Book Blurb:
In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.
Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.
For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.
Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.
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The Collector of Burned Books is a beautifully written story set during the Nazi invasion of Paris.
Corinne Bastien is a professor of linguistics and philosophy in 1940s Paris. Despite the risks, Corinne bravely navigates not only academia as a female professor but also the dangerous world of espionage, doing her part to bring Nazi intel to the Resistance. Christian Bauer has been sent by the Nazi party to dismantle the Parisian libraries, including the Library of Burned Books. Christian, in his own way, fights to protect those he loves—both human and literary. Though proud of his German heritage, he opposes Nazi ideology and takes quiet but dangerous risks under the regime’s ever-watchful eye.
From the start, Corinne sees Christian in his gray Nazi uniform as the enemy. But as the story unfolds, a reluctant friendship emerges as they share their love of books and discover a deeper connection.
Roseanna M. White's books never disappoint; her attention to historical detail is unparalleled. From the very first page, I was drawn into 1940s Paris, feeling the tension and uncertainty of the time. Corinne is brave—strong, smart, and willing to risk her life for others. Christian, a bit of a book nerd, is the perfect foil for her. He challenges her preconceived notions of who he is and opens her heart to bigger dreams than she ever dared to dream. I love Christian’s heart—how he befriends everyone, from Parisians to fellow soldiers to scholarly Jews. He shows that true kindness and care can win more people to your side than words ever could.
This book was a stirring read that left me with a deeper appreciation for the struggles of World War II.
Request The Collector of Burned Books at your local library, preorder it at most retailers, or find it for sale on Amazon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author Roseanna M. White and Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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