What do you think?
Rate this book
The Paris Notebook
A secret big enough to destroy the Führer’s reputation. . .
January 1939:
When Katja Heinz secures a job as a typist at Doctor Viktor’s clinic, she doesn’t expect to be copying top secret medical records from a notebook.
At the end of the first world war, Doctor Viktor treated soldiers for psychological disorders. One of the patients was none other than Adolf Hitler. . .
The notes in his possession declare Hitler unfit for office – a secret that could destroy the Führer’s reputation, and change the course of the war if exposed. . .
With the notebook hidden in her hat box, Katja and Doctor Viktor travel to Paris. Seeking refuge in the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, they hope to find a publisher brave enough to print the controversial script.
But Katja is being watched. Nazi spies in Paris have discovered her plan. They will stop at nothing to destroy the notebook and silence those who know of the secret hidden inside. . .
January 1939:
When Katja Heinz secures a job as a typist at Doctor Viktor’s clinic, she doesn’t expect to be copying top secret medical records from a notebook.
At the end of the first world war, Doctor Viktor treated soldiers for psychological disorders. One of the patients was none other than Adolf Hitler. . .
The notes in his possession declare Hitler unfit for office – a secret that could destroy the Führer’s reputation, and change the course of the war if exposed. . .
With the notebook hidden in her hat box, Katja and Doctor Viktor travel to Paris. Seeking refuge in the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, they hope to find a publisher brave enough to print the controversial script.
But Katja is being watched. Nazi spies in Paris have discovered her plan. They will stop at nothing to destroy the notebook and silence those who know of the secret hidden inside. . .
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2023
1080 people are currently reading
7373 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Harris
21 books525 followersFrom the author's website:After studying History at Oxford University, I began my journalistic career on a newspaper in my home town of Louth, in Lincolnshire. I progressed onto a London newspaper, where I became women's editor. From there I moved to become a feature writer on Best magazine. After two years I was made editor of a regional arts and listings publication. This was followed by another two years as deputy editor on Heritage magazine. Motherhood meant a spell as a freelance, contributing to several national magazines, such as Country Homes & Interiors, Perfect Home and Woman's Journal, as well as newspapers such as The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian. During this time I also worked as a literary publicist and for a documentary-making company. In 2005 I was made editor of Berkshire Life magazine.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
March 14, 2023
4.5 very strong stars⭐️! The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris began in Hamburg, Germany in 1939. Katja Heinz had become the sole caregiver for her depressed and widowed mother. Thoughts of her dead father still brought tears to Katja’s eyes. Her father had been made an example of during the Nazi book burnings. Katja’s father had written and published a book that scientifically discredited the Nazi’s claim to a superior Aryan race. His book had infuriated the Nazis and caused the Nazis to ban his book. Katja’s father was present during the book burning of 1933. As book after book was thrown into the bonfire, Katja’s father became increasingly angrier and angrier. When he tried to pull a book away from an over zealous Nazi, he was pushed into the bonfire. Katja, who had accompanied her father to the book burning, witnessed her father’s slow and agonizing death. The vision of her father’s suffering would be forever imbedded upon her mind.
Now it was up to Katja to pay the rent and bills. She was working as a secretary in a soap factory where the pay was minimal. When Katja heard about a receptionist position at The University of Hamburg’s Clinic for Neurological Disorders she interviewed for the position but she was totally unqualified and did not get the position. However, Dr. Viktor, one of the doctors who had interviewed her, subsequently hired Katja as his personal assistant. She assumed that her job description would entail typing Dr. Viktor’s clinical notes and to keep track of his various appointments. How far from the truth that had been!
Katja soon learned that her job was to transcribe Dr. Viktor’s handwritten notes that he had written long ago in a personal notebook. She was warned that no one else could discover what Katja was doing and she was sworn to secrecy and discretion. Katja would soon discover that she was typing the medical records for a patient that Dr. Viktor had treated during World War I. Dr. Viktor had made extensive and detailed notes about the mental health of this patient. It did not take Katja long to figure out that Dr. Viktor’s patient had been no other than lance corporal Adolf Hitler. Dr. Viktor had hired Katja to transcribe his notes into a book so that it could be published. He believed and hoped that if the world was made privy to the state of Hitler’s mental health, perhaps his dominance could be stopped. Dr. Viktor knew he had to get this book published and the sooner the better.
Dr. Viktor had made a contact in Paris who thought that he could help him find a publisher to publish the book. Katja was asked to accompany Dr. Viktor to Paris. Reluctantly, Katja agreed to accompany Dr. Viktor to Paris. She was able to make arrangements for a neighbor to look in on her debilitated mother. The actual trip to Paris was scary and unsettling for Katja. What if they were stopped by the Nazis or if the typed pages from Dr. Viktor’s notebook were discovered and confiscated? Katja knew the risks. She could be thrown in jail, tortured or even executed. Katja was determined to see this through despite the risks.
After Katja and Dr. Viktor arrived in Paris and had settled into their separate rooms at the hotel, Katja ventured out to the Shakespeare and Company bookshop. It was there that Katja met Sylvia Beach, the owner and Daniel Keenan, a journalist originally from Ireland. Both Daniel and Katja were immediately drawn to each other. There was an instant attraction between the two of them but so much more. Daniel harbored a tragic past, though. He was unable to let it go and the only thing that masked it was liquor. That afternoon, Katja was drawn to Daniel in a way that she had never been drawn to anyone else. Daniel impressed Katja with his knowledge of literature and authorships. She didn’t want their time together to end. How silly of her! They had just met. What did she know about him?
Later that evening, Katja would see Daniel again. Daniel was the link to a publisher that might be able to help Dr. Viktor and her get the book published. Around every corner, though, there were spies and people who were trying to stop Dr. Viktor and Katja. Their lives were in constant danger. How far would the Nazis go to stop them?
The Paris Notebook was fast paced and impeccably researched. This was the first book that I had read by Tessa Harris but it will not be the last. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by her. The Paris Notebook was about family, love, friendships, loyalty, taking risks, determination, betrayal, exposure and dedication. Although, Katja’s and Daniel’s characters were purely fictional, I really enjoyed them. Dr. Viktor’s character was based on an actual doctor of psychiatry and a notebook actually existed. Many of the places mentioned in The Paris Notebook existed as did the artists and authors that were mentioned. I loved the ending! If you enjoy good historical fiction based on true events, then I recommend The Paris Notebook very highly. The Paris Notebook was published on February 15, 2023.
Thank you to HQ Digital for allowing me to read The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Now it was up to Katja to pay the rent and bills. She was working as a secretary in a soap factory where the pay was minimal. When Katja heard about a receptionist position at The University of Hamburg’s Clinic for Neurological Disorders she interviewed for the position but she was totally unqualified and did not get the position. However, Dr. Viktor, one of the doctors who had interviewed her, subsequently hired Katja as his personal assistant. She assumed that her job description would entail typing Dr. Viktor’s clinical notes and to keep track of his various appointments. How far from the truth that had been!
Katja soon learned that her job was to transcribe Dr. Viktor’s handwritten notes that he had written long ago in a personal notebook. She was warned that no one else could discover what Katja was doing and she was sworn to secrecy and discretion. Katja would soon discover that she was typing the medical records for a patient that Dr. Viktor had treated during World War I. Dr. Viktor had made extensive and detailed notes about the mental health of this patient. It did not take Katja long to figure out that Dr. Viktor’s patient had been no other than lance corporal Adolf Hitler. Dr. Viktor had hired Katja to transcribe his notes into a book so that it could be published. He believed and hoped that if the world was made privy to the state of Hitler’s mental health, perhaps his dominance could be stopped. Dr. Viktor knew he had to get this book published and the sooner the better.
