Who Are the Characters in the Paris Library?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re looking for a captivating novel that combines historical fiction with a touching story of friendship, The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a must-read. The book is set in Paris during World War II and follows the lives of several characters who are interconnected through the American Library in Paris. Let’s take a closer look at the main characters of this gripping tale.

Odile Souchet
Odile is the protagonist of The Paris Library. She is a young woman who dreams of working at the American Library in Paris.

Despite her father’s disapproval, Odile lands a job there and develops an unbreakable bond with her boss, Miss Reeder. Odile is passionate about books and believes that they have the power to bring people together and change lives. When Germany invades France, Odile risks everything to protect the library’s collection and its patrons.

Miss Reeder
Miss Reeder is the head librarian at the American Library in Paris. She takes Odile under her wing and becomes like a mother figure to her.

Miss Reeder is British and has lived in France for many years. She has a deep love for literature and believes that libraries are essential for fostering intellectual curiosity and promoting cultural exchange.

Lily Baker
Lily is an American teenager who moves to Paris with her family after her father gets a job there. She discovers the library and becomes friends with Odile. Lily struggles to fit in at school but finds solace in reading books from the library’s collection, which broadens her horizons beyond what she ever imagined possible.

Paul Ricard
Paul Ricard is a member of the French Resistance who frequents the library as a cover for his clandestine activities. He forms an alliance with Odile when she joins his resistance cell, and they work together to distribute contraband books to people who are hungry for knowledge and hope.

Otto and Werner von Rundstedt
Otto and Werner von Rundstedt are two German soldiers who are stationed in Paris during the war. Otto is a high-ranking officer, while Werner is a young soldier who becomes infatuated with Lily. Their presence in the story highlights the tension between the occupying forces and the French people, as well as the danger that Odile and her colleagues face every day.

The Paris Library is a beautifully written novel that celebrates the power of literature to transcend borders and bring people together. Through its diverse cast of characters, Janet Skeslien Charles invites readers to reflect on themes such as love, loss, courage, and resilience in times of war. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an engaging read, The Paris Library won’t disappoint.