Synopsis:
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 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 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.
What To Expect:
Readers can expect a historical fiction taking place in two timelines – WW1 in France and the 1980s in NYC. The 1980s storyline is researching what takes place in the WW1 timeline. It is full of courage, heartbreak, and covers little known history. There are side characters with LGBTQ+ representation.
Content Warnings:
Language: Mild
Sexual Content: Closed door with one mild open door scene
Violence: Moderate – War time violence, sexual assault, sickness, death
Substance Use: Mild
Prejudices: Classism & sexism
Religious Themes: None
Other Topics: None
Please keep in mind that some things may be missed in content warning reviews and this is meant to be a general overview without spoilers. Use your own discretion with the information provided to make the right choice for you! View our guideline here.
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