The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse

by Heather Morris

#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz brings listeners another heart wrenching tale of love, family, and sacrifice.

In 1942, the Nazis came for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area of occupied Paris. In the chaos, the 11-year-old daughter ran to the only person she could trust—her piano Andrée Levallois, secretly a French Resistance operative, took her in, risking everything. But the authorities were closing in, and soon Andrée and the girl were caught in a desperate race to stay alive.

Andrée was denounced, arrested, tortured, and sent to the hell of Ravensbrück Women’s Concentration Camp. There, she fought for her life, determined to return and honor her promise to save the girl who had been entrusted to her care.

Epic in scope, and based on true life people and events, Heather Morris has written a story of breathtaking beauty—at once gripping, heartbreaking, and uplifting.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Romance, Historical

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

I am a Native of New Zealand now resident in Australia, working in a large public hospital in Melbourne. For several years I studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an academy award winning Screenwriter in the U.S. In 2003, I was introduced to an elderly gentleman "who might just have a story worth telling". The day I met Lale Sokolov changed my life, as our friendship grew and he embarked on a journey of self scrutiny, entrusting the inner most details of his life during the Holocaust. I originally wrote Lale's story as a screenplay - which ranked high in international competitions - before reshaping it into my debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Reviews

[Thomas]

4 stars for a book that is based on an actual family in Paris, France, who hid a Jewish child during WWII. It is a story of courage, heartbreak and the goodness of the human spirit. Josephine or "Josie"is eleven years old when German soldiers come for her parents and brother. But Josie is not on their list, and Josie's mother , thinking quickly, tells the Germans that you cannot take her if she is not on your list. The Germans are undecided and Josie's mom tells her to go Mlle Levallois' house. Mlle Levallois is Josie's piano teacher.
The Levallois family realize what has happened to Josie's family and decide to shelter her, at great risk to themselves. The family are also members of the French resistance, so they must be doubly careful not to alert the Germans of who they are.
It would be a spoiler to tell you more, but I did like the ending. I recommend this book to historical fiction fans. The author's note tells the reader about the Levallois family and some of the family members that she was able to meet. I urge you to read it for context.
One quote by Josie, responding to someone asking her if she believes in miracles:
"I think I do," she says quietly. "I think maybe miracles are just people being kind when they don't have to be. People being brave when it's easier to hide. People sharing what little they have. People lighting candles when it's dark."
Triggers: Brief descriptions of torture
Thank You Blackstone Publishing for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#ThePianoTeacherofMontparnasse #NetGalley

Pub Date Oct 20 2026

[Tracey]

"The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse" by Heather Morris is a beautifully written, historical fiction novel which is based on real persons and actual events. Telling the story of the courageous, talented and warmhearted piano teacher and resistance fighter, Andrée Levallois, it is both heartbreaking and hopeful. I especially liked its message that the beauty and healing power of music exists in the darkest of times, and the fascinating reference to the wireless operators who were known as the pianists of the resistance for their invaluable service. The author's note and acknowledgements are enlightening and truly appreciated. I am grateful to Blackstone Publishing, Heather Morris, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this compelling novel. This is my honest opinion.

[Crystal Tipton]

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.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50)]

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.

[Amanda]

Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for an early copy of this book.

I was so excited when I got approved for this that I didn’t want to wait to read it so I immediately dove in. This is definitely a poignant story that made me tear up a few times. I loved seeing another side to WWII by seeing the spies helping the war effort to liberate Paris. This also had my heart by the way everyone in this book was doing their best to protect Josie, a Jewish child whose mother and brother were taken away. I loved the Jewish representation with the way they celebrated Hanukkah by lighting the candles. I’m also Jewish so those moments really made me proud of my heritage. It was a very heartfelt story. The pacing, however, dragged quite a bit for me in the middle. It took me a while to read because of that. We also have some unanswered questions at the end which I know is realistic for that time but I still wish we knew what happened to certain characters. I loved the author’s note that gave us more insight into the Resistance. I’ll definitely continue to read more from this author whenever she puts out more books.

