Publication Info:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a Historical Fiction novel, and was published in September 2018 by Heather Morris and HarperCollins Publishing Company. It not only is a no. 1 New York Times Bestseller but also a no. 1 International Bestseller as well.
Brief Synopsis:
This book follows the story of Ludwig Sokolov, or Lale as he primarily called in the book. Lale is a Slovakian Jew who is forced, in 1942, by the German nation into boarding a train and traveling to Auschwitz-Birkenau. While he is told that he will be going to work for the Germans, he quickly finds out that things are much worse. Quickly upon arrival, it is discovered that Lale speaks multiple languages. Because of this Lale is moved from his job of doing manual labor to becoming the Tätowierer (tattooist in German). He spends the next two and half years seeing the many atrocities of the Nazi regime. However, this story is not only one of despair, but of hope.
Lale uses his position as the Tätowierer to smuggle in jewels, food, and other items into the camp in order to help his fellow prisoners. However, this does not happen without its consequences.
This story is also one of love and devotion. What seemed like a normal (by no means was anything that happened in this place normal) day would change Lale's life forever. A young woman, trembling and frightened comes before Lale to receive her tattoo, number 32407. In a moment of hope Lale meets for the first time Gita, the woman who he promised to himself to marry.
Review:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a book that will grip and capture the reader. From the beginning Morris does a great job of luring the reader in and making it so that they will not want to put the book down (I personally read this book in two days). Morris also writes this book in such a way that, even though we are now almost 80 years removed from this horrible time, the reader will feel as though they are right there with Lale.
While listening to this book, I had many feelings of fear, anger, love, regret, and hatred. Morris introduces many characters throughout the novel that grab the reader for different reasons. From different Nazi troops, to many Jewish slaves, the reader will find at least one character that they will engage with.
While Morris does a great job of telling this story, this book is not without its faults. There are many times through out the book that, even as I was enthralled, I could not help but feel disconnected from the story. Morris attempts to put the reader in the mindset of Lale in 1942, often she is successful, but there are instances where she is not.
It is important for the reader to understand that while this book is based on the real life and legacy of Lale, many of the people and events that take place are not historically accurate. Many of the characters are condensed versions of actual people to help the story flow along. As long as the reader can remember that this book is Historical Fiction and not a biography, they will be more inclined to enjoy the story.
Conclusion:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a great story of love and hope even in the midst of one of the worst atrocities in human history. If you are like Historical fiction or are just wanting a compelling story to dive into, I highly recommend this book.
Rating - 4/5
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