alternative.

💭 Final Thoughts:
The Paris Library is beautifully written and clearly well-researched, but it didn’t completely capture my heart. I admired it more than I loved it. It is a thoughtful read that left me wishing for a bit more emotional spark.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – A quiet, beautifully researched story that lacked the emotional pull I hoped for.