[Joan]

4.0. I have really liked reading Heather Morris’ novels, notably the Tatooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey. These are obviously heartbreaking stories about the atrocities and horrors committed in WWIi, yet shows the amazing resilience and persistence among many of the characters. This book is similar to those other two in many respects. Like the others, this is a historical fiction largely based on fact of a young piano teacher, Andree, who through the tumultuous times, takes on a young Jewish girl, Josephine ((Josie). who was her pupil. Josie’s family was taken away by the Nazis in front of her and ran to her piano teachers home for safety. Andree and her parents knowingly took the risks and took on Josie and treated her as one of their own. We follow Josie’s life with Andree’s family, who also were very active in the Resistance network. This is a novel of perseverance among the horrors and tragedies of the time, but also the strength and resilience of those in challenging times. The characters are all very well developed. A very well researched novel. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for a candid and honest review.

[Deb Kiley]

Set in Paris, 1942, the reader is taken on a heartbreaking and hopeful journey of the Resistance working together to save an 11-year old Jewish girl, Josie, who witnessed her family being taken away by the Nazis. Josie turns to her piano teacher, Andree, and her parents, who happen to run a Resistance line. They use their connections and experiences to keep Josie safe, even when Andree and her parents are captured and taken away too. Josie learns that her found families love her and will do anything to protect her.
This was a page turner of a book from a master of World War 2 historical fiction stories. I felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotion because just as Josie settled somewhere, her life was turned upside down or Andree's world was steady as a piano teacher for a local school and students until her Resistance work was exposed and she was taken to Ravensbruck. The author took real people and events and created a beautiful story of hope, bravery, and family. Do not skip the Author's Note as she explains who the real people were in the story and what happened to them after 1942. I love that the Andree's piano has survived and has a story of its own in this section.
I would recommend this book to all readers, especially historical fiction readers who love an immersive WW2 book.

#ThePianoTeacherofMontparnasse #NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinion expressed are my own.

[NrsKelley]

Heather Morris has written some of my favorite books. They are all hard to read at times but they have all been beautiful stories. With this book I found myself not as invested during the beginning of the story. A bit past the midpoint was when the plot really kicked in to gear. So go into reading it with the mindset of it gets more intriguing in the end. Overall a good read just not the best read by this author.
I received an ARC of the title, all opinions are my own

[Sharon Honeycutt]

I feel terrible giving this book three stars, but it's accurate for the way I felt about it. I liked it, but I didn't "really like" or "love" it.

I feel bad about it because the story is important. The real people behind the story are important. They lived through a horrendous part of history and they faced it with courage and love for each other and for their country. The book is worth reading so that you can get to know them, and so that you can get a glimpse into their lives, the dangers that surrounded them and the risks they took to free France.

I loved the way this story came to Morris, the way she was introduced to the family about whom she writes in this book. I've read a lot of WW2 historical fiction (including Morris's The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka's Journey, and Three Sisters), so I was excited to pick up another of her books, especially since this was set in France.

Unfortunately, as happened for me with Three Sisters, this book just does not live up to The Tattooist or to Cilka. I don't know what happened to Morris's writing style from her third book forward, but it's very juvenile sounding. I really felt like she was writing for a YA (or maybe even a MG) audience. My biggest pet peeve is the way she ramps up the drama (which doesn't need to be ramped up in these stories) and the way she refrains from really delving into her characters.

Here are some examples (no spoilers):

From chapter 7: "'I'll take the details to Colonel Pallas. He will have them dealt with,' Louis tells them. Neither Tina nor Andree need to ask what it [sic] meant by this ominous statement." Morris should have trusted her readers and not included the last sentence.

There are many redundancies, both throughout the book and within single paragraphs. For example, from chapter 9: "The charade is exhausting but necessary. Anyone could be listening. Anyone could be watching. Trust no one. Assume everyone is a collaborator until proven otherwise. These are the rules that keep them alive." This theme is hammered and hammered and hammered again. In a MG novel, I'd understand this type of repetition. In a novel for adults, it's overwrought and overdone.

The theme of music being a healer (or at least a pain reducer) carries through the book, and I like that in and of itself. It's true for many of us. But again, with Morris's heavy hand, I groaned at the overdone narrative. For example, in chapter 11: "She plays. The music fills the apartment, sweet and clear. Andree closes her eyes; lets it wash over her. Outside, a Militia might form, but inside, there's music. There's this child, playing Bach. For now. That's all they have. This moment. This day. This note, and the next, and the next. It will have to be enough." The repetitiveness of this sentiment is what made me grind my teeth. (I swear, if I never see the words "Clair de Lune" again, I won't mind.)