Dr. Viktor had made a contact in Paris who thought that he could help him find a publisher to publish the book. Katja was asked to accompany Dr. Viktor to Paris. Reluctantly, Katja agreed to accompany Dr. Viktor to Paris. She was able to make arrangements for a neighbor to look in on her debilitated mother. The actual trip to Paris was scary and unsettling for Katja. What if they were stopped by the Nazis or if the typed pages from Dr. Viktor’s notebook were discovered and confiscated? Katja knew the risks. She could be thrown in jail, tortured or even executed. Katja was determined to see this through despite the risks.
After Katja and Dr. Viktor arrived in Paris and had settled into their separate rooms at the hotel, Katja ventured out to the Shakespeare and Company bookshop. It was there that Katja met Sylvia Beach, the owner and Daniel Keenan, a journalist originally from Ireland. Both Daniel and Katja were immediately drawn to each other. There was an instant attraction between the two of them but so much more. Daniel harbored a tragic past, though. He was unable to let it go and the only thing that masked it was liquor. That afternoon, Katja was drawn to Daniel in a way that she had never been drawn to anyone else. Daniel impressed Katja with his knowledge of literature and authorships. She didn’t want their time together to end. How silly of her! They had just met. What did she know about him?
Later that evening, Katja would see Daniel again. Daniel was the link to a publisher that might be able to help Dr. Viktor and her get the book published. Around every corner, though, there were spies and people who were trying to stop Dr. Viktor and Katja. Their lives were in constant danger. How far would the Nazis go to stop them?
The Paris Notebook was fast paced and impeccably researched. This was the first book that I had read by Tessa Harris but it will not be the last. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by her. The Paris Notebook was about family, love, friendships, loyalty, taking risks, determination, betrayal, exposure and dedication. Although, Katja’s and Daniel’s characters were purely fictional, I really enjoyed them. Dr. Viktor’s character was based on an actual doctor of psychiatry and a notebook actually existed. Many of the places mentioned in The Paris Notebook existed as did the artists and authors that were mentioned. I loved the ending! If you enjoy good historical fiction based on true events, then I recommend The Paris Notebook very highly. The Paris Notebook was published on February 15, 2023.
Thank you to HQ Digital for allowing me to read The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 7, 2023
Katja Heinz lives with her widowed mother in Hamburg, Germany, her mutti hasn’t been the same since her father died and she’s suffering from a mental illness. Katja begins working for Doctor Ernst Viktor as his receptionist and she has no idea he wants her type up secret medical records. The doctor treated a patient years ago during The Great War, he kept a notebook of his findings, the person was suffering from a severe psychological and personality disorder and his name is Adolf Hitler.
With the rise of Adolf Hitler’s popularity in Germany and the threat of another war starting and Doctor Viktor knows the information he has is extremely important. It’s also very dangerous, if anyone discovers the journal or the manuscript Katja's been typing, his and secretaries lives are on the line.
Doctor ViKtor wants his medical notes and thoughts about the dictator published, he and Katja travel to Paris. Here Katja meets two people who will have an influence on the decisions she makes, her safety and future. One is Irish journalist Daniel Keenan and the other is Sylvia Beach the American owner of the bookshop called, Shakespeare and Company. Katja and Doctor Viktor are being watched, at the clinic, and their movements around Hamburg and in Paris. Not only do they have to worry about German spies, Doctor Viktor has made enemies at the hospital and they would do anything to get rid of him.
Shakespeare and Company isn't just a bookshop, it's a lending library, a gathering place for authors, book lovers and lost souls. Daniel’s an avid reader, he hangs out at the bookshop because he’s lost his way, his wife and daughter were tragically killed and the two people who understand how he feels are Sylvia and especially Katja whose father was murdered in Germany. Doctor Viktor, Daniel and Katja over the course of seven months, try to get his notebook published, they face many obstacles, setbacks, accusations, enemies and so much more!
I received a copy of The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris from NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an honest review. The narrative looks at the lead up and the start of the Second World War from another angle and it’s told from a different perspective. Once again a well-researched and written historical fiction story by Ms. Harris, full of real facts, and with elements of suspense, mystery, with so many twists and turns and I certainly didn’t predict the ending. Five stars from me and I highly recommend this book and two others I have read by Tessa Harris, Beneath a Starless Sea and The Light We Left Behind.
With the rise of Adolf Hitler’s popularity in Germany and the threat of another war starting and Doctor Viktor knows the information he has is extremely important. It’s also very dangerous, if anyone discovers the journal or the manuscript Katja's been typing, his and secretaries lives are on the line.
Doctor ViKtor wants his medical notes and thoughts about the dictator published, he and Katja travel to Paris. Here Katja meets two people who will have an influence on the decisions she makes, her safety and future. One is Irish journalist Daniel Keenan and the other is Sylvia Beach the American owner of the bookshop called, Shakespeare and Company. Katja and Doctor Viktor are being watched, at the clinic, and their movements around Hamburg and in Paris. Not only do they have to worry about German spies, Doctor Viktor has made enemies at the hospital and they would do anything to get rid of him.
Shakespeare and Company isn't just a bookshop, it's a lending library, a gathering place for authors, book lovers and lost souls. Daniel’s an avid reader, he hangs out at the bookshop because he’s lost his way, his wife and daughter were tragically killed and the two people who understand how he feels are Sylvia and especially Katja whose father was murdered in Germany. Doctor Viktor, Daniel and Katja over the course of seven months, try to get his notebook published, they face many obstacles, setbacks, accusations, enemies and so much more!
I received a copy of The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris from NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an honest review. The narrative looks at the lead up and the start of the Second World War from another angle and it’s told from a different perspective. Once again a well-researched and written historical fiction story by Ms. Harris, full of real facts, and with elements of suspense, mystery, with so many twists and turns and I certainly didn’t predict the ending. Five stars from me and I highly recommend this book and two others I have read by Tessa Harris, Beneath a Starless Sea and The Light We Left Behind.
November 29, 2023
From page one - this is a perfect WWII feminist feeling novel! I've read so many stories about women's roles in history, and none of them felt quite as high stakes! Katja's heroism jumps off every page!
**Thank you to Harper 360, HQ Digitalw & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
**Thank you to Harper 360, HQ Digitalw & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
January 7, 2023
Wouldn’t you love to be able to see the notes the psychiatrist made during his appointments with Adolf Hitler?
This incredibly unique historical fiction is based on the extraordinary true story of Hitler’s psychiatrist.
Katja Heinz can’t believe it when she discovers top-secret medical records in a notebook she is transcribing for her boss, Doctor Viktor. When it’s confirmed who the patient is and the plans for the transcribed notes, Katja realizes that she’s in too deep to simply walk away. The trouble is, she needs the money to care for her invalid mother. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Katja agrees to help Doctor Victor find a publisher for his notes.
I was spellbound, compelled to read on and uncover the rest of the story. I felt the emotional distress both Doctor Victor and Katja suffered as a result of having the future of Hitler’s power in their hands. Did they find a publisher? What if this secret got out? How far-reaching was the Fuhrer’s arm, really?
For discerning historical fiction readers looking for something unique, this story about dark secrets and the attempts to keep them hidden is one you’ll want to add to your reading list. The story within is as wonderful as the gorgeous cover and the writing makes it next level.
I was gifted this copy by HQ Digital and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This incredibly unique historical fiction is based on the extraordinary true story of Hitler’s psychiatrist.
