The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse completely pulled me in from the first few chapters! Heather Morris has a way of writing historical fiction that feels deep and emotional, and I got so attached to these characters so quickly. The relationship between Andrée and Josephine was definitely the heart of the story for me, and I loved knowing it was inspired by real people. The writing style is really easy to get into, and even though the subject matter is heartbreaking at times, the pacing kept me flying through it. I also loved the way the author described the atmosphere of occupied Paris and how immersive the setting felt. There were so many moments that felt tense, emotional, and hopeful all at once. This was such a moving and memorable read, especially if you enjoy historical fiction that focuses on courage, resilience, and human connection!

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. Heather Morris, author of 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' has done it again! She is a 'drop everything you are doing and read now' author for me and boy am I glad I did just that with this one. I was hooked from start to finish and didn't want the story to end except for the hope for a happy ending for all. However with story being set during the times of WWII and the Holocaust there were too many endings that were tragic including portions of this book. Despite the hardships and tragedies, Morris was still able to show what the power of love can do.

To escape the Nazis, Josephine a young girl fleas to her piano teacher's house to survive. The two of them work hard to keep the nazis from discovering little Josie. Others are deep dive into nazism and what people did to survive they're arrogant and misguided ways. What's a wonderful sense of place and to heroines, that you root for this is a novel not to be missed.

This is another beautiful story from Heather Morris of a group of people who come to care deeply for each other as they fight through the Holocaust.
Andreé and her family are apart of a group of resistance fighters during the Holocaust. They come to care for Josie and even though Andreé knows the risk, she still continues to fight and have hope for Josie.
These books can be hard to read, but are so necessary. Humanity needs to remember these people and what they fought for the fought to save.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

I absolutely loved this beautiful story. It shows that love and hope can blossom in even the darkest of times. The courage shown by the resistance is always inspiring! A must read for historical fiction fans!

"The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse" is so good I flew through it in a single day. Loosely based on a true story, the novel does something remarkable with its structure: it juxtaposes a resistance group carefully making their plans with the very reason they're fighting (a young Jewish girl playing piano in the next room).

That contrast, between calculated wartime strategy and the simple, human vulnerability it's meant to protect, is what makes the book so affecting. It's a quiet reminder of exactly what resistance work was for, folded into a story that's impossible to put down.

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. As always Heather Morris has captured their moment in time with love and hope. I couldn’t put this book down, I was hooked from start to finish, The story is so well told and emotional and unique throughout. I am sure this will be another bestseller for this author, There were so many characters that you grew to love, but not all had happy endings. The story is a true representation in survival, hope and love of people in the worst of times, This story will stay with me as do all the other stories Heather brings to life. Will definately be buying this book to add to my bookshelf alongside all of Heathers’ other brilliant books.

Heather Morris never fails at paying tribute to those who suffered horrendous atrocities during WWII nor at honoring those that risked their lives to save others and to assist in defeating the Germans. I don't see how this book could be worthy of anything less than five stars. I felt just about every emotion while reading this heartbreaking tale. The bravery, strength, and resilience of these characters was truly admirable and inspiring. I love that the author chooses to base her stories on real-life people and their experiences during the war. These heroes deserve to be remembered for their incredible courage and will to fight. They should never be forgotten, and I'm so glad that Morris provides them with a platform where their voices can be heard again. Great read!

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I had the pleasure of meeting Heather Morris when she visited Connecticut, as part of a school community’s One District, One Read program featuring The Tattooist of Auschwitz. After hearing her speak about her research and the responsibility she feels in telling these stories, I gained an even deeper appreciation for her work.

When I received an advance reader copy of The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse, I couldn’t wait to begin. Once again, Heather Morris brings history to life with meticulous research, compassion, and extraordinary storytelling. She has a remarkable ability to weave together resilience, love, loss, and hope while honoring the real people and events that inspired the novel.

This is a beautifully written, emotionally moving story that lingers long after the final page. Fans of Heather Morris—and readers who enjoy historical fiction grounded in true events—will find The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse both unforgettable and deeply rewarding.