Morris also pulled more punches than I would have liked when it came to describing the brutality, the terror, and the pain of living in this time and place. Again, appropriate for a MG novel, but not an adult novel about the German occupation of France and the Holocaust more broadly.

As I said, this story is important and should be read for this reason. I wish it had been told differently.

I want to thank Heather Morris, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for the free advance copy I received in exchange for my honest review.

[Books By Your Bedside]

4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Firefinch for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

If I've added up right, I think this is her 7th book, and it's the 7th one I've read. She is a go-to author for sure.

Her previous book, The Wish, was completely different to her previous books, being set in the present time and not being related to any world wars, and it was stunning. But this book is a return to what I know she does brilliantly.

There is more to it than this, but having a story focussed on a child makes it all the more harrowing. We're used to reading and watching things about adults in the war, soldiers, partners, parents etc. Rarely do we get to see the same situation in regards to a child and I think that's what makes this so good, but not always easy to read.

What I like about her books, including this one, is her focus on the everyday man. She doesn't focus on the soldiers or the people in charge. She focusses on the innocent people who are caught up in battle, and that is no more obvious than in her choice to revolve the story around a child.

Her books are always so detailed, even down to the smallest thing, and that's what makes her books shine because you can tell she's taken her time with it. There's such a sense of atmosphere and it's quite uncomfortable, it's like you're walking alongside the characters, always looking over your shoulder.

She's shown the kindness of humanity. How among the devastating times, people will still help others, even strangers, if they can. Regardless of race, religion, or background, and we've lost a bit of that.

It's not an easy book to read a times topic-wise, but it's one you'll read in one sitting because you won't want to pull yourself away from it.

It's a little sow to get going. The opening is fast but it quickly slows down. I don't mind that but I do wish it had maintained that same pace for longer but overall it's okay, there's a ba;ance of slower and faster extracts.

It is a bit repetitive at times, which isn't a huge issue but it was enough to be noticeable.

It's emotional, just like her others, and if you manage to get through it without crying then you're a tougher person than I am.

It's not my favourite book of hers. That has to be either The Tattooist of Auschwitz (because it was so new, this amazing talent), or Sisters Under the Rising Sun. But it's still as good as I expected it to be. Her research is impressive, her storytelling emotive, her characters very real, the peril and the fact she doesn't sugar coat the difficulties of war but nor does she sensationalise them. It is a bit slow at times but overall it is a brilliant piece of storytelling.

She is keeping these stories alive. At a time where everyone's getting older, and there becomes less and less people alive from WW2, we run the risk of forgetting these stories, these people, but through Heather's work, they will live on forever and that's so important.

[Ed Rabinowitz]

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) book blog. New reviews posted every Monday.

[Cherie]

I love how Heather Morris takes real stories and fictionalizes them in a way that keeps the true story mostly intact. It makes for great reading!

The Piano Teacher of Monparnasse tells the story of Andree, a piano teacher who hides her Jewish student, Josie. When her family is rounded up during the German occupation of Paris, Josie escapes and is taken in by Andree and her parents, Louis and Tina. Hiding her as their grandchild and niece, Josie becomes part of the family, right under the watchful eyes of the occupiers and the French collaborators. Working with the French resistance, however, Andree, Louis, and Tina undertake dangerous missions to help the Allies. But one of the resistance, under torture, passes secrets on to the Germans, and Andree, Louis, and Tina must protect Josie and their own lives.

I enjoyed this book. I appreciated that the book told a story different from most other WWII stores; it was a book about the resistance and about life in Paris with the majority of the book not about the concentration camps and the Holocaust. Yes, that was part of the book too, but there was much more information on the danger the resistance fighters willingly accepted to do what was right by fighting back. That this was based on a true story was really remarkable. And as a pianist myself, I enjoyed the references to the music of Debussy, Mozart, Chopin, Bach.

