The Parisian Chapter offers a loose sequel to the author's book, The Paris Library, in which readers were first introduced to Lily (in more of a supporting role). Lily takes on center stage in this book, and the story is set in the 1990s as she and her friend, Mary Louise, have moved from Montana to Paris to pursue their respective dreams: Mary Louise as a painter and Lily as a writer. Up to that point, neither had achieved anything close to success.
After five years in Paris, Lily and Mary Louise's friendship has started to fray at the edges. When Mary Louise moves out, Lily loses one of the constants that had previously helped center her life. As her personal goals continue to go unmet, she faces hurdles as well in her work as Program Manager at the American Public Library (APL).
A recalcitrant patron makes some days particularly unpleasant. Lily's boss offers little help but plenty of criticism--if a program that Lily planned goes well, her boss is the first to take credit. These frustrations are tempered by the connection she feels for a patron she affectionately termed "Book Head." Readers will enjoy the cast of characters at the APL--one can't help thinking they would make great material for a future novel if Lily ever has time to write! The expectation that APL staff volunteer part of their time has made it very hard to find the time and energy to put into her own writing goals.
And while she hasn't yet achieved her own literary dreams, Lily does enjoy planning events with a variety of authors: some dull, some overrated, and all having done what she hopes to do someday. While Lily's story is the primary one in the book, some chapters are from the perspective of other characters (written as first-person accounts). Helps provide some insight without bogging down the main storyline.
Some parts of the story I could have done without--mainly references to promiscuity. A story can be perfectly compelling without having to throw in bedroom references (thankfully in print, these are easily skimmed over, but not so easily skipped with an audiobook). Sadly, it's those unnecessary details that make it very hard for me to unreservedly recommend this book to others.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Parisian Chapter from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
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