The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse

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.

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse 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.