Today's Read Contributor On January 6, 2026, bestselling author Paula McLain was thrust back into the literary spotlight as her latest novel, Skylark, was chosen as the Good Morning America Book Club’s official selection for January. Known for her richly imagined historical fiction, McLain brings a new level of ambition and emotional resonance to Skylark, a novel that deftly spans centuries and continents while exploring universal themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of place. The announcement has propelled the book into national attention, spurring widespread reader engagement and critical praise.
In a profile released the same day, McLain shared insights into the dual narrative structure of her novel, which unfolds across two dramatically different yet thematically intertwined periods. The first storyline follows Alouette Voland, a courageous young woman navigating the dangerous social and political terrain of 1664 Paris. As the daughter of a skilled tapestry dyer, Alouette’s life is turned upside down when her father is falsely accused of subversion and imprisoned. Her desperate efforts to save him ultimately lead to her own incarceration in the infamous Salpêtrière asylum, a grim institution where she must summon inner strength and forge unexpected alliances to survive.
Parallel to this historical tale is the narrative of Kristof Larson, a Dutch medical student stationed in Paris on the eve of World War II. As the Nazi threat looms over Europe in 1939, Kristof becomes entangled in a web of moral dilemmas and personal danger while working in a psychiatric facility. His efforts to shield his Jewish colleagues and patients from rising persecution drive the story’s second timeline, imbuing it with urgency and emotional depth. Despite the temporal distance, the two protagonists share a powerful connection through the novel’s setting and themes. Their stories unfold in the same city, in overlapping physical spaces, and are linked by the broader idea that human courage and compassion can transcend even the darkest periods in history.
McLain spoke passionately about the inspiration behind Skylark, emphasizing how the city of Paris itself operates not merely as a backdrop but as a character in its own right. She described the process of uncovering the “hidden city” beneath Paris—the labyrinthine tunnels, catacombs, and ancient quarries—as a pivotal moment in her creative journey. This subterranean world became both a literal and metaphorical thread in the novel, representing the unseen connections between people across time and the emotional landscapes they traverse. These underground passages, once used for everything from medieval limestone mining to resistance movements during the Nazi occupation, offer a rich symbolic terrain that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles.
In her interview, McLain also reflected on the extensive research that informed her writing. She immersed herself in archival documents, medical histories, and Parisian architectural studies to accurately depict both the 17th-century and pre-war settings. Yet for all the historical accuracy, it was emotional truth that McLain sought most. She explained that her goal was to explore how ordinary individuals respond to extraordinary circumstances, how love and loyalty can persist even in times of terror, and how history is not a distant memory but a living force that continues to shape who we are.
Skylark’s selection as the January GMA Book Club pick ensures a large and diverse audience will engage with the novel throughout the month. The club, known for choosing emotionally resonant and socially meaningful books, praised McLain’s latest work for its layered narrative, deeply human characters, and its poignant reflection on how the past continues to inform the present. Early reader responses have echoed that sentiment, with many praising the novel’s immersive detail, cinematic pacing, and the emotional payoff of its dual timelines.
In addition to its print release, the audiobook version of Skylark has also received attention for its evocative narration by acclaimed voice actors, who bring depth and nuance to the characters. McLain expressed excitement about the audiobook’s ability to enhance the reader’s experience, noting how the rhythm and emotion of the spoken word can add an entirely new dimension to the story.
With its blend of historical insight, literary craft, and emotional clarity, Skylark represents a high point in Paula McLain’s celebrated career. The novel not only cements her reputation as one of the foremost writers of historical fiction but also demonstrates her ability to illuminate the human heart across centuries. As readers across the country engage with Skylark this January, it’s clear the novel’s impact will resonate well beyond the month—and perhaps inspire deeper reflection on how our own lives are shaped by the stories that came before us.
Skylark is now available in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats through major booksellers.
