The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse - a powerful story filled with bravery and hope.

In 1942, during Germany's occupation of France, Jewish citizens were being forced from their homes, with most sent to death camps. Eleven-year-old Josephine (Josie) watched in horror as the Gestapo took her mother and brother. Following her mother's instructions, she sought refuge with Andrée Levallois, her piano teacher. Andrée and her parents were part of the French Resistance and happily worked to protect Josie, treating her as a member of the family. Josie was enrolled in school under the Levallois name and continued her piano lessons. As the war progressed, the family faced growing threats not only from the Germans but also from the local French Militia, made up of antisemitic citizens who collaborated with the enemy and betrayed their neighbors. 

Author Heather Morris has drawn upon real-life stories and events from the WWII era for her engaging works of historical fiction. The fact that this book is based on the true story of Andrée and Josie makes The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse even more memorable. Stories about the Holocaust are difficult to read, yet this book, while heartbreaking, is filled with bravery and hope. After reading the book, be sure to go online and learn more about how the author met Josie's granddaughter, Kara Talve, the Grammy and Emmy-nominated composer, while co-scoring the screen adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz alongside Hans Zimmer, and entrusted Morris with writing this incredible story. I alternated between the written book and the audio version, which I found to be excellent. 

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction.

Publication Date: October 20, 2026.

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