4.5 very strong stars⭐️! The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris was a very well written historical fiction novel based on true events. Just when I thought that I have read all there was to know about World War II, a brilliant storyteller and author surprised me with information that I had never heard about before. Tessa Harris had uncovered information about a secret. It was a secret Adolf Hitler thought had been hidden and forgotten about long ago. The Paris Notebook was based on that buried secret. I wondered while I immersed myself in reading The Paris Notebook, that if that secret had been revealed, could the course of history have been altered and World War II have been possibly avoided? It was a thought that tugged at me.

The Paris Notebook began in Hamburg, Germany in 1939. Katja Heinz had become the sole caregiver for her depressed and widowed mother. Thoughts of her dead father still brought tears to Katja’s eyes. Her father had been made an example of during the Nazi book burnings. Katja’s father had written and published a book that scientifically discredited the Nazi’s claim to a superior Aryan race. His book had infuriated the Nazis and caused the Nazis to ban his book. Katja’s father was present during the book burning of 1933. As book after book was thrown into the bonfire, Katja’s father became increasingly angrier and angrier. When he tried to pull a book away from an over zealous Nazi, he was pushed into the bonfire. Katja, who had accompanied her father to the book burning, witnessed her father’s slow and agonizing death. The vision of her father’s suffering would be forever imbedded upon her mind.

Now it was up to Katja to pay the rent and bills. She was working as a secretary in a soap factory where the pay was minimal. When Katja heard about a receptionist position at The University of Hamburg’s Clinic for Neurological Disorders she interviewed for the position but she was totally unqualified and did not get the position. However, Dr. Viktor, one of the doctors who had interviewed her, subsequently hired Katja as his personal assistant. She assumed that her job description would entail typing Dr. Viktor’s clinical notes and to keep track of his various appointments. How far from the truth that had been!

Katja soon learned that her job was to transcribe Dr. Viktor’s handwritten notes that he had written long ago in a personal notebook. She was warned that no one else could discover what Katja was doing and she was sworn to secrecy and discretion. Katja would soon discover that she was typing the medical records for a patient that Dr. Viktor had treated during World War I. Dr. Viktor had made extensive and detailed notes about the mental health of this patient. It did not take Katja long to figure out that Dr. Viktor’s patient had been no other than lance corporal Adolf Hitler. Dr. Viktor had hired Katja to transcribe his notes into a book so that it could be published. He believed and hoped that if the world was made privy to the state of Hitler’s mental health, perhaps his dominance could be stopped. Dr. Viktor knew he had to get this book published and the sooner the better.

Dr. Viktor had made a contact in Paris who thought that he could help Dr. Viktor find a publisher to publish the book. Katja was asked to accompany Dr. Viktor to Paris. Reluctantly, Katja agreed to accompany Dr. Viktor to Paris after she was able to make arrangements with a neighbor to look in on her debilitated mother. The actual trip to Paris was scary and unsettling for Katja. What if they were stopped or if the typed pages from Dr. Viktor’s notebook were discovered and confiscated? Katja knew the risks. She could be thrown in jail, tortured or even executed. Katja was determined to see this through despite the risks.

After Katja and Dr. Viktor arrived in Paris and had settled in their separate rooms at the hotel they were staying in, 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 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?

Later that evening, Katja would see Daniel again. Daniel was the link to a publisher that might be able to help Dr. Viktor and her get the book published. Around every corner, though, there were spies and people who were trying to stop Dr. Viktor and Katja. Their lives were in constant danger. How far would the Nazis go to stop them?

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.

Thank you to HQ Digital for allowing me to read The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story is set just before WW2; with the hope that a notebook can change the direction of the world. Can you imagine how the world would seem now if someone/something could have stopped the war? Yes, this is just fiction, but we can always dream and hope that some things could never happen, don’t you think?
This is the story of Katja; she is delighted when the psychiatrist Dr. Viktor hires her, what she didn’t expect is the secret job she has been contracted to do. This job will be dangerous, will put her life at risk but maybe the only way to stop the war. Would Katja take the chance?
This is an original but sad story; I don’t think I can ever read a WW2 book without feeling the sadness and pain that surrounds those parts of our history.I liked how the author created a beautiful story full of love and hope in a moment where everyone felt despair. The notebook Katja is working on seems to give our characters a little bit of hope, but this hope will not last much. They know they need someone to publish the notebook but, who will be bold enough to contradict the Nazis and risk their lives for it? They seem to find an ally in Paris, someone who wants to help them, Daniel, but would it be enough?
If you want to know all the answers to these questions, you should start reading the book, interesting and sad is a story I would recommend you to discover.
Ready to discover “The Paris Notebook”?

A wonderful and unique story set during WW II. Take a look at that gorgeous cover!

Katja Heinz begins her new job working for Doctor Viktor in his clinic. It's revealed to her that he was the psychiatrist that treated Adolf Hitler during WW I. Since then he has secretly kept Hitler's medical records in a notebook. As the notebook is old and worn he needs Katja to type up a new copy and keep it secret. He has hopes of sharing this notebook and exposing Hitler before the war begins.

