Picture a Montana-born storyteller who weaves forgotten histories into unforgettable tales—meet Janet Skeslien Charles! This New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction has a knack for spotlighting unsung heroines, from wartime librarians to Ukrainian dreamers. With a life split between the plains of Montana and the charm of Paris, her stories bridge cultures and eras, pulling readers into worlds both brave and tender.
Charles’s passion for books and the people behind them shines in her meticulously researched novels. Whether it’s the courage of librarians defying Nazis or the resilience of women chasing love across borders, her work celebrates the human spirit. Ready to dive into her literary journey? Let’s explore the life, works, and legacy of this captivating author.
The Making of Janet Skeslien Charles
Born and raised in Shelby, Montana, Janet Skeslien Charles grew up in a small farming community near Glacier National Park. Her curiosity about the world was sparked early, inspired by a French war bride neighbor whose story of courage and displacement left a lasting mark. After studying at the University of Montana, Charles ventured abroad, teaching English in Odessa, Ukraine, as a Soros Fellow from 1994 to 1996. This transformative experience shaped her debut novel and ignited her love for cross-cultural storytelling. In 1999, she moved to Paris for what was meant to be a one-year teaching stint but fell in love with the city—and her husband—and stayed, making Paris her second home.
Janet Skeslien Charles’s Unforgettable Stories
Charles’s debut novel, Moonlight in Odessa (2009), is a poignant tale of ambition and sacrifice, following a young Ukrainian woman navigating the world of mail-order brides. Praised by Publishers Weekly as a top ten debut, it was translated into ten languages, showcasing Charles’s ability to blend humor, heartache, and cultural insight. Her time in Ukraine lent authenticity to the novel’s vivid setting and complex characters.
Her breakout hit, The Paris Library (2021), is a love letter to books and bravery. Based on the true story of librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II, it follows Odile, a young woman whose passion for literature fuels her resistance against Nazi censorship. A New York Times and international bestseller translated into 38 languages, the novel weaves dual timelines—Paris in the 1940s and Montana in the 1980s—exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the power of stories. Critics lauded its “moving and unforgettable” narrative, with The Guardian calling it “the book most desired in recent years.”
In Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade (2024, titled The Librarians of Rue de Picardie in the UK), Charles turns to World War I, chronicling Jessie Carson’s mission to bring children’s libraries to war-torn France. Her decade-long research at The Morgan Library and NYPL unearthed this little-known story of women who transformed ambulances into bookmobiles. Charles’s style—empathetic, richly detailed, and grounded in historical truth—makes her novels both educational and deeply moving.
Why Janet Skeslien Charles Matters
Janet Skeslien Charles’s work resonates because it gives voice to overlooked figures, particularly women, whose courage shaped history. Her novels remind us that libraries are more than buildings—they’re lifelines, preserving culture and connection in times of crisis. By blending meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling, she bridges past and present, inviting readers to reflect on resilience and empathy. Her global perspective, informed by living in Montana, Ukraine, and Paris, adds a unique cross-cultural depth to historical fiction, inspiring readers worldwide.
- Born: Shelby, Montana
- Key Works: Moonlight in Odessa, The Paris Library, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
- Awards: Moonlight in Odessa named a top ten debut by Publishers Weekly
- Fun Fact: She leads writing workshops at Shakespeare & Company in Paris.
Snag The Paris Library and dive into Janet Skeslien Charles’s heartfelt historical fiction! Her stories of brave women and enduring books will leave you inspired—and reaching for her next novel.