Quotes
“A beautiful ode to Sylvia Beach, the renowned Shakespeare and Company owner, a real-life heroine who has left her mark on us all.” —Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Personal Librarian
“Maher vividly reimagines the indomitable Beach, who struggled for years to get Ulysses published."—The Washington Post
“Wholly immersive, a literary romp through Left Bank Paris…an enchanting glimpse of the storied lost generation through a female gaze.”—Toronto Star
“Maher’s new historical novel The Paris Bookseller is at once a paean to Beach, and a love letter to bookstores and libraries.”—The Boston Globe
“Kerri Maher’s The Paris Bookseller is a worthy homage to Sylvia Beach and a love letter to all bookstores, libraries, and the passionate and committed women who run them.” —New York Journal of Books
“If you ever dreamed you could transport yourself to Paris in the twenties… this story’s for you. Maher’s magical touch brings to life a woman whose struggles resonate in today’s world, while also examining the intricacies of friendship, fortitude, and the love of the written word.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue
“A vivid evocation of the famous female-owned Parisian bookshop Shakespeare and Company which acted as haven and home to the literati of pre-WWII Europe. A love letter to books, bookstores, and booklovers everywhere.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code
"With an abundance of delightful cameos from all of your favourite literary heroes as well as a fascinating rendering of Paris’s glory days during the 1920s and 30s, this novel will transport you as only the best historical fiction can.”—Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret
“Midnight in Paris meets A Moveable Feast in this intimate, in-depth look at the brave and visionary woman who founded one of the world's most iconic bookstores, If you've ever fallen in love with a bookstore, you'll love this ode to booksellers and to the power and magic of the written word.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars
“A beautifully written homage to those who keep literature alive and to the quirky inhabitants of the literary community whose work sometimes transcends their personal failings. With an open heart and vivid prose, Maher brings to life a lost age and I can't wait to see what this talented author will tackle next.”—Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette
“A tale that is atmospheric, heartfelt, and brimming with life, leaving no doubt a novel is a living, breathing thing.”—Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment and The Bookseller’s Secret
“This compelling biographical novel perfect for lit lovers follows Sylvia Beach and the founding of bookstore Shakespeare and Company in Paris…. Come for the love of books and Sapphic passion and stay for the frequent cameos by the likes of Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway.”—BuzzFeed Books
“A fine tribute to a tireless and selfless champion of literary genius.”—Kirkus
“In a novel exuberant, bittersweet, and reflective by turns, Maher explores the life of Sylvia Beach…readers will emerge with sincere appreciation for the artistic spirit and courage of a remarkable woman.”—Historical Novel Society
“Recommended to fans of Paula McLain’s The Paris Wife and anyone who enjoyed Hemingway's A Moveable Feast.”—Booklist (starred review)
“The emotional depth that Maher gives to historical figures who have achieved almost mythological status in our cultural ethos is riveting and leaves readers with a lingering sense of familiarity that won’t soon be forgotten.”—Manhattan Book Review
“Dazzling like Paris, rich and immersive like the work it celebrates, and bursting with heart and passion like every great bookstore, The Paris Bookseller is a dream for book lovers from start to finish.”—Steven Rowley, Bestselling author of The Editor and The Guncle
“A bibliophile’s dream come true.”—Renée Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces
“A compelling portrait of a remarkable woman… Meticulously researched yet above all a page-turning story, this is historical fiction at its best.”—Gill Paul, USA Today bestselling author of The Collector's Daughter
“Intelligent, fierce, and filled with reverence for a fascinating epoch in literary history, The Paris Bookseller is a delight for readers and writers.” —Whitney Scharer, Author of The Age of Light
“At once a moving love letter to 1920s Paris, an insight into the Lost Generation, and an ode to a woman's fight for freedom. A sparkling read.”—Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Bringing Down the Duke
“Alluring.”—Publishers Weekly
“A wonderful tribute to the visionary woman who fought for freedom of speech and changed the landscape of literature forever. By bringing a memorable cast of quirky and charming artistic giants to life, Kerri Maher deftly creates an intimate look at the story behind Shakespeare and Company, one of the most beloved landmarks for readers everywhere. I was captivated by this fascinating story!”—Elise Hooper, Author of Fast Girls
“A love letter to the extraordinary people who made interwar Paris the place to be for book lovers. With distinctive prose and honesty, Kerri brings to life the glory days of Paris’s most unforgettable bookstore, illuminating a world where leading literary lights await us on every page — and spotlighting the woman who united them all, Miss Sylvia Beach.”—Bryn Turnbull, Author The Woman Before Wallis
“The unexpected bonus in this mesmerizing novel is the saga of Sylvia Beach’s friendship with James Joyce and her decision to publish Ulysses when publishers showed no interest, a difficult decision made even more difficult by Joyce himself. The Paris Bookseller drops you in the middle of Paris and delicious, intimate encounters with literary greats and soon-to-be-greats who frequented Shakespeare and Company in the years between the world wars.”—Janie Chang, Author of Dragon Springs Road and The Library of Legends
“Inspiring, fascinating, and delightful, this story will resonate with readers long after the final page.”—Kristin Beck, Author of Courage, My Love
“Absorbing, intricate, and beautifully told … a novel for book lovers to treasure.”—Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance
“Amid Shakespeare and Company’s ups and downs…Sylvia and Adrienne create a loving partnership in a time when queer relationships were far less accepted, even in Paris…With its insider’s view of the literary expat world of 1920s Paris, The Paris Bookseller will appeal to fans of Paula McClain’s The Paris Wife.”—BookPage
“The Paris Bookseller lulls you into an interwar Parisian dream where love—be it romantic, friendly, or even for a book—can be found on a quirky little street in the 6th. Kerri Maher’s pen skillfully imagines the life of American expat Sylvia Beach and her bookstore Shakespeare and Company in the 1920s and 1930s. This book is a charming escape into the real life literary paradise that was once known as Odeonia.”—Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in Arms
“Both a sweeping story of artistic creativity in the face of censorship as well as an intimate portrait of one woman’s struggle to remain true to herself. Maher’s lush writing and rich historical detail will have you thinking about Sylvia and her bookshop long after you’ve turned the final page.”—Alex Rickloff, Author of The Way to London
“A compelling and fascinating look at the world-changing mavericks who bonded, bickered, and triumphed in the realm of literature.” —Nuala O’Connor, author of Nora: A Love Story of Nora and James Joyce
"A scrupulously-researched, enchanting novel, The Paris Bookseller is a feast of literary pre-war Paris. I was transported by Maher’s portrait of the iconic Sylvia Beach and her magical bookshop."—Michaela Carter, author of Leonora In the Morning Light
“Kerri Maher’s enchanting historical novel follows American Sylvia Beach, founder of the storied Paris bookshop Shakespeare and Company, as she opens her doors in 1919 and then courageously commits to publishing her friend James Joyce’s Ulysses, which had been banned in the United States.”—The Christian Science Monitor
Praise for the novels of Kerri Maher
“The stunning and very human story of a beloved icon....Full of nuance and poignancy—this novel is gorgeous.”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Queen’s Fortune
“This deeply researched novel is perfect for fans of Grace Kelly, royal-watchers, and fans of biographical fiction alike.”—PopSugar
“In this charming, picturesque novel, readers are swept away…this story is a glimpse into the dazzling life of a classic and beloved star.”—Woman’s World
“Maher's bio-fic feels as if it was written by Kelly herself. The novel spins a fascinating version of the Philly native's life, from princess of Hollywood to Princess of Monaco.”—Philadelphia Magazine
“A riveting reimagining of a true tale of forbidden love.”—People