My one complaint about the book, and the reason that it was not a 5 ⭐ read for me, was the speaking sections. They were overdone to the point of being juvenile. In my opinion, it was very stilted and did not follow logical conversation patterns, distracting from the pace of the novel. As an example:

"So I'm still safe?" Josie mumbles.
"As safe as you were yesterday," Louis tells her. "We must remain vigilant. Be careful who we speak to. The Germans just had a break over winter."
"There are many people in Paris, and all across France, who are doing all they can to stop the Germans." Andree tells her.
"Like you. All of you. You're fighting."
"We will always fight for you, Josie," Tina adds

Overall, I'm really glad I read this novel. It was a quick read and I know another hit for Heather Morris. 4.5 ⭐s rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced copy. It's scheduled to be published on October 20, 2026.

[PrincetonBookReview.Com]

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.


This review was originally posted on Princeton Book Review.

[elhbenson]

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Heather Morris is one of my favorite WWII historical fiction authors. I read Three Sisters first on a recommendation from my sister-in-law, and it was beautiful. I had to read The Tattooist of Auschwitz next, obviously, and fell in love with that story, too. Finally, I read Cilka’s Journey, which was good, but I didn’t like it as much as the first two.

So, when NetGalley sent an email that Heather Morris had written another book, I snatched it up like a starving Parisian. (Sorry, but we are talking about WWII here. IYKYK) It was a very early reader copy and had some line edit and formatting mistakes (like 5,008 pages!), but overall was an intriguing story.

Josie’s Jewish family is taken away at night by Nazi soldiers, but due to a logistical error, Josie is left behind. She finds refuge with her piano teacher—Andree’s—family, and they adopt her as their displaced “niece.”

Andree and her parents work for the Resistance and are constantly in fear of their lives and now Josie’s. Many details of the Paris Resistance Network are discussed and shown.

My only complaint with the book is Morris’s writing style. She always tells her stories in an odd, head-hopping third person. It’s not quite omniscient and not quite third person. She covers great spans of time in detail, but her dialogue is clunky and a bit unrealistic. When I finished the book, I learned Morris studied screenwriting first, and her writing style makes a lot more sense. I don’t know that it’s for everyone, but the story definitely stands out amongst the many, many WWII novels out in the world now.

Morris actually came across this story during the making of The Tattooist of Auschwitz TV show. Hans Zimmer co-composed the score with Kara Talve, whose grandmother is “Josie.” The piano on which Kara composed the music for the show is the piano Andree gave “Josie” after the war.

Honestly, when I read that, it gave me chills.

Check out my full review on Substack:

https://open.substack.com/pub/elizabe...

[Magen Guidry]

I went into The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse with really high expectations because The Tattooist of Auschwitz is one of my favorite books of all time. Unfortunately, this one didn’t have quite the same emotional impact for me. The story is undeniably powerful, though, and I was fascinated by Andrée’s courage and the risks she took to protect young Josephine in occupied Paris. Knowing that the novel was inspired by real people and events made their story feel even more meaningful.

What stood out to me most was the potential in Andrée and Josephine’s relationship. Their bond carries so much weight—protection, dependence, fear, and responsibility—and the circumstances around them make even their quieter moments feel important. I found Andrée’s courage compelling not just because she was willing to act, but because of how emotionally complicated her choices were. She had to protect Josephine while constantly facing the danger and uncertainty that came with doing so. Josephine, meanwhile, felt like more than just someone who needed to be saved. Her vulnerability gave the relationship its emotional urgency and highlighted the personal cost of the adults’ decisions. Their dynamic could have been incredibly intimate and moving.

Still, I wanted more from the characters and their relationship. Some of the most emotional moments felt rushed, which made it difficult to fully connect with the fear, grief, and attachment between Andrée and Josephine. I understood why their bond mattered, but I didn’t always feel it as deeply as I wanted to. The story often moved on before the characters’ emotions had time to settle or truly affect them. Because of that, their relationship felt meaningful in theory but not as fully developed on the page as it could have been.

Overall, it was a moving and worthwhile read, and knowing that it was inspired by real people and events gave Andrée and Josephine’s story an added sense of gravity. However, compared with the raw emotion and lasting impact of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, it left me feeling a little underwhelmed.

[Jen]

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.

