The Collector of Burned Books

By: White, Roseanna M.

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she'd hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party--he is a professor, one who's done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the "relocation" of France's libraries, he's forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn't want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

A Christianity Today Book of the Year Award-winner Stand-alone historical fiction from a bestselling, Christy Award-winning authorA thought-provoking novel perfect for book clubsIncludes discussion questions

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DJY7F1BQ
• ISBN13: 9798400501746
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
• Length: 372 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Compelling!

On opposite sides two souls bond over the power of words. Set in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Corrine has been carefully preserving a collection of banned books, passing covert messages among her students. Christian is a professor chosen by the Nazi's to identify and collect the banned titles from the libraries of Paris. On opposing sides, will their secrets bring them together? Gripping WWIII fiction that explores the world of banned books and the power of ideas and words against tyranny. Ms. White's calculating prose packs a punch, exercising and displaying that power in the very fabric of this book. A compelling read that brings to life the frightening uncertainty of the German occupation, while showing the hope and resilience of the French people. Christian and Corrine are both faced with the choice of standing by or doing something, and I admired their courage in the face of danger. I liked the themes of integrity and the sanctity of human life, as well as endurance and hope. Overall, a compelling read, with strong characters that are likable and admirable, along with a message that packs a punch. It was very fascinating to learn about the banned book libraries and the early years of the war. A riveting read that brings a turning point in history to life! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Weaves A Tapestry

Some books deserve more than five stars as they are outstanding and need recognition and this is among them. The writing draws you in and immerses you into 1940 Paris when the German army takes possession and life as Corinne knows changes. As a lover of books I cannot imagine what she felt as the library of freedom and banned books she loved and that holds secrets is taken over. She is a brave and strong woman in these difficult times and goes the extra mile to help others and stand up for what she believes in. I love her words especially this quote, Books were a lot like her…always determined to do what people said they couldn’t. I will never understand how people can possess such evil and carry it out on others but people like Christian Bauer gives us hope as he is carrying out a job he is assigned but also is doing what he can behind the scene. In him I see how God places unlikely people in our lives at a specific time to carry out His plan and purpose. Christian has experienced great loss in his life and this makes him real and identifiable even though you don’t agree with the party he represents. It’s hard to describe this book without spoilers and also to find the words to describe how it makes you feel. I just know I love how it can open your eyes to the truth about the the times and circumstances while truth and fiction are woven together into a tapestry of beauty that holds you mesmerized by the final page. Be sure to read the author note at the end and there is discussion questions at the end that are perfect for a book group. An emotional read that gives you the incentive to do better…be better in this life you have been granted. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

intriguing and unique WWII fiction

"Civilization wasn't just built on raw physical power. It was built on strength of character that made people overcome the worst of circumstances." I've always loved Roseanna M White's WWI stories and I loved delving into this unique WWII story about libraries of Paris during Germany occupation. I learned so much about banned books and the fate of libraries and books in Paris, which I knew nothing about prior to reading this book. Corinne's keen intelligence, love for learning and teaching, and commitment to justice and compassion made her an incredible heroine. Christian's incredible faith, strength, loyalty, and gentleness made him a stand out hero. He wasn't physically strong or macho like the soldiers he worked with but he was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually a pillar of strength whose charisma and attractiveness came from his faith, intelligence, and sense of humor. Corinne's antagonistic attitude toward Christian took a long time to thaw but their journey towards friendship and partnership was rewarding though fraught with heartache. I loved seeing George from the author's previous series and wished he had a larger role in this book. If you enjoy unique WWII historical fiction, you will love this one. It's a book that will draw you into the heart of an occupied Paris where spirit of freedom still reigns. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Edelweiss and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.