The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz returns with a masterful new novel that captures the astonishing bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
In 1942, the Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area of occupied Paris. In the chaos of their arrest, eleven-year-old Josephine runs to the only person she can trust: her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, a secret French Resistance operative.
Andrée takes her in as a member of the family, spreading their rations and risking everything to keep her safe. But soon the authorities close in, and both Andrée and Josie are caught in a desperate race to stay alive.
Epic in scope and based on real people and historical events, Heather Morris has written a story of breathtaking beauty, at once gripping, heartbreaking, and uplifting.
These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, Blackstone Publishing.
Book club questions for The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse by Heather Morris
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
Why do you think the Levallois family agreed to protect Joséphine?
Monsieur Dupont, the concierge for Andrée, Louis, and Augustine's building, is an unexpected hero. How does the novel show that small acts of courage save lives?
Madame Évrard was a fierce protector of her Jewish students. How does the novel show how schools and teachers played a key role in resisting the Nazis?
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Create My ClubThe Levallois family struggled to secure a ration card for Joséphine, having to eke out meager rations of dry bread and coffee. What does the book tell you about the material conditions for people living in occupied France at this time?
What role does the piano play in the novel, and how does it figure in the characters' lives? How did Joséphine's piano lessons give her and the family hope?
How does Joséphine's story compare to World War II stories you are familiar with? Did you know about the French Resistance groups?
Madame Durand and Solène attempted to "save" Joséphine through conversion. What do you make of Augustine and Andrée's response and promise to preserve Joséphine's faith?
"Clair de Lune" is a song of hope and of home in the novel. How does music provide hope in the novel? What is your sound of hope?
Cat goes on a high-risk mission to obtain German files. Gypsy serves the German officers at Le Fleuron to gather intelligence. What does this say about the different ways in which people resisted?
Dancer confesses to save her son's life. Do you blame Dancer for betraying the network? Why does Andrée forgive her?
Dancer and Philippe celebrate Hanukkah with Joséphine and the Levallois family. How are the Hanukkah celebrations in the novel an act of resistance?
What was your overwhelming feeling when you finished the novel? Was it one of hope?
Do you see the Levallois family as heroes or as ordinary people?
The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse Book Club Questions PDF
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