The next novel by the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz will again take place during World War II, this time in Nazi-occupied Paris and based on the family of Grammy- and Emmy-nominated composer Kara Talve.
Heather Morris' The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse will be released Oct. 20, Blackstone Publishing announced Thursday.
The novel centres on a Jewish girl, Josephine, whose family faces arrest by the Nazis, and on her piano instructor, Andrée, a member of the French Resistance who attempts to hide her.
"I am humbled to be re-imagining the lives of Andrée and Josephine: a powerful story of the courage, strength and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times," Morris said in a statement.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz, her first book, was published in 2018 and sold millions of copies despite criticism from some scholars over the accuracy of its historical details.
Through a 2024 television adaptation, Morris met Talve, who worked on the score along with Hans Zimmer.
The character of Josephine is based on Talve's grandmother; the composer inherited her piano and used it for The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Morris' other books include Cilka’s Journey and Three Sisters. – AP