I really enjoyed this different take of WW II. Most of the story takes place in Hamburg just before the start of the war. Later on parts of the story take place in Paris, and in the end England. Although this was a touch slow to start for me once it took off I was very intrigued to see how it ended.

This story is filled with lots of suspense, some romance, and much fear and anxiety. I really liked the way it ended!

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and HQ Digital for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
Available February 15, 2023

For me, The Paris Notebook, was a completely new approach in the WWII genre of historical fiction. Although the main storyline, the ‘notebook’, appears to be entirely fictional, as I was reading I was desperately hoping that some of it had been based on actual events as I contemplated the question “What if?”. The background is not fictional.
The setting opens is 1939 in Hamburg, Germany and Fräulein Katja Heinz is desperate to find employment to support herself and her ailing mother. She secures a position as a personal assistant to a psychiatrist, Dr. Ernst Viktor, who believes he can trust her to transcribe the case file notebook of a patient he treated during WWI for hysterical blindness. They are surrounded by avid Nazi supporters and this information would be considered treasonous if known and could potentially alter the course of history. Risking their lives they travel to Paris where Dr. Viktor has been led to believe he will find a publisher willing to take on his manuscript.
Amid deteriorating political environments in both Germany and Paris, Katja is assisted in her task of safeguarding the notebook while searching for a willing publisher by Daniel Keenan, a fictional Irish newspaperman, and Sylvia Beach, the real American owner of Shakespeare and Company. Many obstacles are placed in her path as she attempts to survive.
This is the first of Ms. Harris’ books that I have read. It will not be the last. I had no idea what to expect as I began reading. I was not disappointed in any aspect. The story was original and very well developed. The characters were all relatable. The pacing and language were very good. I was drawn into the story early in the book and became emotionally attached to the characters and the outcome. I was inspired.
Thank you to the author, the publisher HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.

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 to 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?).

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

The Paris Notebook is a fantastic read--a beautiful depiction of the war, the struggle, and the difficult decisions people had to face. The story's secret moves the reader through a fully developed journey with a satisfying ending. It's is a beautiful story of love, toil, and the lengths one must go in order to find justice.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves WW2 genres. While I'm partial toward this genre, I think It's also a great first read for anyone interested in learning about the war.

Thank you to NetGalley and for giving me access to a free ebook.
Adolf Hitler is famously one of the most hateful figures in history. A document that could bring down Hitler, could destroy Nazi regime, that's bound to be captivating.
I was completely engrossed in the book right from the very beginning. The characters of Katja, and Dr Viktor, and Daniel, and also Sylvia, were so compelling. I think my favourite character would be Sylvia.
Since every compelling protagonist must be accompanied by an equally compelling antagonist, the book had quite a few of those as well. Hitler, for one. Commodore Flebert and Dr Ulbricht were pretty hateful as well.
I loved how so many different themes were showcased in the book so tastefully: family, love, loyalty, freedom of speech and press, and so many more.
The only thing about the book that disappointed me was the ending. I would've rather it ended less neatly. Other than that, I enjoyed the book, and would certainly recommend it.

I love this book. Full of surprising but inevitable moments.. couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.

When Katja starts working for a doctor in Germany she becomes privileged to see the notes taken about one of the doctor's past patients, Adolf Hitler. They travel to Paris with the highly sensitive notes to protect them and themselves. This is meant to be based on a true story. A fascinating read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

How different would the world be if we had insider knowledge into one of the worst and cruelest minds in human history?
The Paris Notebook is the original story of Katja, a young woman who gets a job as an assistant for Dr. Victor, Adolf Hitlers psychiatrist. Katja is tasked with transcribing Dr Victor's notes to reveal to the world the true horrors that will help lead to the Fuhrer's demise. As Katja puts her life on the line, the Nazi's begin to try and do everything in their evil power to stop this from happening.

This was such a wonderful and original take on a WWII Historical Fiction book. As a huge fan of the genre, I've honestly been a bit bored with all of the repetitive dual storyline books that have come out in the past year or two, so while I was a little apprehensive to pick this one up, I was also intrigued and was not let down! While the story started a bit slow, it was nice to be able to learn a bit about the characters in the beginning before the plotline really picked up!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and opinions.

Katja Heinz lives in Hamburg with her widowed mother when she of offered a job with Dr Ernst Viktor, a renowned psychiatrist. She will be his receptionist, but along with her other duties, she will be required to type up medical records from a patient that Dr. Victor helped years before. The medical records are highly confidential and she must not mention them to anyone. The records are in a notebook and Dr Victor emphasises that the notebook must never be left unattended.

Katja finds the work interesting, but it’s not long before something in the notes starts her thinking that she knows who Dr Viktor’s secret patient might be. The patient is Adolf Hitler, and she is transcribing details of a mental illness the doctor treated him for.

