Title: The Collector of Burned Books
Author: Roseanna M. White
Major Themes: World War II, Books, Libraries
Synopsis: Corinne loves books, but more than that, she loves freedom—and with the Nazi invasion, her life could very well be on the line if the Nazis uncover what she was doing at the library that houses all the books the Reich has banned.
I’ve enjoyed Roseanna White’s books for at least seven years now, and I believe this book was the 13th or 14th book I’ve read by her. Whenever I see one of her new books, I’m always excited to read it. Some of her books have been more favorites than others, but I always enjoy whatever she comes out with. When I saw that The Collector of Burned Books was the next title she was planning to release, I immediately requested a review copy. I’m so glad I got to read this book!
Publisher’s description:
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.
My thoughts:
I’ve read quite a few World War II books over the years; generally, either they were based on true stories, or they focused more on some form of resistance movement or underground work. This book felt quite different from what I’ve seen as the “typical” war story, although it was certainly entrenched in the times!
The two main characters are both professors and share a love of books, even though they find themselves on opposite sides of the war. I absolutely loved all the literary references in this story. Of course, most of the books were ones that I haven’t heard of before—possibly because they were mostly German titles, but also possibly because I haven’t read broadly enough to have come across them much. Still, it was a lot of fun to read about people who didn’t just enjoy reading books, but were willing to make a concerted effort to try to preserve them for future generations.
I loved this quote—striking commentary for the time this book was set, but also excellent commentary on where we are as a culture today!
When society deliberately cultivated ignorance, they paid the price. Refuse to read anything that might be distasteful, and one soon lacked the ability to understand it.”
Christian and Corinne didn’t just read literature and try to preserve it; they also wanted to understand other perspectives for themselves. Take, for example, this quote (sorry it’s a bit long, but I loved the advice here!):
Read novels, because they will put you in someone else’s skin. Read poetry, because it will give wings to your soul. Read science, because it will show you what’s possible. Read politics, because it will teach you how strongly people care about how their fellow men are treated, wherever they stand on what the best way is. [ … ] Read things you hate and things you love and things you never thought you’d understand. And never, never accept the excuse that you’re not strong enough to handle it if you read something that offends you. You are. You’re strong enough to be offended and then try to understand why. You’re strong enough to grant that someone can be different and still be worthy of dignity. And if you aren’t? Then read more, until you are.”
As far as the plot goes, there were some twists and turns in the story that I didn’t expect. I loved what White did here! Besides the fact that she focused on a somewhat unusual aspect of World War II, the plot twists were rather enjoyable.
In saying that, though, this wasn’t my favorite Rosanna M. White story of all time. Some parts felt a little predictable, I didn’t connect very strongly to either of the main characters, and (likely because of reading season I was in more than anything) I never felt truly gripped by the story. It was one of those books that you enjoy while you’re reading it, but it doesn’t necessarily stick with you for a long time afterward.
Still, if you enjoy World War II romantic fiction, you’re likely to love The Collector of Burned Books. If you’ve enjoyed any of Roseanna M. White’s other stories, or anything by Sarah Sundin or Lynn Austin, this will be a hit for you. Roseanna brings you into the story, and makes you feel like you’re seeing the Nazis walk down your street, and that’s the kind of fiction I love reading.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
WARNING: Blast is used in ch. 2, 15 (4 times), and 21 (twice); blastedly is used in ch. 3 and 17; blighted is used in ch. 3, 12, and 14; gracious is used in ch. 5; blasted is used in ch. 6; swore is used in ch. 17; sworn is used in ch. 17 and 20; dratted is used in ch. 21; ciel is used in ch. 17; “who the devil” is used in ch. 21; and “heaven knows” is used in the epilogue. There is lying in ch. 15, 16, and 21. Unmarried characters occasionally hold hands or hug. Chapter 9: Woman thinks about fighting to win her place as a professor. Chapter 12: Couple alone at her house together (nothing wrong happens), man tells about children being euthanized and lying to protect someone. Chapter 15: A kiss. Chapter 17: Someone shot, someone prays “Hail Mary”. Chapter 18: “But I will still give him the eucharist, all right? So the Body of Christ can do its work in him.” Chapter 18: A kiss. Chapter 20: Man threatens a woman unless she consents to sleep with him (those words used), woman hit and then retaliates in self-defense. Epilogue: Mention of praying for someone who died.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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