Katja Heinz can’t believe it when she discovers top-secret medical records in a notebook she is transcribing for her boss, Doctor Viktor. When it’s confirmed who the patient is and the plans for the transcribed notes, Katja realizes that she’s in too deep to simply walk away. The trouble is, she needs the money to care for her invalid mother. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Katja agrees to help Doctor Victor find a publisher for his notes.
I was spellbound, compelled to read on and uncover the rest of the story. I felt the emotional distress both Doctor Victor and Katja suffered as a result of having the future of Hitler’s power in their hands. Did they find a publisher? What if this secret got out? How far-reaching was the Fuhrer’s arm, really?
For discerning historical fiction readers looking for something unique, this story about dark secrets and the attempts to keep them hidden is one you’ll want to add to your reading list. The story within is as wonderful as the gorgeous cover and the writing makes it next level.
I was gifted this copy by HQ Digital and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 26, 2023
What could be more dangerous than keeping Adolf Hitler's psychiatrist's notes?
If only the world knew about the existence of those notes, perhaps we would have a different history... or maybe the world knew about them but there was nothing that could be changed...
From the first words, the unfolding events of the story capture and carry you away with a fair strong wind, as if you are in an aspiring train rushing to the distant 1939. You are transported to Hamburg, Germany, completely forgetting who you are and where you are now.
Katja has got a job as a personal assistant to Dr. Victor in the clinic. She has not realized immediately what danger she is in. But not only fears, anxiety and uncertainty await her. She meets Daniel in Paris. After that, her life changes....
I enjoyed reading The Paris Notebook. It seemed that I experienced every moment of Katja's life, her every anxiety and fear echoed in my heart, and my wish to help her with her difficult work arose with each following page.
I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical fiction and who wants to know more about World War ll.
Thanks to Tessa Harris, HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!
If only the world knew about the existence of those notes, perhaps we would have a different history... or maybe the world knew about them but there was nothing that could be changed...
From the first words, the unfolding events of the story capture and carry you away with a fair strong wind, as if you are in an aspiring train rushing to the distant 1939. You are transported to Hamburg, Germany, completely forgetting who you are and where you are now.
Katja has got a job as a personal assistant to Dr. Victor in the clinic. She has not realized immediately what danger she is in. But not only fears, anxiety and uncertainty await her. She meets Daniel in Paris. After that, her life changes....
I enjoyed reading The Paris Notebook. It seemed that I experienced every moment of Katja's life, her every anxiety and fear echoed in my heart, and my wish to help her with her difficult work arose with each following page.
I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical fiction and who wants to know more about World War ll.
Thanks to Tessa Harris, HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!
November 1, 2023
¿Os imagináis qué habría pasado si en los años 30 se hubiese hecho público un informe médico sobre la locura de Hitler? Por lo pronto es posible que con esta información podrían haber destruido el auge megalomano del dictador nazi. ¿O no? Katja Heinz y el doctor Ernst Viktor, del que es secretaria, harán todo lo posible para conseguirlo.
A través de los ojos de Katja conocemos el horror nazi desde el punto de vista de intelectuales y académicos que ven destruidos su trabajo y reputación por culpa de la "Limpieza" fascista.
La lectura resulta absorbente. No puedes parar de leer, sobre todo en los últimos capítulos que no te dejan soltar el libro.
A través de los ojos de Katja conocemos el horror nazi desde el punto de vista de intelectuales y académicos que ven destruidos su trabajo y reputación por culpa de la "Limpieza" fascista.
La lectura resulta absorbente. No puedes parar de leer, sobre todo en los últimos capítulos que no te dejan soltar el libro.
December 19, 2023
Nos encontramos en Hamburgo en el año 1939, donde nuestra protagonista Katja acepta un trabajo en la clínica del doctor Viktor. Para nada mas y menos escribir los registros médicos de Hitler, algo que resulta super interesante, ya que te adentras de lleno en la mente de este señor y sus perturbadas ideas. Si esas notas salen a la luz, pueden cambiar la historia y arruinar al Furher y eso es lo que quería exactamente Viktor.
Katja y el viajaran a París para encontrar un editor que se atreva a publicar e imprimir ese cuaderno. Lugar donde conocerán a Daniel, un periodista irlandés que cree que su jefe estaría dispuesto.
Esta es la trama principal de la historia, que me ha resultado muy interesante además de diferente, incluyendo a la librería de Shakeaspere and Company, pero cuando el romance supera a esta trama para mi va perdiendo el interés, ya que es un romance innecesario.
Me han gustado las referencias reales en la historia, como es este famoso cuaderno, el rescate de las tropas británicas en Calais, persecución de judíos… Y sobretodo el saber que Viktor trató a Hitler tras la Primera Guerra Mundial y sus problemas psicológicos
Esperaba otra cosa de este libro, no es un mal libro si te gusta el romance, yo esperaba que la trama se desarrollase más.
Katja y el viajaran a París para encontrar un editor que se atreva a publicar e imprimir ese cuaderno. Lugar donde conocerán a Daniel, un periodista irlandés que cree que su jefe estaría dispuesto.
Esta es la trama principal de la historia, que me ha resultado muy interesante además de diferente, incluyendo a la librería de Shakeaspere and Company, pero cuando el romance supera a esta trama para mi va perdiendo el interés, ya que es un romance innecesario.
Me han gustado las referencias reales en la historia, como es este famoso cuaderno, el rescate de las tropas británicas en Calais, persecución de judíos… Y sobretodo el saber que Viktor trató a Hitler tras la Primera Guerra Mundial y sus problemas psicológicos
Esperaba otra cosa de este libro, no es un mal libro si te gusta el romance, yo esperaba que la trama se desarrollase más.
February 5, 2023
With many books set during World War II, I am always delighted to come across one that brings something different. The Paris Notebooks has something different, it is based on written accounts of a psychiatrist who treated Hitler after a gas attack during WWI. Can you imagine how important such documents would be and how they could be used? This story tells of what could have happened if the notebook eventually found its way into allied hands.
There are several characters in this book, the main one being Katja Heinz. A young girl looking after her mother has just been accepted for a job working as a PA for Doctor Viktor. The author tells of how Viktor treated Hilter and kept a medical notebook, he wants to let the world see the danger they are in as Hitler is just starting to show the world his idea of the future. Many are wary as they don't want to rock the boat, Jews are being persecuted, Hitler is starting to advance and not everyone thinks he will do what we all know eventually he does.
Using Katja as the main protagonist was a fabulous move, having a heroine who is naive, but headstrong is great. The author uses her to show the fear that is instilled in people living in Germany at the time who are not fully supportive of this new regime. Having her put herself in the midst of things had me with my heart in my mouth hoping she would come through each incident unscathed. She does suffer loss as many at the time have and it is a stubborn streak and a sense of doing what is right that keeps her progressing forward.
This was a slower-paced story at the beginning and I liked this. It gave me a chance to understand the backgrounds of the characters and gave me more idea of their personalities so that when they did have to face something traumatic it felt right.
As well as having a huge amount of danger and suspense, this book also has some emotional scenes. I admit to having very tear-filled eyes while reading some of the scenes. Even though war is looming and eventually does happen, life still progresses. Unexpected meetings and chance events happen and knowing that there is someone that understands what you are going through makes things a little more bearable.
This is a fabulous story that I adored. The character of Katja and those she meets as she tries to deliver a notebook that could change the war is brilliant. This is a book that does contain some actual events and the author has included some insightful and useful additions at the end of the book, this makes great further reading on the internet.
If you are a fan of stories set during WWII that have some strong characters and very memorable scenes then this is one for you. A mix of danger, suspense, mystery, romance and heartbreaking choices make for a story I would definitely recommend.
There are several characters in this book, the main one being Katja Heinz. A young girl looking after her mother has just been accepted for a job working as a PA for Doctor Viktor. The author tells of how Viktor treated Hilter and kept a medical notebook, he wants to let the world see the danger they are in as Hitler is just starting to show the world his idea of the future. Many are wary as they don't want to rock the boat, Jews are being persecuted, Hitler is starting to advance and not everyone thinks he will do what we all know eventually he does.
Using Katja as the main protagonist was a fabulous move, having a heroine who is naive, but headstrong is great. The author uses her to show the fear that is instilled in people living in Germany at the time who are not fully supportive of this new regime. Having her put herself in the midst of things had me with my heart in my mouth hoping she would come through each incident unscathed. She does suffer loss as many at the time have and it is a stubborn streak and a sense of doing what is right that keeps her progressing forward.
This was a slower-paced story at the beginning and I liked this. It gave me a chance to understand the backgrounds of the characters and gave me more idea of their personalities so that when they did have to face something traumatic it felt right.
As well as having a huge amount of danger and suspense, this book also has some emotional scenes. I admit to having very tear-filled eyes while reading some of the scenes. Even though war is looming and eventually does happen, life still progresses. Unexpected meetings and chance events happen and knowing that there is someone that understands what you are going through makes things a little more bearable.
This is a fabulous story that I adored. The character of Katja and those she meets as she tries to deliver a notebook that could change the war is brilliant. This is a book that does contain some actual events and the author has included some insightful and useful additions at the end of the book, this makes great further reading on the internet.
If you are a fan of stories set during WWII that have some strong characters and very memorable scenes then this is one for you. A mix of danger, suspense, mystery, romance and heartbreaking choices make for a story I would definitely recommend.
February 3, 2023
It's world war times and no one with critical information is safe anymore!
Katja gets a job with Dr Victor ( a psychiatrist) who divulges to her his secret work on the mental health records of Adolf Hitler. And now that she is an accomplice in this work, it's her duty to reveal the front to the world. While they are secretly working on the scripts, the nazis have made a move and are now after their life - for the secret that can destroy Hitler's reign must not be exposed.
Moving along the different countries in Europe the book has book around book premise with a key dedication towards the actual historical events. The book explains a few parts while leaving some to be discovered by the reader by themselves.
The book mentioned a few novel things about Paris that me fall in love with the story all the more:
1. Bouquinistes: are booksellers of used and antiquarian books on the banks of a river, the only river in the world that runs between two bookshelves
2. The significant role of the bookstore: Shakespeare and Company
Genre: #historicalfiction
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Thankyou very much for the wonderful Digital review copy @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk
#TheParisNotebook #NetGalley #tessaharris
Katja gets a job with Dr Victor ( a psychiatrist) who divulges to her his secret work on the mental health records of Adolf Hitler. And now that she is an accomplice in this work, it's her duty to reveal the front to the world. While they are secretly working on the scripts, the nazis have made a move and are now after their life - for the secret that can destroy Hitler's reign must not be exposed.
Moving along the different countries in Europe the book has book around book premise with a key dedication towards the actual historical events. The book explains a few parts while leaving some to be discovered by the reader by themselves.
The book mentioned a few novel things about Paris that me fall in love with the story all the more:
1. Bouquinistes: are booksellers of used and antiquarian books on the banks of a river, the only river in the world that runs between two bookshelves
2. The significant role of the bookstore: Shakespeare and Company
Genre: #historicalfiction
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Thankyou very much for the wonderful Digital review copy @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk
#TheParisNotebook #NetGalley #tessaharris
March 25, 2025
No està mal però tampoc pa tirar coets
April 26, 2023
Sometimes I hate myself for feeling like I need to finish a book when I don't really have to. This book dragged on and on and if it wasn't for my inability to let go of it, I would've stopped reading halfway through.
The premise was good and I started out feeling excited for the story and how the facts would mingle with fiction. However, as the story progressed, I was feeling more and more disconnected from the plot and the characters and after the middle of the book I just wanted it to finish because it all felt extremely tiring, cliched and nonsensical. The idea was interesting but very poorly executed overall.
The premise was good and I started out feeling excited for the story and how the facts would mingle with fiction. However, as the story progressed, I was feeling more and more disconnected from the plot and the characters and after the middle of the book I just wanted it to finish because it all felt extremely tiring, cliched and nonsensical. The idea was interesting but very poorly executed overall.
January 7, 2024
The Paris Notebook is a fast-paced spellbinding account which is loosely based on historical events in which a German doctor diagnosis Adolf Hitler and through this discovers he is unfit mentally and tries to make this information public in some way before it is too late. It’s a love story as well, but it is also the story of a young woman whose father died because of Hitler, whose mother is mentally ill and she must take care of her, but who finds herself now in the position to assist in stopping Hitler a man she despises. A true and strong heroine, she will stop at nothing to get the information to where it needs to go.
After Katja Heinz’s father dies, she is now left to care for her emotionally unstable mother in Germany during the Hitler regime. She needs the money, but it seems no one will hire her until a psychologist, Dr. Viktor makes her an offer. She is told to transcribe his notes into a notebook about a patient he treated. He tells her she is not allowed to know who the patient is, and she must keep what she is doing secret. She is just grateful for the job.
But, very quickly, it is obvious that this secret patient is none other than Adolf Hitler and what Dr. Viktor has discovered is very important and if Hitler knew what was being typed and there was a notebook they would be hunted down and killed.
And just like that Katja is thrown into a world which she knows nothing about as they try to find someone who will accept the notebook and publish the findings. They must smuggle the notebook into France to meet a journalist, Daniel who works for a paper. Their hopes are raised that perhaps their prayers have been answered.
But after all that they refuse to publish it and Dr. Viktor and Katja go back to Germany. Except now it seems, Hitler’s men know they are up to something and begin to threaten them and their families.
Soon, Katja is on her own and once again must find her way alone now with the smuggled notebook back to France to once again try and find help. She understands her life is in danger and as she plays a game of cat and mouse and hide and seek with the Nazi’s who are on her tail. She must endure whatever they do and keep going forward in the name of all those she loves and have loved. She and Daniel get close and this is her only salvation.
But what is the end result? As innocent Katja turns into an espionage spy and a heroine who grows stronger with every obstacle they try to throw in front of her, she could possibly lose everything, including her life to put the notebook in the hands of someone who can help.
The Paris Notebook is an exciting romantic spy novel with twists and turns and shocking revelations and a leading lady who is strong, determined and stubborn.
Thank you #NetGalley #HQDigital #TheParisNotebook #TessaHarris for the advanced copy.
After Katja Heinz’s father dies, she is now left to care for her emotionally unstable mother in Germany during the Hitler regime. She needs the money, but it seems no one will hire her until a psychologist, Dr. Viktor makes her an offer. She is told to transcribe his notes into a notebook about a patient he treated. He tells her she is not allowed to know who the patient is, and she must keep what she is doing secret. She is just grateful for the job.
But, very quickly, it is obvious that this secret patient is none other than Adolf Hitler and what Dr. Viktor has discovered is very important and if Hitler knew what was being typed and there was a notebook they would be hunted down and killed.
And just like that Katja is thrown into a world which she knows nothing about as they try to find someone who will accept the notebook and publish the findings. They must smuggle the notebook into France to meet a journalist, Daniel who works for a paper. Their hopes are raised that perhaps their prayers have been answered.
But after all that they refuse to publish it and Dr. Viktor and Katja go back to Germany. Except now it seems, Hitler’s men know they are up to something and begin to threaten them and their families.
Soon, Katja is on her own and once again must find her way alone now with the smuggled notebook back to France to once again try and find help. She understands her life is in danger and as she plays a game of cat and mouse and hide and seek with the Nazi’s who are on her tail. She must endure whatever they do and keep going forward in the name of all those she loves and have loved. She and Daniel get close and this is her only salvation.