[Second Chapter Books]

I honestly thought I was burned out on World War II fiction. After reading so many novels set during this period, I wasn't sure another one could surprise me. Then Heather Morris reminded me exactly why she's one of my favorite historical fiction authors.

*The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse* is a beautifully written, emotionally powerful novel inspired by real people and historical events. Set in occupied Paris, it follows Andrée, a piano teacher and member of the French Resistance, who risks everything to protect eleven-year-old Josie after the Nazis arrest the young girl's family.

What makes this story stand out isn't simply the wartime setting. It's the humanity. Morris captures the quiet acts of courage that often go unnoticed in history books, reminding readers that heroism is found in ordinary people making extraordinary choices.

The relationship between Andrée and Josie is the heart of the novel. Their bond is filled with hope, sacrifice, and unconditional love, making every page emotionally compelling. The tension is constant, yet the story never loses sight of the resilience of the human spirit.

If you loved *The Tattooist of Auschwitz*, you'll find that same emotional depth here, but with a fresh perspective centered on family, compassion, and the power of music to provide hope in the darkest of times.

This is historical fiction at its finest. Beautifully researched, deeply moving, and impossible to forget. Heather Morris once again proves that the most powerful stories of World War II are the ones that remind us not only of history's horrors, but of the incredible courage and kindness that endured despite them.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kate Baxter]

It never ceases to amaze that after eighty-one years, there are still brave and heroic tales of everyday folks making extraordinary efforts in war torn locations. Although this is a fictional account, it is true story of four amazing people and their colleagues who bravely stood up against the occupying Germans within Paris during World War II.

The year is 1942. A Jewish family is awakened suddenly by the Gestapo breaking down their door. The son and mother are on the soldiers' list but not the daughter, Josie. The mother instructs her to flee to the Levallois' flat where Josie's piano instructor lives with her parents. Josie is warmly received and protected by the Levallois family, who all just happen to be Resistance operatives as well. Danger is around every corner. They are continually looking over their shoulders while appearing to be ordinary folks just out for a casual stroll. They continue with their important work while caring for an orphaned child.

Author Heather Morris has written an exquisite account of these four brave souls and the conditions which they endured within occupied Paris. The historic research was herculean in scope and deftly woven within the presented story. The mise-en-scène was spot on and beautifully rendered. One could taste the stale gray bread with meager portions of butter and jam. One heard the gentle strains of piano music threaded throughout. The tension remains taut through the entire story and the emotions are deeply felt by the reader. This is an amazing true story of bravery, endurance, family made and above all, love. Highly recommend.


Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
Publication date: December 2, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-1420540376

[Ashleigh Stepp]

Heather Morris has done it again. 🤍

I have loved Heather Morris’s work for years, so The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse was easily one of my most anticipated historical fiction reads, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

There is something about the way Morris writes historical fiction that makes you feel completely immersed in another time and place. From the very beginning, I felt transported to occupied Paris, and I became so invested in these characters and their lives. Her writing has this beautiful way of capturing both the unimaginable realities of war and the deeply human moments happening within them; the relationships, the sacrifices, the small acts of courage, and the hope people somehow manage to hold onto even in the darkest circumstances.

And the music woven throughout this story made it feel even more special. There is something so moving about art and music existing alongside so much fear and uncertainty, and I loved the way it added another layer of emotion to the story.

Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres because I love books that make history feel personal rather than distant, and Heather Morris does that so incredibly well. This was emotional, beautifully written, heartbreaking at times, and ultimately so full of humanity.

If you’ve loved Heather Morris’s previous books, or you love historical fiction that completely transports you and stays with you after you finish, I absolutely recommend adding this one to your TBR.

An easy 5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Heather Morris for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

[Melissa Rodriguez]

The first Heather Morris book I read was The Tattooist of Auschwitz, so when I saw this ARC, I knew I had to pick it up.

Set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse follows Andrée Levallois, a piano teacher and member of the French Resistance, who risks everything to hide a young Jewish girl, Josephine, after her family is arrested. Inspired by real people and events, this story is a powerful reminder of the courage it took to choose compassion when doing so could cost you your life.

One quote that stayed with me long after I finished reading was:

“Most people look the other way. Most people choose safety over righteousness.”

