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.
-
Sexual Content - 1/5
1/5
-
Violence - 1/5
1/5
-
Language - 0/5
0/5
-
Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
0/5
Summary
Roseanna M. White has long been one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and The Collector of Burned Books is yet another reason why. Set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, this Christian historical novel is both poignant and powerfully relevant—even today.
White masterfully balances the gravity of war with a tender, bookish romance that never overshadows the deeper themes. Her writing is elegant, layered, and emotionally resonant. While the historical backdrop is sobering, the story is infused with hope, resilience, and the enduring power of words.
The characters truly shine. Christian and Corrine are compelling leads, each carrying emotional depth and complexity. Even the supporting cast is rich with personality and purpose. Christian’s faith felt so strong even when he was struggling. I enjoyed Corrine’s strength, skill and wit.
This story opened my eyes to aspects of the war I hadn’t considered before—especially the role of literature and censorship—and left me reflecting long after the last page.
The Collector of Burned Books is a beautifully written and thought-provoking read. It would make an excellent book club selection, offering plenty of meaningful discussion topics—from faith under pressure to the power of words.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction that lingers in both heart and mind.