The librarians of Rue de Picardie - Janet Skeslien Charles

The New York Times bestselling author of the The Paris Library returns with a powerful, moving new novel based on the extraordinary true story of Jessie Carson, the American librarian determined to bring books to the children of war-torn France.

'This is hands down my book of 2024. A rich, glorious life-affirming ode to the power of books and female solidarity. Simply unforgettable!' Kate Thompson

'A wonderful story about the power books have not only to inspire, but also to rescue and restore. The characters are so richly drawn... I absolutely loved it' Ruth Hogan

'If you're a fan of historical fiction with strong, inspirational women at its core, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.'
Real Reader

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Under what was left of the roof of the ruined cottage, a girl with pigtails perched on a pile of rubble, hunched over a book...

1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France, a group of women determined to rebuild devastated French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen - children's libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears.

1987: When NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives, she becomes consumed with learning her fate. In her obsession, she discovers that she and the elusive librarian have more in common than their work at New York's famed library, but she has no idea their paths will converge in surprising ways across time.

*Published under the title Miss Morgan's Book Brigade in the US*

Readers adore THE LIBRARIANS OF RUE DE PICARDIE:

'Beautifully written... unforgettable!'

'Inspiring'

'A great book for book-club discussions'

I will be thinking of these brave women for a long time to come'

'A beautiful story of female courage, friendship and the power of books'


'An enthralling, emotional story rich in historical detail... Charles has done real justice to the legacy of these courageous women; this wonderful book is a gift to the reader' Liese O'Halloran Schwarz
'A moving novel of sacrifice, heroism, and inspired storytelling immersed in the power of books to change our lives' Patti Callahan Henry
'Bibliophiles are in for a treat' Publishers Weekly