It is imperative that the transcribed notes and the notebook itself don’t fall into the wrong hands and that is at the centre of the book. Katja knows that the documents must be protected, but at what cost? What is she and the doctor willing to do? How high a price are they prepared to pay?

There is something for everyone in this book. It is a thriller, a mystery and a romance all thrown into one. There is also a large dose of history,

I enjoyed this book but the only thing I would say is that a lot seemed to happen at the end and I guessed how the book would end with about 40 pages left to go. However, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book and I won’t mark it down for that.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very detailed story of a young woman, who is employed to type up the notes of a psychaitrist, who treated Hitler, after the first World War.It covers the rise of Hitler and his advance across Europe and the Low Countries. The story tells of the notes passage from Germany to France, England and eventually America, in an effort to show the world, Hitlers mental state. The conclusion is very emotional but a great closure..

This is a fantastic read. It’s a very thought- provoking & compelling book. A completely different take on the events leading up to World World II based on a true story, involving Adolf Hitler himself & his earlier medical records. Expertly told. So many what ifs, if only, but maybe too late. Betrayal, hatred, viscous & deplorable behaviour. There’s death & sadness, and bonding over loss of family. There’s a love story too, but deep sadness during the long years of war. For a German she travels far. At the end there’s a heart-warming twist. The author’s notes at the end are most welcome & very informative.
Highly recommend. A very meaty, in-depth, well-researched historical fiction read.

This book was right up my alley being historical World War II fiction. The story about Katja, a German woman with a lifetime of painful memories, comes to find herself in the middle of WWII, by way of a secret she desperately needs to tell to the right people in order to help potentially end the war. She makes friends and find a love, and her story is intriguing.

The book was good, I liked the story line. It did feel a little slow in the beginning and then a ton happened in the end and the pacing felt a little off at times. The name of the book I don't feel is accurate either... the notebook is not from Paris?

Overall, I liked this book, but did not LOVE this book.

Full of drama and tension, as a notebook with revealing details about Adolf Hitler is hunted and hidden, tracking between Paris and Hamburg just before the war starts. Two broken people with one common goal finds that they can heal each other in their quest, however with everything against them, will they succeed?

What could be more dangerous than keeping Adolf Hitler's psychiatrist's notes? 

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...

From the first words, the unfolding events of the story capture and carry you away with a fair strong wind, as if you are in an aspiring train rushing to the distant 1939. You are transported to Hamburg, Germany, completely forgetting who you are and where you are now.

Katja has got a job as a personal assistant to Dr. Victor in the clinic. She has not realized immediately what danger she is in. But not only fears, anxiety and uncertainty await her. She meets Daniel in Paris. After that, her life changes....

I enjoyed reading The Paris Notebook. It seemed that I experienced every moment of Katja's life, her every anxiety and fear echoed in my heart, and my wish to help her with her difficult work arose with each following page.

I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical fiction and who wants to know more about World War ll.

Thanks to Tessa Harris, HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!

Offering a different view on the life of Adolf Hitler and his rise to power, this well written historical fiction book introduces us to Dr. Viktor and his notebook on the future leader's mental status. Wishing to publish his notes, he works with his PA Katja to alert the world to this possible threat. A bit long-winded, but ultimately a good read.

All I can say is WOW!!!! It has been a while since I cried when reading a book. I really enjoyed reading this book and had no idea that it was based on a similar document.
Set during the beginning of Hitlers reign over Germany and the beginning of World War 2 the author really captures you and pulls you into Katja's world. I really liked the fact that the author made light on how a traumatic event can lead to depression and self harm, I don't want to give to much away, but suicide is mentioned in the book as well.

I really did enjoy this book, and will look out for more of Tessa Harris's books. I enjoy reading books set during WW2, and this one really didn't disappoint. Definitely a 5* for me. now onto the next.

In 1939, Katja Heinz, a young woman living in Hamburg, Germany secures a job as a typist in a hospital.
Those were strange and unsettling times with the threat of war looming all over Europe!
When Katja ends up working for Dr Viktor, a psychiatrist and an old friend of her father's, she is entrusted with copying up the top secret medical records of a very high ranking member of the government. A member who was a soldier during the first World War, and was treated for a psychological disorder by Dr Viktor.
These records not only put Katja and Dr Viktor's lives in great danger, but also possess the ability to change the course of the war if made public!
But they are both determined that the world should know this very important information and stop a highly dangerously unstable man!

What I liked:-
While browsing through Netgalley, I came across this book which is apparently based on true events and that was enough for me to put in a request.
It also led to a lot of internet searching to find out what parts were true, although I needn't have bothered because the author explains it all beautifully in the afterword!
The story was an interesting and engaging read and it was fascinating to find out the events involving the medical records.
The ending was a little too dramatic considering the tone of the rest of the story - but that was just a minor issue!

This was a new author for me and I LOVED this book! Great storyline! Could not wait to pick it up each time and reward it! Highly recommend!