Miss Morgan's Book Brigade Audiobook By Janet Skeslien Charles cover art

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade

A Novel

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Miss Morgan's Book Brigade

By: Janet Skeslien Charles
Narrated by: Marin Ireland, Sarah Gadon, Jackie Sanders, Cassandra Campbell
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About this listen

From the New York Times bestselling author Janet Skeslien Charles and based on the true story of Jessie Carson—the American librarian who changed the literary landscape of France—this is “a moving tale of sacrifice, heroism, and inspired storytelling immersed in the power of books to change our lives” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author).

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 destroyed 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.

Based on the extraordinary little-known history of the women who received the Croix de Guerre medal for courage under fire, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a “rich, glorious, life-affirming tribute to literature and female solidarity. Simply unforgettable” (Kate Thompson, author of The Wartime Book Club).

©2024 Janet Skeslien Charles (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio
20th Century Biographical Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction World War I War
Fascinating Historical Fiction • Inspiring Female Characters • Excellent French Accents • Educational War History
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I’m always pleasantly surprised when a book of historical fiction is able to teach a part of history that we normally don’t hear about. As such, the story told in this book is an important account of brave and courageous women who made a difference in France in World War I, then later back in their home countries. That said, just be aware that until the last chapters, this is not a happy story. It’s often dark and depressing, which accurately portrays much of what they faced. It does make me want to go spend more time in the stacks of a library and to do research like the later timeline in this book portrays. Hopefully, this book will inspire you to look up more about the actual people who make up these incredible stories.

History you don’t often hear of

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I loved all of it and there was nothing I didn’t like about …I read it twice!

Strong women characters

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I love a good library story. I like history. So I enjoyed this book. It didn’t blow me away, but it helped to pass a summer afternoon. Marin
Ireland, narrating Kit, is a joy to listen to. My American ears think her French accent is lovely. Sarah Gadon, who narrates Wendy, however, is not in her league, in my opinion, and took away from the story. It sounds like a generic babysitter is reading a book to kids and is bored and distracted. I enjoyed learning more about the CARDS.

Just okay. Sarah Gadon narrating Wendy is not enjoyable

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I loved the hope that was found in the written word. How important out language is to us.

The impact of the written word.

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I loved the narration and the flow between past and present. The French voices by the narrator were excellent!

What a great escape.

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Interesting premise. Enjoyed learning about the CARDS. But, I didn’t have any trouble putting it down.

Who were the CARDS?

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Really well written, interesting characters. Details were captivating. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to read about strong and brilliant women in history !

WONDERFUL history and accurate description of the Women that helped France in WWI

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I lost interest in this book because of its rough writing, unbalanced vocabulary and grating narration for most of it. It was fairly interesting for heavy history. It is a story of librarian Jessie Carson and the women who started the French libraries for children during and after WWI. Told in dual format, another overused style.

Lost interest

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i listen to a lot of books and every now and again you find a gem.
When telling people about the story I described the writing style to a beautiful singer who’s voice and heart paint such a picture you are drawn in.
Well that is what happened with this story... this a one that I will never forget...!

So very good

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This novel is based on an amazing true story. It will appeal to any reader/listener who has an interest in WWI France, librarians, bibliophiles, women’s roles during the time period. It is a beautifully written book with vivid descriptions of the conditions faced by French villagers, soldiers, and those who volunteered to help, the CARDS. Although the topic could be grim, for example the suffering of soldiers who were gassed, the story manages to convey the realities of the setting while at the same time focusing on fiercely determined women who gave everything to help the people of France. Through the use of powerful quotes from many books, it feels as the heroine says, “libraries are rivers”, the story flows from the love of books and libraries and their power to change lives, and ultimately spins quite a beautiful tale.

Heartbreakingly Beautiful

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