Heather Morris, the bestselling author behind "The Tattooist of Auschwitz," will appear at Carlsbad City Library on Thursday, Nov. 5, to discuss her new novel set in Nazi-occupied Paris.

The free event centers on Morris's latest book, "The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse," a historical novel based on real people and events during the Holocaust. The book, released Oct. 20, tells the story of piano teacher and French Resistance fighter Andrée Levallois, who risked her life to protect an 11-year-old Jewish student named Josephine in 1942 Paris, according to the city's announcement.

Morris's novels have sold more than 19 million copies worldwide, according to the event organizer Adventures by the Book. "The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse" was named a Barnes & Noble Pick of the Best Books of October 2026, according to publisher Blackstone Publishing.

The granddaughter of a real-life character from the novel will join Morris on stage, the city announced. The Adventures by the Book event listing identifies her as Kara Talve, a Grammy-nominated and five-time Emmy-nominated composer for film and television.

Talve scored Sky TV's "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" alongside Hans Zimmer, according to the listing. She is the granddaughter of Josephine, the real-life girl whose story is featured in the novel.

The conversation begins at 11 a.m. in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium at the library on Dove Lane, according to the event listing. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with a live piano performance.

A book signing follows the discussion. Books will be available for purchase at the event while supplies last.

No registration is required. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the auditorium is expected to reach capacity. A book purchase is not required to attend.

Morris, who holds a degree from Monash University in Australia, worked for more than two decades in social work before turning to writing full time. She was introduced in 2003 to Lale Sokolov, the man whose story became "The Tattooist of Auschwitz," published in 2018, according to the Adventures by the Book listing.

For more information, contact the Carlsbad City Library.

Upcoming community events:

  • Thursday, Nov. 5: Heather Morris author event, 11 a.m., Carlsbad City Library, Dove Lane. Free, no registration required.