The Parisian Chapter: a story of friendship, literature and finding home in the City of Lights

The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles is a story of friendship, literature and finding home again. Paris, 1995, Lily Jacobsen and her best friend Mary Louise wanted to pursue their dreams in the City of Lights. After five years of their shared tiny walkup and surviving on brie and baguettes, Mary Louise suddenly moves out. Lily feels so alone before she gets a job as a programs manager at the American Library, following in the footsteps of her beloved French neighbor, Odile, back home. Fueled by Odile’s stories of heroic World War II librarians, Lily sees a chance to make her own experiences. At the library, she discovers the library is in financial trouble. In the attic, Lily discovers a box that may contain information about Odile’s time at the library. Could what she finds help save the library? 

I loved Janet Skeslien Charles’ book, The Paris Library and I was eager to once again visit the American Library. Sadly, I was bored and disappointed. There were too many characters with chapter POVs. I couldn’t connect with any of them, especially Lily. I found her to be whiny and annoying. I wasn’t sure what the conflict between Lily and Mary Louise was and if Mary Louise’s reason to move out was fully explained. Or maybe I missed it. I also wasn’t aware this book was supposed to be a spin off of The Paris Library. It just doesn’t have the same impact I felt when I read The Paris Library. Overall, I was bored and underwhelmed. I didn’t see the power of friendship, literature of finding home again. It was not the story I was expecting. I do not recommend The Parisian Chapter. 

The Parisian Chapter is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook