The Paris Notebook: An utterly gripping and emotional WW2 historical fiction novel, based on a true story

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As well as having a huge amount of danger and suspense, this book also has some emotional scenes. I admit to having very tear-filled eyes while reading some of the scenes. Even though war is looming and eventually does happen, life still progresses. Unexpected meetings and chance events happen and knowing that there is someone that understands what you are going through makes things a little more bearable. For discerning historical fiction readers looking for something unique, this story about dark secrets and the attempts to keep them hidden is one you’ll want to add to your reading list. The story within is as wonderful as the gorgeous cover and the writing makes it next level.

After Katja and Dr. Viktor arrived in Paris and had settled into their separate rooms at the hotel, Katja ventured out to the Shakespeare and Company bookshop. It was there that Katja met Sylvia Beach, the owner and Daniel Keenan, a journalist originally from Ireland. Both Daniel and Katja were immediately drawn to each other. There was an instant attraction between the two of them but so much more. Daniel harbored a tragic past, though. He was unable to let it go and the only thing that masked it was liquor. That afternoon, Katja was drawn to Daniel in a way that she had never been drawn to anyone else. Daniel impressed Katja with his knowledge of literature and authorships. She didn’t want their time together to end. How silly of her! They had just met. What did she know about him? The Paris Notebook was fast paced and impeccably researched. This was the first book that I had read by Tessa Harris but it will not be the last. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by her. The Paris Notebook was about family, love, friendships, loyalty, taking risks, determination, betrayal, exposure and dedication. Although, Katja’s and Daniel’s characters were purely fictional, I really enjoyed them. Dr. Viktor’s character was based on an actual doctor of psychiatry and a notebook actually existed. Many of the places mentioned in The Paris Notebook existed as did the artists and authors that were mentioned. I loved the ending! If you enjoy good historical fiction based on true events, then I recommend The Paris Notebook very highly. The Paris Notebook was published on February 15, 2023. If only the world knew about the existence of those notes, perhaps we would have a different history... or maybe the world knew about them but there was nothing that could be changed... All across the USA, people are showing up dead. The deaths don't appear to be connected in any way until one particular death occurs and gets the Secretary of Defense's attention. He arranges for a task force to investigate.But Katja is being watched. Nazi spies in Paris have discovered her plan. They will stop at nothing to destroy the notebook and silence those who know of the secret hidden inside. . . A unique historical fiction story that stands out from other books in the genre.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This WWII historical fiction centres around Adolf Hitler’s mysteriously missing psychiatric file from the time he was admitted to hospital following First World War injuries. This story of espionage provides conjecture on what may have happened to the notes and the people who had knowledge about the case. Before reading the book I was not aware of these notes, but was so fascinated that midway through the book, I looked up whether they had existed and had ever been published! Running alongside this main plot is a romance, although I would say this is very much a minor subplot - I personally didn't feel the chemistry between Katja and Daniel, but it was a nice addition to the story nonetheless. So many twists and turns and I certainly didn’t predict the ending. Five stars from me, I highly recommend this book.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ With the rise of Adolf Hitler’s popularity in Germany and the threat of another war starting and Doctor Viktor knows the information he has is extremely important. It’s also very dangerous, if anyone discovers the journal or the manuscript Katja's been typing, his and secretaries lives are on the line.