"It is so easy to forget what must not be forgotten." This book tells the story of Andree, a piano teacher in Paris, who with her parents Louis and Tina shelter a Jewish child during WW2. Josie comes to their apartment after her own is raided and her mother and brother taken. She is eleven and has no one else to turn for help. Andree has been giving Josie piano lessons and knows the family is Jewish. Despite already working for the French Resistance, they take the risk and keep Josie. They change Josie's last name to theirs for school and ration cards. It is a difficult balance between keeping Josie safe and keeping her memories and heritage alive. The family manages to keep Josie's knowledge of their roles in the French Resistance to a minimum but she understands that they help people and she must keep quiet about it. This period of time was fraught with food shortages, mistrust and yet good people. The story is hard to read in the sense that the cruelty of so many during that time is difficult to comprehend. Yet the sacrifices so many made to make a difference in the war effort should never be forgotten. Their stories must be told and we should read them. While this is historical fiction, it is based on true people which the authors acknowledges at the end and gives us updates on the bittersweet ending for the family. A very interesting, intense, and necessary read.

Five stars! I rarely give 5 but this book deserved every one, and more. The parallels to today’s political climate haunted me throughout the novel. People being rounded up and taken away, simply for not comporting to a government ideal. Truly terrifying. But politics aside, this was a beautiful book. The resilience of the resistance in occupied Paris was captured magnificently by the author. I was glad that she handled interrogation scenes w a light touch, leaving the violence off the page. The relationship between Josie and Andree was beautiful, as was the larger one with Andree’s parents who she came to call Grandmere and Grandpere. Highly recommend for all public libraries.

This is a must read!! Beautifully written, the emotions of the characters come through so well. The efforts of the resistance are incredible and the hope that resides in Josie even through all of her sadness is inspiring. Holocaust studies are my focus area but this is one story I had not heard of before. Hans Zimmer was right, this was a story that needed to be told and I can't think of a better author to put it to life than Heather Morris. I can't wait until it comes out so I can add it to my high school classroom!

A story that starts quietly but evolves into an unforgettable emotional journey.

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is a story built around one relationship: an eleven-year-old girl named Josie and her piano teacher, Andrée, who is also a member of the French Resistance. When the Nazis threaten Josie's family, she runs to Andrée, the one person she trusts, who takes her in without hesitation.

The story is effective because Andrée seems like an ordinary piano teacher, not a soldier or spy. Despite this, she risks everything for a child, Josie, who isn't hers. Josie is portrayed realistically-she's scared and grieving but still loves music and Andrée. Their relationship develops gradually and feels natural, making the emotional moments later in the story hit harder.

You will keep turning pages until the end, because the pacing is excellent. There are many tense moments as the Resistance members fight the Nazis, and many small, poignant moments, such as everyone sharing their meager rations or the many strangers willing to risk everything to help a young girl.

However, the ending of the book is where it truly shines. Without revealing any details, these pages will make you struggle to hold back tears. Morris takes her time with this part, allowing the uncertainty and emotions to build, so when the truth finally emerges, it has a profound impact. The ending isn't neat, nor should it be. It is both sad and gentle, and it will linger in your mind.

 This is a book about survival, but more than that, it's about what people are willing to give of themselves for someone else, and what it costs them. Readers who loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz will recognize Morris's steady, plain-spoken style here, which I love. If you haven't read it- it's excellent!

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is a must-read for fans of historical fiction. I was captivated and didn't want to stop reading after the first few pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone for sending me this e-ARC. I love getting an early peek at new books from my favorite authors.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I absolutely loved it. As with most WWII historical fiction, it tells the story of resistance, bravery and resilience. The piano teacher is fictitious, yet we know stories just like this unfolded all over Europe, often with heartbreaking results. This story is heartbreaking too, but also depicts the everyday joyful moments and the emotional connection between loved ones. A little Jewish girl, orphaned by war, finds her love of music and a new family in this masterpiece that celebrates the true human spirit.

When I saw that Heather Morris had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. As always, she delivers a powerful historical fiction novel inspired by real people and true events, making the story even more impactful.

