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…

"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…

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

I am a reader and have been from a very, very young age; I have read many, many books. But few have touched so many places in my life as this one did, and I am honored to have been able to read it, though I really wish I’d read it to my wife while she was still in this world. We were together for 31 years, thankfully married in the U.S. at long last, though we were legally married in Canada in 2004, after having met and joining lives in 1992. We lived in different states, met in still another, and lived together in a fourth state after that, so the women meeting as they did really rang true to me. The wonder of the world is there, even in times of great pain, internal as well as external, there can also be connection, as well as love, and this book brought it all to life. Wonderful writing along with historical—as well as current—realities make this a book that everyone should read. I am recommending it to everyone! Thank you Brianna Labuskes for giving us this gift!