As she gains various awards for her work, along with a number of different translations as well, taking her novels worldwide, she is making progress in the literary industry at an exponential rate. Setting up the characters in such a strong manner, they have created a lasting impact on her audience, with many readers eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Thomas Silkstone franchise. As her career grows from strength-to-strength, she continues to progress as a writer, which is something that is expected to continue long into the foreseeable future. Katja is now in Paris where she met Daniel Kennan a man who had a tragic past, but at the same time, she feels very attracted to making her life so different. This plot/story has multiple layers. One thing I enjoyed was the level of suspense. Harris has written historical mysteries as well, so naturally she is great at creating a sense of urgency and suspense within the story. I thought this was an unexpected treat as it read very much like a suspense novel with danger lurking around each corner. But what really worked for me was that she didn’t sacrifice character development to achieve suspense. Often with suspenseful books, there is less in the way of character development and more in creating suspenseful situations. In this book, I felt like the beginning really layer the foundation for the characters and gave the readers time to form connections and then as the story went on, things ramped up in the suspense department and it really created this balanced sense of urgency and compassion for the characters that felt unique to me. Medical records and psychological evaluations reflected the mental deficiencies of Hitler and could be used for his demise if the right hands get the information.With a wide range of WWII books on offer, readers are becoming more selective about their choices. Tessa Harris' latest offering is one I would certainly recommend. The Paris Notebook is well written with Tessa taking a small, often unknown aspect of truth, and building a thrilling piece of fiction around it - a race to reveal details about Adolf Hitler to the Allies. When Katja Heinz secures a job as a typist at Doctor Viktor's clinic, she doesn't expect to be copying top secret medical records from a notebook. So naturally when this new historical fiction novel came out but Harris, I was totally on board with reading it. I thought the plot sounded compelling as it features a new angle, on a report surfacing that Hitler was deemed mentally unfit for office. I thought this sounded so good. I know that Harris really researches her historical fiction books so I knew that I would not be disappointed in the historical details and content. For me that is half the battle, some authors focus more on the characters than historical details but as a historian I personally really respect the historical details and the pains and author goes through to get things ‘just right’. Emerging from his home into the streets of Oxfordshire, Joseph Makepeace seems to be suffering from convulsions, as his eyes appear open wide, as if he’s witnessed an evil terror. The local residents though are more suspicious and believe him to be possessed by the devil itself, having entered his soul and causing him to act in such a manor. Then his son and daughter are found to have had their heads bashed in with a shovel, as they lie murdered, a discovery which appears to seal the fate of Joseph as the culprit for many. Will Dr. Thomas Silkstone be able to get to the truth and past the superstition? Can he find the real culprit before it’s too late? What will become of them all as they feel the burn of the devil’s breath? A unique historical fiction story that stands out from other books in the genre .’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Katja is a typist for Doctor Viktor's office. When she comes across some of the psychological records of a young man treated after the Great War, and watches in horror as he continues gaining political power. She and the doctor decide the public needs to be aware of his mental health issues, but Nazi Germany will do anything to stop them from publishing his records. A mix of danger, suspense, mystery, romance and heartbreaking choices make for a story I would definitely recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer,So many twists and turns and I certainly didn't predict the ending. Five stars from me, I highly recommend this book.' NetGalley reviewer,

An interesting premise, where a young woman is asked to transcribe Hitler’s medical notes in Hamburg. Initially it started out interesting, and there’s a hint of a romance when Katja meets Daniel on a visit to Paris for a conference. When she flees Germany later and moves to Paris, the romance develops. Overall I found the story hooked you in, but I did wane a bit towards the end, from Calais onwards. And the final bit of the story just seemed too improbable - which spoiled it a bit for me unfortunately. I should be happy, but it was just too unlikely (or if it had happened, how could so long go by?). The Paris Notebook follows a young woman named Katja who, through a botched job interview, becomes the transcriptionist of Hitler's medical records and all the danger, struggle and sacrifice that it brings. The pacing of the book is pretty slow, although there is plenty of action and lots of supporting characters to keep it interesting; and the twist right at the end does warm your heart. Author Tessa Harris does a masterful job of combining suspenseful action with tragedy and a touch of romance so readers aren't too distraught throughout! It is very well paced featuring believable characters that your heart just bleeds for. Their trials, tribulations and relationships kept me engaged until the very end. There is never a dull moment, and the twists and turns along the way just seem to keep coming! I was spellbound, compelled to read on and uncover the rest of the story. I felt the emotional distress both Doctor Victor and Katja suffered as a result of having the future of Hitler’s power in their hands. Did they find a publisher? What if this secret got out? How far-reaching was the Fuhrer’s arm, really?Katja Heinz is not safe whilst in Paris and is being watched by Nazi spies who are out to stop and murder anyone who attempt to go against Hitler and his Nazi regime. Ultimately to reveal the notebook secrets and information it contains. With the notebook hidden in her hat box, Katja and Doctor Viktor travel to Paris. Seeking refuge in the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, they hope to find a publisher brave enough to print the controversial script. The book mentioned a few novel things about Paris that me fall in love with the story all the more: Dr Viktor ultimately paid a deadly price and the top secret notebook was then first hidden in Katja apartment and later in her hatbox, transported initially to Paris. Moving along the different countries in Europe the book has book around book premise with a key dedication towards the actual historical events. The book explains a few parts while leaving some to be discovered by the reader by themselves.