Is the Book the Paris Library a True Story?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a book lover, you might have heard about the novel “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles. The book has captured the attention of many readers with its gripping story set in the midst of World War II.

But as with any historical fiction, it’s natural to wonder if the book is based on a true story or not. In this article, we’ll explore whether “The Paris Library” is a true story or not.

What is “The Paris Library” about?

“The Paris Library” tells the story of Odile Souchet, a young woman who works at the American Library in Paris. The library is a haven for book lovers and intellectuals from all over the world.

However, when Germany invades France in 1940, everything changes. The library becomes a Target for Nazi censors and Odile and her colleagues must fight to protect their beloved books and keep them out of Nazi hands.

Is “The Paris Library” based on a true story?

Yes and no. While “The Paris Library” is a work of fiction, it’s based on real events and people who lived through World War II in France. The American Library in Paris was indeed an important institution during this time period and played a crucial role in preserving books and other materials.

The American Library in Paris

The American Library in Paris was founded in 1920 by the American Library Association with the support of numerous donors, including Edith Wharton and Gertrude Stein. It quickly became one of the most important English-language libraries in Europe and attracted writers like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce.

During World War II, the library faced numerous challenges. When France fell to Nazi Germany in 1940, many staff members fled or were forced into hiding. The library itself was closed for a period of time before reopening under the supervision of Nazi censors.

The librarians who fought back

While “The Paris Library” is a fictional story, it’s based on the real-life experiences of the librarians who worked at the American Library in Paris during World War II. These brave men and women did everything they could to protect their books and keep them out of Nazi hands.

One librarian in particular, Dorothy Reeder, played a key role in saving many important books from destruction. She smuggled books out of the library and hid them in her apartment until it was safe to return them. Other librarians worked to keep up morale among patrons and staff members during this difficult time.

Conclusion

While “The Paris Library” is a work of fiction, it’s based on real events and people who lived through World War II in France. The American Library in Paris was indeed an important institution during this time period and faced many challenges during the war. However, thanks to the bravery and dedication of its staff members, many important books were saved from destruction and continue to be enjoyed by readers today.