The desperation, resilience, and bravery of these characters made this book impossible to put down. One quote stayed with me long after I finished reading:

"Most people look the other way. Most people choose safety over righteousness."

That line hit me hard. I often wonder how atrocities like the Holocaust were able to continue for so long and how ordinary people could turn against their neighbors. But books like this also remind us that there were countless people who quietly resisted, protected strangers, and refused to let humanity be extinguished. Their courage, despite the immense risks they faced, helped change the course of history.

*The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse* is a beautifully written, deeply emotional novel that honors those extraordinary acts of courage during one of history's darkest times. It is a moving reminder that even in the face of unimaginable evil, compassion and bravery can endure.

Another great book by Heather Morris. This is a very well researched WWII book, based on a real family's life in France during the German occupation. 5 stars!

To Save Jose

A Jewish family, a piano teacher, a best friend and various members of the French resistance vow to save a young Jewish girl during World War II.

When a young Jewish girl named Jose’s family is arrested and taken away Jose takes refuge with her piano teacher and her family. Unknown to Jose the family is engaged with the French resistance.

Tohis is the story of the survival of this and a few others during the war. Some of the family survives, some does not, the war touches each one but they all fight for Jose’s survival.

It is a touching story of those that helped even though it meant life or death if they were caught. It is a story of survival during the hard war times when cold and hunger were constant companions for the general population and disease and starvation for those in the camps.

The theme of music flows through the story giving each of them something to hand on to that is not war related. In each circumstance, music was present in their lives or in their minds.

This was a heartwarming story in extreme circumstances and the courage of those involved.
I enjoyed reading the story. I was given a copy to read and review. The review is my own.

A must read if you are a lover of Heather Morris’ writings.
During the resistance in Paris, a Jewish family is torn apart with the daughter being saved by her piano teachers family, who works for the resistance. While Paris is occupied by the Germans, they give Josephine a secure place to live.
The meetings at their bookshop and apartment, and the
school Josephine goes to protects the Jewish student enrolled.
One of the resistance supporters gives up the group and the family is taken to jail.
Please a must read.

This book was incredible! It was a beautifully written story about standing up for what is right and the power of love. Set in Paris during WWII and inspired by a true story.

I loved this book. Another tragic and uplifting story by Heather Morris based on real people during the German occupation of Paris in the early 1940’s.

I read all her books. Very well researched and written. She has done it again!

When the Nazis came for a Jewish family in France in 1942, their young daughter escaped to the home of her piano teacher. Her new family also lived in occupied France, and was very involved in the French Resistance. This novel is based on real people in a true story of survival in unimaginable circumstances. It’s well developed and gripping, and an important time to remember. Heart wrenching and beautifully written. With thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

This story starts either Josie’s family home being bathed into and luckily her name was not on the list of the Germans who were rounding up the Jewish families. Her mother told her to go her piano teacher’s home. So Josie ran. Her teacher Andree took her in along wither parents Louis and Tina. They swore to keep Josie safe and they gave Josie their last name for school and she became their niece for the duration of the war. Andree’s family were part of the resistance so they did all they could to fight for the liberation of France.

This was such a great story and the fact that it is based on actual people is amazing. I would highly recommend this book.

I want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this advanced reader copy and this is my honest review of this book.

Josie's world is torn apart in 1942 as the Nazis take her mother and brother from their apartment. Josie's name was not on the list and she was able to escape. The plan, previously in place, was for her to go to her beloved piano teacher's home. Andree took her in with love and a passionate resolve to keep her safe. Andree's parents, Tina and Louis, became Josie's new grandmother and grandfather. The story follows Josie, Andree, and her family in the ensuing years as they endure the horrors of war. This is a story of loss and tragedy and fierce love. Despite the subject, this is a hopeful novel that highlights the bravery of so many during World War II. I loved this book from page one!

Heather Morris has captured Paris during the occupation of WWII. As moving as Bach and Mozart are this story hits all the chords of the heart.

I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down. Heather Morris did a wonderful job creating the atmosphere of Paris during WWII. I really felt for the main characters. It was very evident that the author did thorough research. While reading, I felt as if I were there.

