The Librarian of Burned Books: A Novel

THE LIBRARIAN OF BURNED BOOKS by Brianna Labuskes is an emotionally moving and provocative story that is about the important topics of censorship, the loss of freedoms and hate during this period from history that is as important today as it was then. Three women narrate their very different stories from pre-WWII Germany to Paris and then the United States in 1944. Young American writer Althea James and Hannah Brecht meet in Berlin in 1933 and their story is told by Althea. Hannah Brecht is Jewish and a lesbian who has fled Germany and in 1936 is in Paris working at the German Library of Burned Books before the Germans invade. Vivian Childs is in New York in 1944 and working to fight an amendment to a bill that censors Armed Service Editions shipped to the millions of service men overseas. As Vivian works to set up a rally to fight censorship and gain attention to her battle, she unknowingly is about to shine a light on other’s secrets and change all their lives forever. I am surprised this is the debut novel from this author. Even carrying three different storylines at different times and locations, the narratives never seemed to lose focus. The historical research is evident, and I was checking out actual pictures on-line of the Book Burning Memorial in Germany when I finished. And when I finished, I was so moved I had tears in my eyes and had to grab a tissue. Each of the women in this story are believable characters with very different journeys and yet their love of books brought them all together. There is a budding lesbian romance in this book and descriptions of the liberal cabarets in pre-WWII Germany which some may find offensive as well as some graphic violence. This is a intriguing historical fiction tale that I could not put down. If you love books and abhor past and present censorship, I believe you will love this book as much as I did. I will be looking for future books by this author.

"The Librarian of Burned Books" is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that revolves around three central characters: Viv, Hannah, and Althea. There are three narratives running throughout the story, which eventually come together. The underlying issue of the book is the Nazi rise to power and their use of censorship, specifically book burning that is the central character if you will. This novel delves into the profound impact of censorship and book burning on its three central characters: Viv, Hannah, and Althea. Albeit, at different times. Through their experiences, the book highlights the devastating consequences of cultural suppression and the resilient human spirit in the face of such adversity. In "The Librarian of Burned Books," censorship and book burning are not just historical events; they are central forces that shape the lives and choices of the characters. The novel vividly portrays the emotional and intellectual toll that censorship takes on individuals and communities. It underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the power of literature to inspire resistance and resilience. "The Librarian of Burned Books" is a compelling exploration of the profound consequences of censorship and book burning on the lives of its three main characters. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of literature and the indomitable human spirit in the face of attempts to silence knowledge and ideas. This novel is a moving tribute to those who have fought to protect intellectual freedom and cultural heritage throughout history. Each one of them had to figure how to find enough strength to be the hero of their personal story.

An exceptionally well written book, that gives the reader a stark reminder of why books (even the ones we say meh too!) are so vitally important. I loved this novel, with it's genuine characters, and representation of historical facts of WW II, the book burnings, Hitler and the Nazi party's rise to power, and the impact the bias had on the Jewish community, anyone or anything the Nazi party considered dangerous, and the world. May we never forget the lessons learned and may they never be repeated. Highly recommend that everyone read this book! (Had a few moment of tears, so have a tissue on hand! Phenomenal ending, read it, because I am not giving it away).

In May 1933, Nazis oversaw the burning of thousands of books, beginning their ban on any ideas that did not follow lockstep with their dictatorial world view. In 2022-23, the state of Florida removed over two thousand books from school libraries because someone—often a single person—objected to the book. One man alone, who has no children in the public school system, was able to demand removal of over 600 titles. Books ranged from classics like Tom Sawyer to Pulitzer Prize winners. As in Nazi Germany, many were written by people of color,or members of the LGBTQ+ community. In this novel, the characters Hannah says this: Few people have to watch their country die. I have had that dubious privilege and I can tell you that it comes not as a rebel shout but as a sly whisper. . .it can start with rumblings about an unreliable press. . that will threaten your family, your children.. . .it comes cloaked in patriotism. This book resonates with me, a lifelong reader and retired English teacher. The story is well written and the historical perspectives in both Germany of the 1930’s and American politics in the 1940’s are valuable

A great read for us today. It shows how citizens became accustomed to and then supporters and activists in the Nazi cause — and how some saw what was happening and stood against it. This is told through stories of relationships, betrayal and grief. Loved this book and highly recommend as it is so relevant to us now.

Books have always been magical to me. Theirs stories are a source of comfort, reflexion, and knowledge. Books are a big part of my life, and reading this story make me realize how important they are to the world, to humanity. This story is about 3 different women and timeline, but it's not at all confusing. These 3 women are friend of the books, guardian of knowledge and with their flaws and their love, they were trying to stop the censure of books, to still give any books to the soldier at war. It's a beautiful book and an amazing story for any lover of books or simply loving spreading knowledge to anyone about everything.

Arrived packaged well & in great condition

The best book I’ve read in a while!

This book left me speechless! Highly recommend it, even if historical fiction isn't your thing. A slow read yet there is so much that happens in this story. The story is narrated in three different historical timelines during WWII. Inspired by a true story, this novel intertwines the fates of three women who believe in the power of books. 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟵𝟯𝟯 After the success of her debut novel Althea James receives an invitation from Joseph Goebbels for a cultural exchange. Coming from a small town in Maine, Berlin dazzles her. Until she gets a chance to meet a beautiful woman who promises to show her the real Berlin, pulls her into a resistance group that challenges everything she knows. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝟭𝟵𝟯𝟲 Fleeing Berlin, Hannah Brecht finds no escape from hatred towards Jews in Paris. Haunted by past betrayals she throws herself into her work at the German library of Burned books, believing in the quiet power of stories. But when her friend takes a bold action, Hannah must decide what truths are worth risking everything for. 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟰 After losing her husband, Edward in the war, Vivian Childs fights to stop a senator from censoring books sent to soldiers. Knowing their value especially the last one she got from Edward she sets out to counter propaganda with a powerful story of her own, leading her to a secretive library in Brooklyn and a woman who holds the key to it all. If you loved reading the book thief then you are going to love this book as well. This isn't just a historic story, but a tribute to librarians, everyday readers, authors, publishers who have fought and still fight for the freedom to read and think freely.

I have to admit that I found this book difficult to follow at first. Really had to keep myself fully focused on the activities that were happening in Germany and the many characters involved. This burning of the books that the Nazis had deemed unsuitable for the citizens to read, and all citizens were to come to a nominated public place and burn these " unsuitable" books. Many people hid their books . One question comes to my mind. Is this part of history actually repeating itself? Leaders in some other countries in the world are also declaring some of the books written in latter years are not suitable for modern day reading. One wonders!!