That line hit hard. I often wonder how atrocities like the Holocaust continued for so long and how ordinary people could turn against their neighbors. But books like this also remind us that there were countless individuals who quietly resisted, protected strangers, and refused to let humanity be extinguished. Their bravery may not have changed the course of the war alone, but it changed the lives of the people they saved.

This is a beautifully written, emotional story that honors those acts of extraordinary courage in the darkest of times.

💊 Side Effects: A renewed commitment to not letting history repeat itself.

📖 Refill If You Love: Historical fiction, World War II stories, the French Resistance, courageous women, and novels inspired by true events.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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[Denise-Marie Martin]

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.

[Jensen McCorkel]

An emotional and beautifully written historical-fiction story about courage, sacrifice, and the quiet acts of bravery that can make a difference in the darkest of times.

What worked best for me was the relationship at the center of the story. A families determination to protect a young Jewish girl gives the novel a strong emotional core, and I appreciated how the story shines a light on the risks ordinary people took during the Nazi occupation. There are several genuinely moving moments, and Morris does a good job building a sense of tension and uncertainty as the characters face an increasingly dangerous world.

Where the book fell a little short for me was in the pacing and character development. Some parts felt predictable, and I found myself wanting more depth from certain characters and their relationships. A few of the more emotional scenes also felt somewhat forced, as though they were written to elicit a strong emotional response rather than allowing those feelings to develop naturally through the characters and story.

Despite those shortcomings, I found The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse to be a compelling and worthwhile read. The themes of courage, hope, and resilience are powerful, and the historical setting adds weight to the difficult choices the characters are forced to make.

Overall, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse was a solid and moving historical-fiction read. While I appreciated its emotional story and themes of bravery and sacrifice, I ultimately wanted a little more depth and a stronger emotional connection from the characters.

[Lucy]

I was very happy to receive an advance review copy from NetGalley of Heather Morris’s new novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse. I’ve read all of her previous novels and enjoyed them, and this one was no exception.

Morris’s straightforward writing makes emotional and difficult stories accessible, and this is another compelling story of courage and kindness during an incredibly dark period in history.

Inspired by real people and events, the story follows Josephine, whose Jewish mother and brother are arrested during the Nazi occupation of France. She then finds safety with her piano teacher Andrée and her parents, who are involved in the French Resistance. Morris bases some of her other characters loosely on members of the Resistance while introducing fictional characters to develop the story.

I appreciated the role of music and the piano, which adds another layer to the story and provides Josephine with a sense of comfort and normality amid the uncertainty and danger surrounding her. As with Morris’s previous novels, this is an emotional and very readable historical story.

I appreciated the Author’s Note at the back of the book, which provides further details about the real Levallois family and the woman who inspired the character of Josephine, as well as information about other members of the Resistance. There is also useful historical context about the Nazi occupation of France, which adds to the reader’s understanding of the events depicted in the novel.

Another moving and compelling read from Heather Morris.

[Jean Mader]

Heather Morris is a well-known author who has captivated readers with her earlier bestselling novels. The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is a tender and caring story, based on real people and events, but I was surprised by how often it felt as though it were written for a much younger audience, perhaps young teenagers.

The story follows a French family who takes in a young Jewish girl, Josie, in an effort to protect her from the Nazis. The parents and their young adult daughter lovingly care for her while also bravely working with the French Resistance. The characters are unfailingly sweet, kind and proper, which gives the book warmth, although at times I felt the characters and dialogue were almost too gentle for such a dangerous and frightening period in history.

There is a great deal of emphasis on the terrible scarcity of food during the occupation — perhaps more than was necessary — and the shortages are mentioned again and again. By 1944, however, the situation becomes increasingly serious, and this loving family is torn apart as several members are taken by the Nazis.

Among the darkness are many beautiful moments involving music and the piano, and the idea that music can comfort us, sustain us and even help save the soul.

Although the writing style was not quite what I expected, I appreciated the story behind the novel. True stories from World War II should continue to be told and remembered, so that the courage, suffering and sacrifices of ordinary people are never forgotten.

[Claire]

Thank you to NetGalley and Firefinch books publishing for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest views.

