The Parisian Chapter

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library, a captivating story about a young woman who takes a job at the American Library in Paris, where she discovers the power of storytelling and writes her own Parisian chapter...

'A sparkling, heartfelt ode to libraries - and to the people who make them magical' KRISTIN HARMEL

Paris, 1995. It's been five years since Lily Jacobsen and her best friend Mary Louise arrived in Paris from their small town in Montana. Determined to establish themselves as artists, they shared a tiny apartment. But when Mary Louise moves out, Lily feels alone in the city of light and needs a new way to support herself. She lands a job as a programs manager at the American Library in Paris, following in the footsteps of Odile, her beloved French neighbour in Montana who told her stories of heroic World War II librarians when Lily was growing up.

At work, Lily meets an extraordinary cast of characters - including her favourite writer, struggling students, haughty trustees, and devoted volunteers - each with their own stories...and agendas. In the library's attic, Lily discovers a box of archives that may be a link to Odile's own Parisian chapter.

This moving story offers a panoramic view of a real historic institution, and revisits characters from both of Janet Skeslien Charles's beloved novels.

'A colorful tapestry shot through with themes of friendship, the power of books, the importance of history, and the joys and trials of an artist's life. It's told with charm and flair and filled with genuine joie de vivre' Library Journal

Real readers ADORED opening The Parisian Chapter:

'This is a story for anyone who's ever chased a dream, lost a friend, or found themselves in a place that feels like home - even if it's across the world. In The Parisian Chapter, Janet Skeslien Charles blends humor, heartbreak, and the magic of books'

'The Parisian Chapter is The Devil Wears Prada set in a library'

'A beautiful exploration of ambition, love, nostalgia, and the messiness of real friendships, especially the kind that evolve (or dissolve) as we grow'

Praise for Janet Skeslien Charles' novels:

'An irresistible combination of two of my favourite things: Paris and libraries. Utterly charming' NATASHA LESTER

'A rich, glorious, life-affirming ode to the power of books and female solidarity' KATE THOMPSON

'A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship' BOOKLIST