Meet the author - Heather Morris

Join Heather Morris as she discusses her latest title "The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse ". Heather Morris's new novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse, explores the true-life story of an ordinary woman who became an extraordinary figure of resistance during the Nazi occupation of Paris. The story behind The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is almost as remarkable as the novel itself. Heather Morris first heard about the extraordinary life of French Resistance operative and piano teacher Andrée Levallois through her daughter, Kara. During conversations about her mother's wartime experiences, Kara revealed that the family still had Andrée's piano, an instrument that had survived decades as a tangible connection to her story. Heather became captivated not only by Andrée's courage in protecting a young Jewish girl during the Nazi occupation of Paris, but also by the role music played throughout her life. The connection deepened when acclaimed film composer Hans Zimmer became interested in the story and sat down to play the piano himself, creating a powerful bridge between past and present. What began as a family story preserved through a treasured instrument ultimately became a sweeping novel about resistance, survival, music and the enduring power of one woman's promise. Free event. Books available for purchase and signing. Heather Morris Born in New Zealand, Heather Morris is passionate about stories of survival, resilience, and hope. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who ‘might just have a story worth telling’. The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Lale’s story formed the basis for The Tattooist of Auschwitz, published in 2018, and for the follow-up novel, Cilka’s Journey (2019). Three Sisters (2021), the story of three Holocaust survivors who knew Lale from their time in Auschwitz-Birkenau, concluded the Tattooist trilogy. The Tattooist of Auschwitz went on to become one of the 21st century’s bestselling books, and in 2024 an adaptation of the novel was released as a Stan Original Series, to wide acclaim. The heart-wrenching Sisters Under the Rising Sun, published in 2023, is based on the true-life experiences of women held in Japanese POW camps during World War II. The Wish is Heather’s first contemporary novel. It was inspired by her years spent working in a busy public hospital, alongside families facing the toughest of times with love and courage. Together, Heather’s books have so far sold over 19 million copies worldwide. Charlestown Library, walyamayi has accessible parking available in the public car park adjacent to the building, providing direct access via a ramp to the library. There is also accessible parking in the basement car park with an internal staircase to the library. The library can also be accessed from this car park via an external inclined path or staircase. General parking in the library car park and the adjacent public car park is 2 hours. The library is easily accessed by public buses. The venue has accessible toilets. This event may be photographed and filmed, and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.