It seems these days I'm only reading historical fiction; as if I'm trying to make up for all the years I refused to pick up a book not set in modern day. But how could I resist a story about a library, the dewey decimal system, it's patrons and set in Paris.
The Paris Library begins in 1939 with Odile; a young woman excited by books and the possibility of love. Odile's father, a police office, brings home an officer from work every Sunday for dinner in attempt to have his daughter married. Odile and her twin brother Remy laugh and joke about each potential suitor.
Against her father's wishes, Odile follows her dream of working in a library. Things begin to change when Odile finds one of the Sunday suitors quickens her heart and takes her breath away. Remy is also finding love with one of Odile's co-workers at the library.
The can only ignore the looming war for so long though and soon Remy is prepared to be a soldier and headed off to fight for his country. Odile remains in Paris and is slow to realize there is a war happening in Paris as well.
Told in alternate chapters is the story of young Lily, growing up in 1980's Montana with lot of challenges thrown her way. One day she decides to write a school project on France and who better to help then her neighbour Odile. A unlikely friendship is born between the two but Lily wants to know what is the real story about her neighbour and why is living in Montana and not Paris?
At first I found The Paris Library hard to keep keep track of all the characters but like all good novels by then end I knew them all well. This story is perfectly suited for those that love their libraries and a good book.
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