“ Based on the true Second World War story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable novel of romance, friendship, family, and of heroism found in the quietest of places. “

•

We first meet Odile in Paris, 1939, who loves books and is on her way to an interview for her dream job at the American Library in Paris. We then meet Lily in Montana, 1983, a young teenager who is curious about her elegant elderly neighbour Odile.

This book is beautifully written and captures the wonder of a library perfectly. It’s about people who love books and what they represent, and who give their all to keep their beloved library running during the war. It is about love, loss, bravery, fear, pride, jealousy, friendship, betrayal and learning from mistakes, some of which are unforgivable.

Chapters jump from past to present and between characters (I’m not sure I’ve read a book recently which doesn’t do that