But what is the end result? As innocent Katja turns into an espionage spy and a heroine who grows stronger with every obstacle they try to throw in front of her, she could possibly lose everything, including her life to put the notebook in the hands of someone who can help.
The Paris Notebook is an exciting romantic spy novel with twists and turns and shocking revelations and a leading lady who is strong, determined and stubborn.
Thank you #NetGalley #HQDigital #TheParisNotebook #TessaHarris for the advanced copy.
July 27, 2023
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
It would be gullible to assume all German citizens supported and believed in their deranged Fuhrer.
His antics, beliefs and actions defied any form of sanity.
Medical records and psychological evaluations reflected the mental deficiencies of Hitler and could be used for his demise if the right hands get the information.
Katja secures a role as a typist for Dr Viktor, a man who knows intimately how unbalanced Hitler is and makes it his mission to collate all the information from previous diagnostic records.
The danger heightens as the clinic, the gestapo and undercover agents close in on the traitors.
Contacts in Paris are ready and willing to help.
The full brunt of Nazi cruelty about to unleash as their thoroughness is in unrelenting.
An action packed and gripping narrative that shows another perspective of how not all German nationals were brainwashed.
I love a war story and love a story that has books and literary greats woven in, it ticks all my boxes.
I was totally drawn in as the drama unfolds.
A book I highly recommend for those who love this genre.
It would be gullible to assume all German citizens supported and believed in their deranged Fuhrer.
His antics, beliefs and actions defied any form of sanity.
Medical records and psychological evaluations reflected the mental deficiencies of Hitler and could be used for his demise if the right hands get the information.
Katja secures a role as a typist for Dr Viktor, a man who knows intimately how unbalanced Hitler is and makes it his mission to collate all the information from previous diagnostic records.
The danger heightens as the clinic, the gestapo and undercover agents close in on the traitors.
Contacts in Paris are ready and willing to help.
The full brunt of Nazi cruelty about to unleash as their thoroughness is in unrelenting.
An action packed and gripping narrative that shows another perspective of how not all German nationals were brainwashed.
I love a war story and love a story that has books and literary greats woven in, it ticks all my boxes.
I was totally drawn in as the drama unfolds.
A book I highly recommend for those who love this genre.
December 22, 2023
Viajamos a Hamburgo en el año 1939 para conocer a nuestra protagonista Katja la cual acaba de comenzar a trabajar como asistente del doctor Víktor. Su tarea consiste en mecanografiar las notas medicas de las sesiones psiquiátricas de los pacientes que tras la Gran Guerra han sufrido trastornos psicológicos. Entre ellos se encuentra Adolf Hitler y en ellas se detalla el motivo por el cual no es apto para liderar ni gobernar.
Dichas anotaciones tienen un precio muy alto y en el caso de llegar a las manos adecuadas tal vez podrían cambiar el rumbo de la historia... Por ello Katja y Víktor pretenden sacarlas a la luz y así poder salvar a miles de personas poniendo en peligro las suyas y las de sus familiares.
Paralelamente conocemos a Daniel, un periodista de Paris que también tendrá un papel protagonista siendo el hilo conductor para publicarlas.
La trama principal me ha gustado, los personajes y como se desenvuelven para intentar lograr su principal objetivo a espaldas de los nazis.
El papel de Víktor me ha encantado y la valentía de él y Katja es completamente admirable.
Conocemos la librería Shakespeare and company, hace poco leí un libro que hablaba de ella y me ha encantado reencontrarme con ella en estas páginas.
Por otra parte según avanzaba en la lectura hay una historia de amor que cobra demasiado protagonismo llegando a resultar pesada que deja en segundo plano la trama principal.
El final no me ha terminado de gustar, me ha faltado algo más de desarrollo y también he echado de menos una nota de la autora.
Dichas anotaciones tienen un precio muy alto y en el caso de llegar a las manos adecuadas tal vez podrían cambiar el rumbo de la historia... Por ello Katja y Víktor pretenden sacarlas a la luz y así poder salvar a miles de personas poniendo en peligro las suyas y las de sus familiares.
Paralelamente conocemos a Daniel, un periodista de Paris que también tendrá un papel protagonista siendo el hilo conductor para publicarlas.
La trama principal me ha gustado, los personajes y como se desenvuelven para intentar lograr su principal objetivo a espaldas de los nazis.
El papel de Víktor me ha encantado y la valentía de él y Katja es completamente admirable.
Conocemos la librería Shakespeare and company, hace poco leí un libro que hablaba de ella y me ha encantado reencontrarme con ella en estas páginas.
Por otra parte según avanzaba en la lectura hay una historia de amor que cobra demasiado protagonismo llegando a resultar pesada que deja en segundo plano la trama principal.
El final no me ha terminado de gustar, me ha faltado algo más de desarrollo y también he echado de menos una nota de la autora.
December 25, 2023
me he tragado casi todo el libro en un día, he de aceptar que al principio era sólo para quitármelo de encima y empezar el siguiente, pero luego me ha enganchado de una manera espectacular con tremendos plot-twists y un final q ha dejado mis ojos como el océano atlántico🥲
December 16, 2023
Una novela bastante entretenida e interesante. La estrella que falta para las cinco es la historia de amor. Para mí está de sobra.
March 21, 2023
I absolutely adore Tessa Harris! I have read some of her books over the years and I have yet to read a book by her that I haven’t enjoyed! Harris is probably best known for her mystery series, Dr Thomas Silkstone and Constance Piper series respectively. But the book that stands out most for me was her standalone historical fiction, Beneath a Starless Sky. I recall loving how well researched this particular book was, and how much I enjoyed getting to know the characters and exploring their forbidden love story.
So naturally when this new historical fiction novel came out but Harris, I was totally on board with reading it. I thought the plot sounded compelling as it features a new angle, on a report surfacing that Hitler was deemed mentally unfit for office. I thought this sounded so good. I know that Harris really researches her historical fiction books so I knew that I would not be disappointed in the historical details and content. For me that is half the battle, some authors focus more on the characters than historical details but as a historian I personally really respect the historical details and the pains and author goes through to get things ‘just right’.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, I am sure you have seen Tessa Harris’s books around the blog-o-spear. It’s a rare treat to have an author who writes both historical mysteries AND historical fiction. When I picked this one up I had no doubt I would find something special inside and I couldn’t wait to start reading. If you love historical fiction, this book and author are certainly one to watch! Be sure to add to your TBR list immediately!
One of the things I found most interesting in this one was the timing. I think a lot of readers forget that between WWI and WWII there was this kind of weird timeline where Germany was reeling from WWI but far from the superpower it would become in WWII. This timing made it perfect for someone like Hitler and the Nazi regime to step in and take root. I think a lot of readers get sucked into a book being firmly a WWI book or a WWII book. This one focuses right in that time between the wars where Doctor Viktor meets Adolf Hitler and starts keeping notes on his psychological state. Which in the right hands could be explosive information! As Hitler rises to power, the threat of this information being made public starts to become more and more problematic and that’s where we find our characters Katja and Doctor Viktor.
This plot/story has multiple layers. One thing I enjoyed was the level of suspense. Harris has written historical mysteries as well, so naturally she is great at creating a sense of urgency and suspense within the story. I thought this was an unexpected treat as it read very much like a suspense novel with danger lurking around each corner. But what really worked for me was that she didn’t sacrifice character development to achieve suspense. Often with suspenseful books, there is less in the way of character development and more in creating suspenseful situations. In this book, I felt like the beginning really layer the foundation for the characters and gave the readers time to form connections and then as the story went on, things ramped up in the suspense department and it really created this balanced sense of urgency and compassion for the characters that felt unique to me.