The only drawback was that a couple of the characters were misnamed on a few occasions. Josie’s mother, Ruth, was called Esther very late in the book. And when Josie came back from the day and night at a camp in the countryside, Josie was talking about a character named Colette, and there was no mention of a Colette before.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy.

I love this authors books. Always detailed, emotional and unique. This one is about a piano teacher, the resistance and trying to keep a child safe. Heart wrenching and beautiful.

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is a story of love, sacrifice, and the acts of courage that have helped to shape history. One thing I loved about this book is that it focused on the people who chose to resist in small ways that when added together had a such huge impact. The people in this story, their relationships and the way they supported each other and sacrificed for each other in such tough times kept me hoping they would all be able to make it through everything together. The fact that this story was inspired by real people made me feel each one of their victories and losses even more. I really liked the way that the author included all of the information about the real people and events that this story was based on at the end. This is another an emotional read by Heather Morris.

Heather Morris has a way of telling emotional stories, and this one was no different. The characters felt authentic, and I quickly became invested in their lives. I loved how music played such an important role throughout the story while history provided the backdrop. There were heartbreaking moments balanced with hope and resilience, making it a memorable read. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found myself thinking about the characters after I finished. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional connections, I’d recommend this one.

Read for blurb and netgalley was the easiest way for Blackstone to get it to me. Lovely characters, fantastic pace. Very moving.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Heather Morris, and the publisher for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

In 1942, the Nazis come for a Jewish family in occupied Paris. In the chaos of the arrest, 11-year-old Josephine flees to the one person she trusts: her piano teacher Andrée Levallois, who is also, secretly, a French Resistance operative.

The themes here are large: the sense of family, the importance of daily courage, music as a language of resistance and consolation, and the way ordinary people can become extraordinary simply by refusing to look away. Morris writes with her characteristic clarity, letting the facts carry their own devastating force.

Readers who loved *The Tattooist of Auschwitz* will recognize the qualities that make her books global bestsellers: careful research, deep respect for her subjects, and a focus on storytelling. This may be her strongest novel yet.

Gripping, heartbreaking, and, ultimately hopeful, this is one of the finest historical novels I've read this year. I highly recommend it.

A Gripping Story of Courage

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse was my first novel by Heather Morris, and I was hooked from the opening page. The characters felt remarkably real, and the tension was often visceral.

I deliberately waited until I had finished the novel before reading the author’s note, although I suspected that the story was drawn largely from the experiences of real families. The author’s note confirmed that impression and made the story even more moving. Morris’s restrained, straightforward prose kept me rooted in the Levallois family’s day-to-day existence and in the agonizing uncertainty of waiting alongside them. Although waiting is central to much of the novel, the story never felt slow.

One line did strike a false note for me. A character is described as “asking the universe for reassurance.” The phrase felt more reflective of a modern belief in the universe as a kind of divine power than of the novel’s historical period, and it briefly pulled me out of the story.

At the heart of the novel is the underground French Resistance, whose quiet, dangerous work gives the story much of its momentum. The risks ordinary people took out of love for France and its persecuted Jewish population left me with a sense of hope in humanity, even amid the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi occupiers and the French Militia. This is a gripping and deeply affecting account of courage, sacrifice, and compassion during one of history’s darkest periods.

I strongly recommend this book.

This review is based on an ARC provided by the publisher.

Heather Morris has an incredible ability to remind us that history isn't just about the battles that were fought. It's about the ordinary people who quietly chose courage when it mattered most.

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is a beautifully written, emotionally rich novel set in occupied Paris during World War II. Following a piano teacher who risks everything to protect an eleven-year-old Jewish girl, the story captures both the horrors of war and the quiet acts of resistance that so often changed lives.

What stood out most to me was how music becomes more than a talent. It becomes hope, comfort, and even a lifeline. Morris paints wartime Paris with vivid detail, creating an atmosphere filled with tension while never losing sight of the humanity at the heart of the story. The relationship between Andrée and Josie is deeply moving, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.

