The Paris Library: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of physical abuse and illness or death.



Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How effectively does The Paris Library balance its dual timelines between Nazi-occupied Paris and 1980s Montana? Did you find one timeline more engaging than the other? If so, why?

2. How does the American Library’s form of resistance in this novel compare to resistance portrayed in other World War II books like Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See?

3. Which scenes most powerfully conveyed the atmosphere of occupied Paris for you? What made these moments feel authentic?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Odile finds purpose and identity through her love of the Dewey Decimal System and books. What passion or interest has shaped your identity or career path in a similar way?

2. When Odile reveals Margaret’s secret to Paul in a moment of anger, it has devastating consequences that she cannot undo. Have you experienced a time when words spoken impulsively affected a relationship in ways you couldn’t control?