The historical content and implications of something like this was really fascinating and will give readers a lot to think on and process. I think this would be a great book club read as well. There are elements of friendship, love, loss, and of course suspense laced throughout the book. I think readers will find a lot that can be pulled out of this one for discussion, making it a great book club pick! I personally loved this book and I actually think I liked it better than Beneath a Starless Sky. It was a well balanced novel with a lot of reader buy-in, meaning a lot of opportunity for reader investment. I loved exploring the history and am eager to read more books by Harris in the future. So well written and enjoyable, do not miss this beautiful book!
So naturally when this new historical fiction novel came out but Harris, I was totally on board with reading it. I thought the plot sounded compelling as it features a new angle, on a report surfacing that Hitler was deemed mentally unfit for office. I thought this sounded so good. I know that Harris really researches her historical fiction books so I knew that I would not be disappointed in the historical details and content. For me that is half the battle, some authors focus more on the characters than historical details but as a historian I personally really respect the historical details and the pains and author goes through to get things ‘just right’.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, I am sure you have seen Tessa Harris’s books around the blog-o-spear. It’s a rare treat to have an author who writes both historical mysteries AND historical fiction. When I picked this one up I had no doubt I would find something special inside and I couldn’t wait to start reading. If you love historical fiction, this book and author are certainly one to watch! Be sure to add to your TBR list immediately!
One of the things I found most interesting in this one was the timing. I think a lot of readers forget that between WWI and WWII there was this kind of weird timeline where Germany was reeling from WWI but far from the superpower it would become in WWII. This timing made it perfect for someone like Hitler and the Nazi regime to step in and take root. I think a lot of readers get sucked into a book being firmly a WWI book or a WWII book. This one focuses right in that time between the wars where Doctor Viktor meets Adolf Hitler and starts keeping notes on his psychological state. Which in the right hands could be explosive information! As Hitler rises to power, the threat of this information being made public starts to become more and more problematic and that’s where we find our characters Katja and Doctor Viktor.
This plot/story has multiple layers. One thing I enjoyed was the level of suspense. Harris has written historical mysteries as well, so naturally she is great at creating a sense of urgency and suspense within the story. I thought this was an unexpected treat as it read very much like a suspense novel with danger lurking around each corner. But what really worked for me was that she didn’t sacrifice character development to achieve suspense. Often with suspenseful books, there is less in the way of character development and more in creating suspenseful situations. In this book, I felt like the beginning really layer the foundation for the characters and gave the readers time to form connections and then as the story went on, things ramped up in the suspense department and it really created this balanced sense of urgency and compassion for the characters that felt unique to me.
The historical content and implications of something like this was really fascinating and will give readers a lot to think on and process. I think this would be a great book club read as well. There are elements of friendship, love, loss, and of course suspense laced throughout the book. I think readers will find a lot that can be pulled out of this one for discussion, making it a great book club pick! I personally loved this book and I actually think I liked it better than Beneath a Starless Sky. It was a well balanced novel with a lot of reader buy-in, meaning a lot of opportunity for reader investment. I loved exploring the history and am eager to read more books by Harris in the future. So well written and enjoyable, do not miss this beautiful book!
March 14, 2023
There are times when I think I might be growing tired of wartime stories – and then a book like this one comes along, beautifully written and with such stunning originality, and I wonder what on earth why on earth I ever thought that. A piece of fiction, but built around a kernel of truth, with real events, characters and locations – the author’s afterword is almost as fascinating as the book itself – with an added layer of “what if” that made it a totally compelling story.
In 1939 Hamburg, with the Nazi threat becoming ever more evident, Katja – struggling with the care of her frail mother, and her own grief over the death of her activist father in the early book burnings – unexpectedly secures a job as personal assistant to psychiatrist Doctor Viktor. Entrusted with the transcription of a notebook, she slowly realises that the clinical notes she’s working on have an immense importance – the doctor treated Adolf Hitler following a gas attack in WW1, and they hold major secrets about his mental health that, if shared, could have a considerable value in changing the course of history. She travels with the doctor to Paris, in an attempt to get the notes published – and, as an avid book lover, finds herself in Shakespeare and Company, where she meets Daniel. He’s a newspaper journalist, struggling with the recent loss of his wife and child, drinking too much – but, as Katja’s world falls apart, might just offer her the support she needs to achieve her aim of getting the notebook and its important information into allied hands and into the public domain.
Katja is a quite wonderful heroine – young and at first naive, but with a developing steely determination to achieve her objective, showing exceptional bravery in the furtherance of the mission she really believes in. And I entirely believed in her, willing her on at every turn and through every heartbreaking setback. The world the author builds around her is wonderfully researched and recreated, and searingly real – the well-drawn individuals who stand in her way and work against her, the support she finds when her task seems impossible, the increase of Nazi oppression in Hamburg itself and the approaching threat of invasion when in Paris. The writing is just wonderful – after a necessarily steady start to introduce the characters and their context, the tension and pace really ramp up together with that feeling of suspense and mounting danger that made the book quite impossible to set aside. There’s a lot of exceptionally well-developed drama, but there’s a relationship story in here too – an all-consuming love story that had the perfect emotional touch, very real and particularly engaging, between two characters who already held my heart in their hands.
This book really was quite exceptional in so many ways – without question one of my books of the year, with an unforgettable impact, and I recommend it really highly.
In 1939 Hamburg, with the Nazi threat becoming ever more evident, Katja – struggling with the care of her frail mother, and her own grief over the death of her activist father in the early book burnings – unexpectedly secures a job as personal assistant to psychiatrist Doctor Viktor. Entrusted with the transcription of a notebook, she slowly realises that the clinical notes she’s working on have an immense importance – the doctor treated Adolf Hitler following a gas attack in WW1, and they hold major secrets about his mental health that, if shared, could have a considerable value in changing the course of history. She travels with the doctor to Paris, in an attempt to get the notes published – and, as an avid book lover, finds herself in Shakespeare and Company, where she meets Daniel. He’s a newspaper journalist, struggling with the recent loss of his wife and child, drinking too much – but, as Katja’s world falls apart, might just offer her the support she needs to achieve her aim of getting the notebook and its important information into allied hands and into the public domain.
Katja is a quite wonderful heroine – young and at first naive, but with a developing steely determination to achieve her objective, showing exceptional bravery in the furtherance of the mission she really believes in. And I entirely believed in her, willing her on at every turn and through every heartbreaking setback. The world the author builds around her is wonderfully researched and recreated, and searingly real – the well-drawn individuals who stand in her way and work against her, the support she finds when her task seems impossible, the increase of Nazi oppression in Hamburg itself and the approaching threat of invasion when in Paris. The writing is just wonderful – after a necessarily steady start to introduce the characters and their context, the tension and pace really ramp up together with that feeling of suspense and mounting danger that made the book quite impossible to set aside. There’s a lot of exceptionally well-developed drama, but there’s a relationship story in here too – an all-consuming love story that had the perfect emotional touch, very real and particularly engaging, between two characters who already held my heart in their hands.
This book really was quite exceptional in so many ways – without question one of my books of the year, with an unforgettable impact, and I recommend it really highly.
March 17, 2023
With a wide range of WWII books on offer, readers are becoming more selective about their choices. Tessa Harris' latest offering is one I would certainly recommend. The Paris Notebook is well written with Tessa taking a small, often unknown aspect of truth, and building a thrilling piece of fiction around it - a race to reveal details about Adolf Hitler to the Allies.
‘I am Dr Frankenstein,’ he told her flatly. ‘I created the monster and now I must destroy it.’