If you enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz, you'll find that same emotional depth here, but with a fresh perspective centered on family, sacrifice, and the power of compassion. It's heartbreaking, inspiring, and ultimately a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

This is historical fiction at its finest. Beautifully researched, emotionally compelling, and impossible to forget. An easy five-star read that will stay with me long after I turned the final page.

I love WW2 historical fiction, but there is just so much that it can overwhelm me. When I saw Heather Morris had a new book, I was thrilled to get my hands on it! I loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's Journey...and I loved this one too!

This book will resonate with many especially with themes of found family, the French Resistance, and the comfort of music. Josie, an 11 year old Parish Jewish girl runs to her piano teacher for safety when her mother and brother are taken from their home. Piano teacher. Andrée and her parents are members of the French Resistance.

I appreciated knowing what was to happen having read the synopsis of the book, but the when was not known nor obvious. Morris did a great job of creating suspense that really helped you feel what the characters were feeling. Everything they did was at risk of being caught by the enemy.

There was a hint of romance in this, but it didn't go anywhere. This was satisfying because it was implied and mutually understood that had timing been different...and I do mean a hint. Trace amount :)

I appreciated each Hanukkah that was celebrated as it was central to the book and the light that continued to burn with hope. It was a very powerful use of the Jewish holiday that Andrée and her parents learned about to honor and celebrate Josie's heritage.

I also appreciated that while it is known Jewish people were sent to concentration camps, so were members of the Resistance. I wouldn't say this unknown necessarily, but it did give a new perspective to the multitude of books written about this time period.

I encourage readers to read The Author's Note following the novel as it is based on a true story...here's a tidbit from it...the piano is real and it made its way to the United States after the War :)

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to say thank you first and foremost for the advanced readers copy! I’m a fan of historical fiction especially with the back drop of Holocaust. The characters were absolutely beautiful! The bravery of Josie’s mom in the beginning and then followed by Andree, Tina and Louis! It was hard to say who anyone could trust during this time but I’m proud to have read about people that were part of the resistance. I would have loved to have known what happened to Cat but was grateful to hear that Andree survived. Such beautiful storytelling for such an ugly time

Wow, heart wrenching, beautifully written, incredibly sad story about a Jewish family being taken during WW2 in France. When both mother and son are being taken, the daughter is not listed on the list of names. Her mother tells her to run to her piano teacher with code words. She does, and is kept safe with the family as their own.
The story describes what is happening not only to Josephine, but also her family, and the family she is living with, who are part of a resistance to overcome the Germans. I appreciated the follow up at the end as to what happened after, as well as the historical accuracy information.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Morris, and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

What Makes This Book Unique & Why You Should Care
Heather Morris has a rare gift for uncovering extraordinary human resilience within the darkest chapters of history, but The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse stands out because of its poignant intersection of art, secret history, and emotional endurance.

Set against the vibrant yet shadowed backdrop of 1940s Paris under Nazi occupation, the story follows a gifted pianist who uses her position as a music instructor to navigate survival, subversion, and subtle resistance. While many World War II historical fiction novels focus heavily on military strategy or grand-scale resistance movements, this book zeroes in on the quiet, perilous intimacy of the home front. It reveals how music was not merely an escape, but a lifeline—a universal language capable of carrying hidden truths when spoken words were too dangerous.

You should care about this story because it explores a profound question: What is the cost of staying true to your humanity when everything around you demands compliance? It's a deeply moving reminder of how ordinary people find extraordinary ways to push back against darkness.

The Story at a Glance
In the heart of Montparnasse, a neighborhood renowned for its artistic spirit, a dedicated piano teacher spends her days navigating the tense reality of occupied Paris. As rationing deepens and curfews enforce silence across the city, her studio becomes an unexpected sanctuary. Teaching music to a diverse array of students—each carrying their own hidden burdens and secrets—she is drawn into a high-stakes tightrope walk between self-preservation and clandestine defiance.

Through every lesson and composition, the narrative weaves together the physical tension of life under military oversight with the tender, internal struggles of holding onto one's soul through art.

