Title: The Paris Bookseller
Author: Kerri Maher
First published January 11, 2022
312 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781472290779 (ISBN10: 1472290771)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
Step back in time and explore the captivating story of Sylvia Beach, a young American bookseller who revolutionized the world of literature in The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher. In 1919, Sylvia opened Shakespeare and Company, a bookstore that would soon become a haven for the Lost Generation’s most influential writers like Ernest Hemingway.
However, Shakespeare and Company was more than just a bookstore, it was a place where writers formed lifelong friendships and Sylvia became James Joyce’s confidante. When Joyce’s controversial novel is banned, Sylvia embarks on a daring mission to publish it under the auspices of her beloved store.
But the success of the book comes with a high price. Other publishers try to woo Joyce away, and Sylvia must choose between her loyalty to her store and her cherished relationships.
As Sylvia faces personal and financial crises, she must ask herself what Shakespeare and Company truly means to her. The Paris Bookseller is a mesmerizing novel about perseverance, passion, and the power of books to change lives.
Editoral Review
Kerri Maher’s latest novel, The Paris Bookseller, is a beautifully written story that seamlessly blends fact and fiction, weaving a tale that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Published on January 11, 2022, The Paris Bookseller transports readers to the heart of Paris in the 1940s, against the backdrop of World War II and the Nazi occupation.
Maher, a seasoned historical novelist, has a knack for bringing the past to life in vivid detail. In The Paris Bookseller, she skillfully paints a picture of a city in peril, where danger lurks around every corner and survival is a daily struggle.
Through the eyes of her protagonists, she explores themes of hope, love, loss, and resilience, as they navigate the challenges of war and occupation. The story follows the journey of a young bookseller named Jean-Luc, who risks everything to hide and protect the rare, banned books in his possession.
Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, including his spirited sister, who is fighting with the resistance, a fellow bookseller who becomes a close friend, and a powerful, enigmatic German officer who develops a surprising connection with Jean-Luc. Maher’s prose is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the streets and cafes of Paris during a dangerous and uncertain time.
The characters are well-drawn and complex, with each having a unique voice and perspective. The pacing is brisk, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes, while still maintaining a strong sense of emotional depth and richness.
At its core, The Paris Bookseller is a meditation on the transformative power of literature and the importance of preserving intellectual freedom, even in the face of unspeakable horrors. It is a reminder that books have the power to connect us, to inspire us, and to help us make sense of the world around us, even during the darkest of times.
While retellings of World War II are abundant in literature, Maher’s approach to the topic is fresh, nuanced, and deeply moving. She has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also forces readers to think about human suffering, sacrifice, and perseverance.
However, the novel’s only drawback is the predictable ending, which undercuts the emotional depth and urgency of the story. Overall, The Paris Bookseller is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone looking for a stirring, thought-provoking tale that beautifully captures the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.
It is a poignant reminder of the power of literature to transcend borders and unite us in our shared humanity. Therefore, I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
