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A review by diversifyyourreading
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
5.0
I don't think I've ever read a WWII novel that I didn't like. And that's because there are so many stories from that period that deserve to be told. There are unsung heroes, overlooked workers, and behind the scenes support that all deserve their moment of remembrance. However, I tend to veer away from stories about the Holocaust due to the heaviness of the subject matter and, often, the heartbreaking images that one forms while reading. When I came across the opportunity to receive an ARC for The Tattooist of Auschwitz, though, I was immediately intrigued. This is unlike any Holocaust story I've come across yet.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the real story of Lale & Gita Solokov. I'll admit that my first impression of the novel was that Lale had an "easier" time than most during his time at Auschwitz and I wasn't sure how I felt about reading an entire book about that. But, I quickly realized that I was wrong. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is so much more than that. It is a story of hope. A story of sacrifice and love. A story about how hard work & luck & the actions of others all form our path in life. And a story about how you can find the light in even the darkest of circumstances.
Lale used his knowledge, speaking multiple languages, and his position at the tattooist of Auschwitz (the Tetovierer) to risk everything in order to help others. And Heather Morris tells this story beautifully - with a focus on the relationships Lale forms through his sacrifices, and the people he is able to help along the way. She also does a brilliant job weaving in other parts of the history of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, for example the presence of gypsies as the camps as prisoners and the roles of SS "doctors" such as Josef Mengele.
Lale's ability to find hope at almost every corner he turned, his promise to Gita that they WILL survive Auschwitz, and his constant role as a support pillar for those struggling to adapt to the terrible situation they were in makes him a true inspiration. I am so happy that Heather Morris took the time to listen, research, and tell this story.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to review this book!
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the real story of Lale & Gita Solokov. I'll admit that my first impression of the novel was that Lale had an "easier" time than most during his time at Auschwitz and I wasn't sure how I felt about reading an entire book about that. But, I quickly realized that I was wrong. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is so much more than that. It is a story of hope. A story of sacrifice and love. A story about how hard work & luck & the actions of others all form our path in life. And a story about how you can find the light in even the darkest of circumstances.
Lale used his knowledge, speaking multiple languages, and his position at the tattooist of Auschwitz (the Tetovierer) to risk everything in order to help others. And Heather Morris tells this story beautifully - with a focus on the relationships Lale forms through his sacrifices, and the people he is able to help along the way. She also does a brilliant job weaving in other parts of the history of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, for example the presence of gypsies as the camps as prisoners and the roles of SS "doctors" such as Josef Mengele.
Lale's ability to find hope at almost every corner he turned, his promise to Gita that they WILL survive Auschwitz, and his constant role as a support pillar for those struggling to adapt to the terrible situation they were in makes him a true inspiration. I am so happy that Heather Morris took the time to listen, research, and tell this story.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to review this book!