Why It Earns 5 Stars
Masterful Atmosphere: Morris evokes the sights, sounds, and constant underlying tension of wartime Paris with striking clarity—you can almost hear the soft echo of piano keys in a cold room.

Complex, Relatable Characters: The protagonist is beautifully nuanced; her fear feels entirely real, making her quiet acts of courage all the more resonant.

Profound Core Message: The novel illustrates how art acts as an indestructible form of hope and resistance, bridging human connections even across divided lines.

An unforgettable, heart-wrenching tribute to the power of music and human dignity. A absolute must-read for historical fiction lovers.

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse by Heather Morris is another heart wrenching WWII story. The writing is alluring, pulling you right into one child’s life, one piano teacher’s decision, Paris, the French Resistance, plight of the French people especially the Jewish ones and the courage to take a stand. This isn’t a story of exceptional people but how ordinary people did extraordinary things when needed. I think this is an example of why the people of WWII are called the “Greatest Generation,” not just in the US but worldwide when they stood against evil. Parts of the book are heartbreaking with other parts inspiring. The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is a book that needs to be read by all.

Loved this book, but it was difficult to read at times. The reality of the horrors of the holocaust creates many emotions. Told in 3 voices, Morris weaves the story of Occupied Paris from the perspective of an older couple who are part of the Resistance, their adult daughter, the piano teacher, also part of the Resistance , and an 11- year old Jewish girl who comes to live with them. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, “The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse” shares an important story in WWII history that should never be forgotten.

This is a WWII novel. The Piano Teacher of Monparnasse tells the story of Andree, a piano teacher who hides her Jewish student, Josie who is an 11 year old girl. Andrée, is also a member of the French Resistance. When the Nazis threaten Josie's family, she runs to Andrée, the one person she trusts. This is an emotional read but nonetheless one that is necessary to keep this history alive. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read Heather Morris’ Tattooist of Auschwitz collection. This book is just as good as those.

We see a different view of the Holocaust through the eyes of a Jewish girl being hidden by a resistance family. With resistance comes consequences that break families apart.

I hadn’t read a book about a family that hides a Jewish child. It was well done. We feel all of the emotions and become a part of this family.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Wonderful book based on a true WWII story. When Josephine's family is taken by the Nazi's, she runs to her piano teacher, Andree'. Andree' and her family take in Josephine and integrate her into their lives. Heartwarming story of the lives of these brave people and the sacrifices all of them made to survive in France during the Nazi occupation.

An absolutely exquisite historical novel, meticulously researched by Heather Morris. Based on a true story involving a family who worked tirelessly for the French resistance during WW2. They helped get information to the allies for D-Day, and gave up so much to free Paris and France. One of the characters is honored with a plaque in Yad Vashem , as “righteous among the Gentiles”. And so well deserved it is. Just a fascinating story …highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this well written ARC!
Heather Morris does not disappoint. All her books are well researched and historical with a great underlying story that keeps you interested in turning the page. The subject are often painful to read but necessary. Thank you for another great book and I will continue looking forward to what comes next! This is an author worth following.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse by Heather Morris. This book gripped me from the first pages. Heather Morris brings Andrée and Josie to life with such tenderness that their suffering feels personal, and their courage unforgettable. Reading about Josie’s escape and Andrée’s fierce devotion is heartbreaking, yet filled with moments of sweetness that remind you how love can survive even in the darkest places. Parts of the story are painful because they reflect real horrors, but that honesty is exactly what makes the book so powerful. I walked away with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust in France and a renewed appreciation for the strength people can show when everything is taken from them. It’s a book that stays with you — and one that begs to be discussed with others.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse” is scheduled for release on October 20, 2026.
Having read and enjoyed Heather Morris’s “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” I looked forward to checking out an advance copy of her newest novel, “The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse.” I was not disappointed.
This extremely well-written novel is based on real people who suffered through extreme circumstances in occupied Paris in 1942. When Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse section of the city, the ensuing chaos enables 11-year-old Josie to escape while her mother and brother are taken away. Josie, following her mother’s instructions, runs to the home of her piano teacher, Andree Levallois, where she is taken in by Andree and her parents, Louis and Tina, who present her as their niece and granddaughter and promise to protect her.
But life in the Nazi-controlled city is complicated for the Levallois family. Andree and her parents are secretly part of a French Resistance operative. All three are eventually arrested, with Andree interrogated before being sent to the Ravensbruck Women’s Concentration Camp, where every day is a struggle for survival.
The narrative spans the years from 1942 until France is liberated in 1945. Morris’s writing is vivid, from detailing the secret operations of the Resistance to the painful descriptions of families struggling to survive amid mounting food shortages. Danger was always nearby, but the members of the Resistance were steadfast in their determination to retake France at any price. Character development is thorough, especially the relationship between Josie and Andree, and how music is such an integral part of their lives. Emotions run high throughout.
There’s an extensive Author’s Note at the end, which provides additional information about the real-life characters and the Resistance. It’s well done and adds another dimension to the overall story.
If you’re thinking this is just another World War II historical novel, you’d be wrong. What it is, is a story about relationships, family, and the human spirit. And the power of music to bind and heal during even the most turbulent times.
Five stars for “The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse.” I highly recommend it.
And you can read all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) blog site. New reviews posted every Monday.