Suspense and tension builds throughout this narrative with Doctor Victor and Katja working together in their efforts to record, copy and reveal critical details about Hitler. Along the way, with so many secrets to hide and unsure of who to trust, Tessa builds palpable tension throughout the entire timeline. The Nazis are onto them as the reign of terror begins. Traveling from Hamburg to Paris in an effort to secure publication, Katja comes across the Shakespeare & Co bookstore with owner Sylvia Beach. Having read Kerry Maher’s, The Paris Bookseller, I was happy to revisit this future iconic institution with my understanding of what it meant during WWII and beyond. It is here that Katja meets an Irish journalist and their romantic journey adds another layer to this tale.
‘The finished transcript sat in all its terrifying glory with the front cover proclaiming in bold capitals: Notes & Observations on the Serious Mental Disorders of Adolf Hitler.’
Tessa builds both place and time with some passages being confronting yet realistic. The ride is filled with hope and heartache, strength and buckets of determination as Katja is determined to get this transcript into the right hands. The research is thorough with facts woven throughout this fantastical tale. If this is a genre that appeals to you then rest assured that there is something extra special in this wartime tale - history, romance and a thrilling mystery.
‘Lying there, untouched, was the notebook. She’d already risked her life for these pages, and she would again.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘I am Dr Frankenstein,’ he told her flatly. ‘I created the monster and now I must destroy it.’
Suspense and tension builds throughout this narrative with Doctor Victor and Katja working together in their efforts to record, copy and reveal critical details about Hitler. Along the way, with so many secrets to hide and unsure of who to trust, Tessa builds palpable tension throughout the entire timeline. The Nazis are onto them as the reign of terror begins. Traveling from Hamburg to Paris in an effort to secure publication, Katja comes across the Shakespeare & Co bookstore with owner Sylvia Beach. Having read Kerry Maher’s, The Paris Bookseller, I was happy to revisit this future iconic institution with my understanding of what it meant during WWII and beyond. It is here that Katja meets an Irish journalist and their romantic journey adds another layer to this tale.
‘The finished transcript sat in all its terrifying glory with the front cover proclaiming in bold capitals: Notes & Observations on the Serious Mental Disorders of Adolf Hitler.’
Tessa builds both place and time with some passages being confronting yet realistic. The ride is filled with hope and heartache, strength and buckets of determination as Katja is determined to get this transcript into the right hands. The research is thorough with facts woven throughout this fantastical tale. If this is a genre that appeals to you then rest assured that there is something extra special in this wartime tale - history, romance and a thrilling mystery.
‘Lying there, untouched, was the notebook. She’d already risked her life for these pages, and she would again.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
March 24, 2025
"Seis años después el recuerdo parecía de alguna era anterior; de un tiempo más feliz en que la gente podia leer los libros que quisiera y decir lo que pensaba de verdad. Eran pobres, eso sí; pero al menos eran libres de expresarse".
"El fascismo, le decía a los asistentes, no era simplemente un partido político. Era una ideología. Una religión. Y estaba en manos de su particular profeta: Adolfo Hitler."
Katja empieza a trabajar como asistenta del doctor Viktor donde su trabajo consiste en mecanografiar las notas médicas de las sesiones. Cuando el doctor Viktor trató a Hitler tras la Gran Guerra vio que sufría graves trastornos psicológicos, las notas del cuaderno decían que no era apto para liderar ni gobernar.
Cuando Katja empezó a mecanografiar las notas de doctor no sabía que se trataban sobre Hitler. Inmensos ya en la Guerra, el doctor Víctor queria publicar un cuaderno con todos los apuntes que tenía sobre él.
Katja le ayudaba en todo pero sabía que ponía en riesgo su vida y la de su madre. En uno de los viajes que hacen a París conoce a Daniel Keenan que es el que les va a ayudar dando el manuscrito a su jefe para ver si se atreve a publicarlo.
A partir de aquí empieza una carrera contrarreloj, ya que tanto el doctor como Katja están siendo vigilados por el régimen y no van a permitir que se salgan con la suya lanzando esa información al mundo.
He leído muchos libros que tratan sobre la II Guerra Mundial o que están relacionados con ella, y éste tengo que decir que se me ha hecho un poco pesado.
La historia en si está bien, pero llega un momento en que da vueltas y vueltas a lo mismo, en que parece que no avanza o que de repente da un giro que no te crees.
Eso sí, destacar todas las menciones que hace a los libros, eso me encantó!
Siempre digo lo mismo, animo a leerlo ya que lo que me puede gustar o no a mí a otras personas les puede encantar!
"El fascismo, le decía a los asistentes, no era simplemente un partido político. Era una ideología. Una religión. Y estaba en manos de su particular profeta: Adolfo Hitler."
Katja empieza a trabajar como asistenta del doctor Viktor donde su trabajo consiste en mecanografiar las notas médicas de las sesiones. Cuando el doctor Viktor trató a Hitler tras la Gran Guerra vio que sufría graves trastornos psicológicos, las notas del cuaderno decían que no era apto para liderar ni gobernar.
Cuando Katja empezó a mecanografiar las notas de doctor no sabía que se trataban sobre Hitler. Inmensos ya en la Guerra, el doctor Víctor queria publicar un cuaderno con todos los apuntes que tenía sobre él.
Katja le ayudaba en todo pero sabía que ponía en riesgo su vida y la de su madre. En uno de los viajes que hacen a París conoce a Daniel Keenan que es el que les va a ayudar dando el manuscrito a su jefe para ver si se atreve a publicarlo.
A partir de aquí empieza una carrera contrarreloj, ya que tanto el doctor como Katja están siendo vigilados por el régimen y no van a permitir que se salgan con la suya lanzando esa información al mundo.
He leído muchos libros que tratan sobre la II Guerra Mundial o que están relacionados con ella, y éste tengo que decir que se me ha hecho un poco pesado.
La historia en si está bien, pero llega un momento en que da vueltas y vueltas a lo mismo, en que parece que no avanza o que de repente da un giro que no te crees.
Eso sí, destacar todas las menciones que hace a los libros, eso me encantó!
Siempre digo lo mismo, animo a leerlo ya que lo que me puede gustar o no a mí a otras personas les puede encantar!
January 16, 2023
Katja hides her identity as a Jew in Germany and is employed by her late father's friend to transcribe his patient notes of Adolf Hitler which he wishes to release in the public domain so that people are aware of his psychological condition. She and Dr Viktor face the perils of trying to get the manuscript to potential publishers.
This was such a well written, fast-paced novel that I flew through it in a few hours. Katja is such a strong inspiring character who is willing to go to great lengths to do what is right. Following her journey against all odds, we become invested in her success. This was beautifully written and elements of love, loss and friendship are so delicately interwoven that your emotions are assailed even more.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to have read this.
This was such a well written, fast-paced novel that I flew through it in a few hours. Katja is such a strong inspiring character who is willing to go to great lengths to do what is right. Following her journey against all odds, we become invested in her success. This was beautifully written and elements of love, loss and friendship are so delicately interwoven that your emotions are assailed even more.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to have read this.
December 13, 2023
The premise is interesting; I found the idea of getting into Hitler’s mind and understanding his thought processes fascinating, and the first part of the book had me hooked. And then it became repetitive and implausible, with Katja traipsing around town with the incriminating manuscript on her person, foiling the Germans again and again; this was fantastical and improbable. Otherwise, the setting was well described and, at times, I felt like I was there, browsing through the bookshop Shakespeare and Company. Overall, a good way to pass an afternoon or two.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #harpercollins for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #harpercollins for an honest review.
