I am thrilled to announce the publication today of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles. Janet wrote the best-selling book The Paris Library in 2021, which has been translated into 37 languages.
The synopsis of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade: 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. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild destroyed 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 obsessive research, 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.
Based on the extraordinary little-known history of the women who received the Croix de Guerre medal for courage under fire, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of literature, and ultimately the courage it takes to make a change.
Janet has generously donated a free copy of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade to give away on Eye Prefer Paris.
The eight person who makes a comment on the link below, will receive a copy of the book.
Here’s the link to purchase a copy of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
I’m hoping that Jessie wasn’t abducted…which may explain why she disappeared. No, it would be preferable that she simply returned to the quiet life of a librarian…or better yet, that she met some Frenchman from one of the demolished towns. a lone survivor if you will…and fell madly in love, ultimately spending the rest of her years in France.
Posted by: Porter Scott | April 30, 2024 at 09:11 AM
30 April 2024
I hope I am the eight person to comment!
I'm involved in Holocaust (Shoah) studies.
I enjoy learning from good fiction & non fiction about the era of WWII, as well as genocide in various countries, including that of the American Indians, which we in the US could acknowledge even better than we do.
Cordially,
Susan REDD
Posted by: Susan REDD | April 30, 2024 at 12:52 PM
As a former librarian myself I am most intrigued. I look forward to reading this book! Glad to have read your review!
Posted by: Anita Kreitman | April 30, 2024 at 12:59 PM
Long live brave women heroes and books for everyone.
Posted by: Bernarda Septier | April 30, 2024 at 01:04 PM
Sounds like a wonderful story.
Posted by: Barbara | April 30, 2024 at 01:05 PM
Loved loved loved The Paris Library! Would love to have this book also. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Beth Donaldson | April 30, 2024 at 01:05 PM
Loved her other book. Can't wait to read this one😊
Posted by: Shirley lerman | April 30, 2024 at 01:14 PM
This will definitely be a best seller! I loved her other book the Paris Library! Lydia Ganz
Posted by: Lydia Ganz | April 30, 2024 at 01:29 PM
The plot sounds very intriguing!!
Posted by: Maxine Gaiber | April 30, 2024 at 01:29 PM
I really loved her previous book and historical fiction involving France and WWII in general.
Posted by: Harriett Godwin | April 30, 2024 at 01:37 PM
I Amy very interested in novels that take place during the First War.
Posted by: Philip | April 30, 2024 at 01:38 PM
Sounds fascinating
Posted by: Connie Springer | April 30, 2024 at 01:41 PM
I have a Jessie Carson book from WW I in my personal collection, I always visit the Morgan Library in NY and other famous Libraries when I travel. Just visited the Thomas Jefferson collection at the Library of Congress in DC, so I appreciate the theme of using literature to build peace.
And a story that skips across decades in a library environment is dear to key heart, too.
Susan Emanuel, Maine and the Marais
Posted by: Susan EMANUEL | April 30, 2024 at 01:44 PM
Loved The Paris Library!! Am looking forward to reading this novel as well!!
Posted by: Jackie Vasey | April 30, 2024 at 02:26 PM
Reading is the ultimate crucible.
Posted by: Sherri Segall | April 30, 2024 at 02:26 PM
It sounds like a fascinating story. I would love to know the ending.
Posted by: Jan Mears | April 30, 2024 at 02:35 PM
Hi Richard
Posted by: Blair | April 30, 2024 at 02:49 PM
The book sounds amazing! Would love to read it!
Posted by: Sandi Landau | April 30, 2024 at 04:19 PM
Oh my gosh, I loved The Paris Library and am certain that I will purchasing the latest! Really good prose and an excellent story line with characters that are likeable. Thanks. Marie
Posted by: Marie Berry | April 30, 2024 at 04:36 PM
Sounds like a delightful read and some great history. Thank you for telling us.
Posted by: Bonnie Valuet | April 30, 2024 at 04:52 PM