‘Maybe miracles are just people being kind when they don’t have to be. People being brave when it’s easier to hide. People sharing what little they have. People lighting candles when it’s dark’ 😭

The story is based on a true story and follows a 12 year old Jewish girl named Josie. When her mother and brother are taken away by the Nazis, she manages to escape and flee to her piano teacher’s home, Andreé, who takes her in as one of her own. Andreé and her parents are already taking huge risks by secretly working for the French Resistance, so welcoming a Jewish child into their family is putting them all in grave danger. But it is a risk that they are all willing to take.

The journey that this story takes you on is heart in your mouth stuff. Will today be the day they get caught? Will this mission be the one that is foiled? Is that the Militia knocking on the door? Will Josie be reunited with her family?

I honestly couldn’t put this book down because I just had to know what happened. And the fact that it is a TRUE STORY makes it even more powerful and is exactly why I like reading these sorts of books. We will never truly know the horrors of WWII, or the brutality of the concentration camps, but when authors bring stories like these to life it makes sure that none of it is ever forgotten

The story has strong themes of courage, defiance, compassion, survival, music and is an extremely powerful reminder that if all else is lost, we must have hope.

[Arlene L]

In her latest historical fiction novel, Heather Morris returns to the dark and complicated world of occupied France. This is a moving story of courage, friendship, and the choices people are forced to make when simply protecting another person while putting their own life in danger. At the heart of the story is Andrée, a piano teacher whose ordinary life hides her involvement with the French Resistance. When she becomes responsible for Josie, an eleven-year-old Jewish girl whose family has been taken by the Nazis, the risks surrounding them become increasingly dangerous. Their relationship develops against a backdrop of fear, uncertainty, and the constant possibility of discovery. The story balances events of war with the quieter moments between the characters. The piano lessons, conversations, and everyday routines provide a glimpse of normal life at a time when almost nothing is normal. There is tremendous sadness in this story through the kindness and human connection of these real life characters. The novel raises difficult questions about how far someone is willing to go to protect another person and what courage actually looks. Fans of historical fiction centered on the French Resistance and stories of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances will find plenty to admire in this story. Don’t miss the Author’s Notes for details about the real life people of this emotional story.

[Stephanie Herron]

"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 read and necessary read.

[Cari Zuckerman]

When the Gestapo come for Josie’s family in the middle of the night, 11-year-old Josie miraculously escapes and finds her way to her piano teacher’s apartment. Andrée Levallois and her mother and father, Tina and Louis, know they must do everything they can to protect this young Jewish girl while Paris is under occupation. Determined to do whatever it takes to liberate France, the Levallois family also participates in dangerous activities for the Resistance. With danger around every corner, will the love between Josie, Andrée, Tina, and Louis be enough for survival?

As far as World War II fiction goes, and I’ve read a lot of it, this is just fine. It’s based on a true story which is compelling but the writing left me feeling empty. At times it was almost saccharine, and as another reviewer pointed out, it almost read like YA. Lots of telling and not showing. I also found it odd that sometimes we would follow a character on a resistance mission while other times, we got no details. I struggled to get through this at times and most of the action took place in the last 30%.

I seem to be in the definite minority here but this book just didn’t impress me. As I said, it was fine. I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it.

I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The setting: 1942, Occupied Paris. The Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area. Mother, father, and son are arrested but their eleven-year-old daughter, Josie, is not and following her mother's instructions, runs to her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois. Andree lives with her parents; they are French Resistance operatives. And so it begins.

Another holocaust novel [I may have to take a longer break] and of course grim, but not really gruesome til the last quarter when Andree and her parents are imprisoned and then Andree is taken to a camp.

The novels details the many hardships [food rationing, cold] but also the friendships [Josie's school friend, Monique, and Maurice the concierge]--and hope. AND MUSIC. A ring of agents working for the Resistance meets at the Levallois apartment--and sometimes elsewhere as needed. F0rgeries and networks. The heinous cruelty of the French militia--French turning against French. Josie settles in with her new "family"--introduced as a niece and while always longing for her family, becomes a part of a new one. Louis owns a bookstore, but with his architectural background is sent on missions with his friend, Doctor Rene, to surveil settings; these journeys were quite interesting.

Despite the setting, an easy read because the writing was fine and not dense. 3.5, but rounding up.

[Shirley McAllister]

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.