March 4, 2024
Couldn’t finish this book, too sappy and unbelievable. Interesting concept but didn’t work for me.
May 20, 2024
Su portada fue amor a primera vista y mi intuición ha jugado a mi favor una vez más.
Es una historia absorbente, escrita con una pluma magnética, la época queda perfectamente retratada y me ha atrapado desde las primeras páginas.
Los giros constantes y la acción me han puesto el corazón a mil y los personajes me han enamorado llegando a emocionarme en varias ocasiones.
La mecanógrafa de Hitler es una novela inspirada en una historia real. Me ha sorprendido cómo la autora hilvana una trama de ficción a partir de los datos reales de los que dispone. No os puedo desvelar nada ya que si lo leéis veréis a qué me refiero al llegar a la nota de la autora.
Mi más sincera enhorabuena a Tessa Harris, entro en el mes de mayo por la puerta grande👏
Es una historia absorbente, escrita con una pluma magnética, la época queda perfectamente retratada y me ha atrapado desde las primeras páginas.
Los giros constantes y la acción me han puesto el corazón a mil y los personajes me han enamorado llegando a emocionarme en varias ocasiones.
La mecanógrafa de Hitler es una novela inspirada en una historia real. Me ha sorprendido cómo la autora hilvana una trama de ficción a partir de los datos reales de los que dispone. No os puedo desvelar nada ya que si lo leéis veréis a qué me refiero al llegar a la nota de la autora.
Mi más sincera enhorabuena a Tessa Harris, entro en el mes de mayo por la puerta grande👏
February 26, 2023
An interesting premise, where a young woman is asked to transcribe Hitler’s medical notes in Hamburg. Initially it started out interesting, and there’s a hint of a romance when Katja meets Daniel on a visit to Paris for a conference. When she flees Germany later and moves to Paris, the romance develops. Overall I found the story hooked you in, but I did wane a bit towards the end, from Calais onwards. And the final bit of the story just seemed too improbable - which spoiled it a bit for me unfortunately. I should be happy, but it was just too unlikely (or if it had happened, how could so long go by?).
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
March 3, 2023
I was extremely excited about reading The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris and WOW! it did not disappoint me. The book was released on 15th February 2023. I was lucky to receive a copy through NetGalley for an honest review. So let's begin, here's my review......
Katja Heinz is the main character who lives with her widowed mother. She finds work at Dr Viktor medical Clinic as his personal assistant and typist of his patients medical records. Katja's job is to type up a top secret medical records from a notebook that must not be revealed.
After the first world war Dr Viktor treated soldiers and veteran's for mental health and disorders. In particular a patient who was treated by Dr Viktor was Adolf Hitler.
The top secret notebook in fact stated Hitler was unfit for office and not able to command an army to war and battle in WWII. Hitler's reputation could be compromised if the top secret notebook was discovered by the wrong side, completely altering the future of war and humankind itself.
Dr Viktor ultimately paid a deadly price and the top secret notebook was then first hidden in Katja apartment and later in her hatbox, transported initially to Paris.
This is where Katja meets and seeks safe harbour with Sylvia the owner of a Paris bookstore called 'Shakespeare and Company' and Daniel Keenan an Irish journalist appointed the role and responsibility to publish the notebook and reveal it's secrets in the attempt to stop the Nazis and War.
Katja Heinz is not safe whilst in Paris and is being watched by Nazi spies who are out to stop and murder anyone who attempt to go against Hitler and his Nazi regime. Ultimately to reveal the notebook secrets and information it contains.
The notebook travels to London and eventually to America.
Will the notebook survive and become a published bestseller novel?
Will the notebook be destroyed before being published?
Who will live to tell it's story?
I rate thus book 5 stars. Definitely for fans of war historical fiction. Definitely a book to add to your to be read list. Will keep you entertained and curious to see how it ends. Enjoy.
Also the bookstore Shakespeare and Company still exists in Paris today.
November 23, 2023
Con la cantidad de libros ambientados en la Segunda Guerra Mundial que hay, siempre me encanta encontrar con uno que aporte algo diferente. La mecanógrafa de Hitler tiene algo diferente, se basa en relatos escritos de un psiquiatra que trató a Hitler después de un ataque con gas durante la Primera Guerra Mundial. ¿Te imaginas lo importante que serían estos documentos y cómo se podrían utilizar? Esta historia cuenta lo que podría haber sucedido si el cuaderno finalmente llegara a manos de los aliados.
Katja oculta su identidad como judía en Alemania y es contratada por el amigo de su difunto padre para transcribir sus notas de Adolf Hitler, que desea publicar en el dominio público para que la gente conozca su condición psicológica. Ella y el Dr. Viktor se enfrentan a los peligros de tratar de hacer llegar el manuscrito a posibles editores.
Katja es una joven e ingenua al principio, pero con una determinación de acero en desarrollo para lograr su objetivo, mostrando una valentía excepcional . El mundo que la autora construye a su alrededor está maravillosamente investigado y recreado pero la manera que ha tenido de narrar no ha logrado que empatice con los personajes.
En conclusión, un libro que me ha mantenido entretenida pero que no ha sido todo lo que esperaba, conforme iba avanzando me iba costando meterme mas en la trama a tal punto de perder bastante el interés por él. La premisa era buena pero no ha sido un libro para mi.
Katja oculta su identidad como judía en Alemania y es contratada por el amigo de su difunto padre para transcribir sus notas de Adolf Hitler, que desea publicar en el dominio público para que la gente conozca su condición psicológica. Ella y el Dr. Viktor se enfrentan a los peligros de tratar de hacer llegar el manuscrito a posibles editores.
Katja es una joven e ingenua al principio, pero con una determinación de acero en desarrollo para lograr su objetivo, mostrando una valentía excepcional . El mundo que la autora construye a su alrededor está maravillosamente investigado y recreado pero la manera que ha tenido de narrar no ha logrado que empatice con los personajes.
En conclusión, un libro que me ha mantenido entretenida pero que no ha sido todo lo que esperaba, conforme iba avanzando me iba costando meterme mas en la trama a tal punto de perder bastante el interés por él. La premisa era buena pero no ha sido un libro para mi.
January 31, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and HQ for a complimentary copy of this book. I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel!!! I’ve read many books in this category, but this one was so different and unique! Katja is hired by Dr. Viktor, a psychiatrist. She thinks she is there to type his regular clinical notes and schedule his appointments, but she soon finds out he has a greater task for her. He confides in her that before Hitler became the Fuhrer, the doctor had treated him. Katja was tasked with transcribing the clinical notes into a manuscript that could lead to the Fuhrer’s demise. As they work together, the Nazis try to impede their work. Will they succeed and who can they trust? Very uniquely written! Highly recommend! So much action going on in this novel and the suspense!
February 13, 2023
This started out really strong with an amazing and interesting promise with a unique POV. However halfway through/ a third of the way in I felt the plot began to slow and it became very repetitive leading to me wanting to skip ahead when the next part of the actual plot happened. I also sometimes found Katja slightly annoying and a bit bland however, unlike most reviews I've seen, I really enjoyed the romance aspect and Katja's personal experience pre and during the war as she isn't a Jew but was nonetheless affected by Hitler's regime - I found this really unique and I learned a lot of things about Hitler, Germany at the time and the Nazi regime that you don't usually get in most books.
January 18, 2023
The Paris Notebook is an intriguing and very interesting book especially as it was based on true facts ,who wouldn't love to see the notes that Hitler's Pyschiatrist made during his appointments ? Full of drama and bravery this fast paced book tells the story of brave Katya a German Jew who risks everything to get the notebook published to stop Hitler .During war times everyone was so brave and willing to help a cause aginst the Nazis ,I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the ending .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews