The Collector of Burned Books

By: Roseanna M. White

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

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.

• Stand-alone historical fiction from a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author
• A thought-provoking novel perfect for book clubs
• Includes discussion questions

©2025 Roseanna M. White (P)2025 Tyndale Fiction

Critic reviews

Brilliantly written . . . [The Collector of Burned Books] captures the volatile intersection of art, academia, and authoritarian control, with the spark of unexpected romance bringing warmth to an unforgettable novel.—Booklist

Excellent work

This author never disappoints. So well balanced. Opens the eyes to the fact that good people did things to survive against what they believed but helped minimize damage where they could.

Relevant

The Collector of Burned Books reminded me of the important lessons we need to take from history and apply to our current lives. The story was sweet, riveting, sad, happy and, most importantly, relevant.

Amazing Must Read

What an amazing book! I absolutely loved it! It takes place in WWII Paris. There are just no words! It is full of intrigue, books, faith, surprises and so much more! Excellent must read!!

My favorite author

I read a lot. I have read all of Roseanna’s books. They are always A+. I love how she weaves characters from past books into the new ones. It makes me smile believing that’s what God does for us; weaving our lives together when we can’t see the picture it creates.
Thank you Roseanna. My only complaint is you do Then & Now Estate Sales write fast enough.

Beautiful story! Well written.

Roseanna‘s research is impeccable. It gave such depth to the story. This is a book that everyone should read at this time in our history. It’s not written from a particular ideology, but beautifully portrays the importance of approaching everything, and everyone with a measure of grace. I couldn’t stop listening. It was truly an amazing read.