Despite my love for novels set during World War II, I had never heard of this author until the TV adaptation of one of her earlier books, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, came out. I really enjoyed her newest novel, which is again based on real people. In fact, she learned of the woman who inspired this book from the show's composer, Hans Zimmer.

If you enjoy stories about the French occupation and Resistance, and the individuals and families who were brave enough to hide their Jewish neighbors and help rescue them from capture and internment, you'll also enjoy this book. Great writing, relatable characters, and just the right amount of suspense during the resistance missions. Don't skip the author's notes at the beginning and end. There are several characters I'd love to know more about who could easily carry their own stories, especially Gypsy and Cat.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Wonderfully written and beautifully told, The Piano Teacher Of Montparnasse is another success by Heather Morris. It pulled me in immediately and refused to let go. The last 20 percent or so actually brought me to tears. Excellent, and highly recommended. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Heather Morris is one of my favorite authors and I was so excited to read this advance copy of her newest historical fiction novel! This story takes place in occupied Paris 1942. It follows Andree, a piano teacher, who takes in an 11-year-old Jewish girl after her family was targeted by the Nazis. The two are captured and Andree is sent to Ravensbrück, a women's concentration camp. Andree is determined to survive and save the girl who ran to her for help. An epic tale of the drive to fight back when it would be easier just to give up. The love a teacher can have for her student and the length she will go to in order to save her is deeply moving and heroic.

This book is set in France, during the occupation. When the Nazis come for Josie's family, her name is not on the list, so her mother tells her to go to her piano teacher's home. This is how Andree and her parents Tina and Louis, take in a young Jewish child, and pass her off as their niece and grandchild. However, the family are also members of the Resistance. When they are betrayed, they are imprisoned, with Andree being sent to Ravensbruck.
This was an amazing book, even more so, because it is based on a true story. Josie and the family she lived with were real people. Highly, highly recommended.

There are books on the Paris resistance of 1940-45 and there are books on the Holocaust! This story by Heather Morris is based on the true story of a child by the name of Joséphine and her piano teacher Andrée Marie Madeleine Levallois during the German occupation of Paris; this is a historical novel inspired by real people and real events.
In 1942, Nazi-occupied Paris, an eleven-year-old Jewish girl named Josephine (Josie) escapes when the Nazis come to arrest her family. She runs to her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, who is secretly working with the French Resistance. Andrée takes Josie into her own home and risks her life to protect her. Eventually, however, the authorities discover what is happening. Andrée is arrested, tortured, and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she struggles to survive while holding on to her promise to return to the girl she has sworn to protect.

Josephine is based on the grandmother of composer Kara Talve. Morris encountered Talve through the television adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and Talve’s grandmother’s story became the inspiration for this new novel.
This is one of the most powerful novels I have read in a very long time!!!!

highly recommended!!!