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Fiction. Literature. Historical Fiction. HTML: Libraries are being ransacked. France is torn apart by war. A French librarian is determined to resist. Told through smuggled letters to an author, an ordinary librarian describes the brutal Nazi occupation of her small coastal village and the extraordinary measures she takes to fight back. Saint-Malo, France: August 1939. Jocelyn and Antoine are childhood sweethearts, but just after they marry, Antoine is drafted to fight against Germany. As World War II rages, Jocelyn uses her position as a librarian in her town of Saint-Malo to comfort and encourage her community with books. Jocelyn begins to write secret letters smuggled to a famous Parisian author, telling her story in the hope that it will someday reach the outside world. France falls and the Nazis occupy Jocelyn's town, turning it into a fortress. The townspeople try passive resistance, but the German commander ruthlessly begins to destroy part of the city's libraries. Books deemed unsuitable by the Nazis are burnt or stolen, and priceless knowledge is lost. Risking arrest and even her life, Jocelyn manages to hide some of the books while desperately waiting to receive news from her husband Antoine, now a prisoner in a German camp. Jocelyn's mission unfolds in her letters: to protect the people of Saint-Malo and the books they hold so dear. Mario Escobar brings to life the occupied city in sweeping and romantic prose, re-creating the history of those who sacrificed all to care for the people they loved. World War II historical fiction inspired by true events Book length: 368 pages.… (more)
User reviews
Fans of a happy ending may not enjoy this one. It is a thoughtful, realistic book though and a different persecptive among all of the many WWII books that are written - especially in the Christian fiction genre.
Jocelyn and Antoine get married in August, 1939 Right after
Jocelyn is a wonderful character. She is full of love for her husband, her town, her library, her books and many of the people that she comes in contact with. She was a strong woman throughout the novel and did what had to be done to save her beloved books. This is a book about bravery when faced with impossible obstacles. The writing is both sweeping and romantic and Mario Escobar brings to life the occupied city and re-creates the history of those who sacrificed all to care for the people they loved.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Jocelyn Ferrec lives in a small town on the northern coast of France. The war has already affected the lives of many, but the
Life takes on meaning when we dedicate it to others. This well written book is one you will long remember. How much meaning is in our daily lives?
An ARC was received through HarperCollins, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited
I did enjoy following Jocelyn as she tried to protect her precious library and the valuable books from the Nazis' clutches. Her dedication and her love for her books and her city were obvious. I also liked how the novel seeped into history at a time when the best and worst of humanity were on display. However, I never really connected with Jocelyn emotionally and struggled to finish the book.
I highly recommend The Librarian of Saint-Malo. It’s a must read for those who want a deeply felt novel that will make you think.
Very Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Barnes And Noble. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)