The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris It is the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, who, in April 1942, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau with it’s iron gates which boldly state, “Arbeit Macht Grei” (Work Makes You Free). When it is discovered that he speaks several languages, Lale is put to work as a tattooist, tasked with marking his fellow prisoners. Imprisoned for more than two and half years, he witnesses the horrific atrocities and savagery as well as incredible acts of bravery and compassion. At great personal risk, he learns to find food for the starving prisoners. One day, Lale comforts a young woman named Gita. He vows that they both will survive and live their lives together after the war. Will his food smuggling be discovered? Do Lale and Gita survive? Are they able to live their lives together?
I read Cilka’s Journey, which is a quasi-sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz, first and I was interested in the story of Lale. While it didn’t have the same emotional impact for me, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a story of survival. I’ve read arguments that the events portrayed in this book didn’t happen and couldn’t have possibly happened. Ms. Morris clearly states it is a work of fiction based on a first-hand account. Some people had been left out, names changed, etc. With the Russians closing in on the camps in 1944 (ultimately liberated on January 27, 1945), who knows what records were destroyed that could have corroborated Lake’s story. Regardless, it is a powerful story of love and survival in uncertain and horrifying times. I recommend The Tattooist of Auschwitz as well as Cilka’s Journey.
The Tattooist of
Auschwitz is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
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