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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved the first book and this didn't disappoint. A real page turner that pulls at the heart strings.
Really struggled to engage with this book. Compared with the first, this book did not make me believe the story.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Although this is considered the second book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz series, they can be read as standalones (I was the only one at my book club meeting who had read the first book).
Cilka Klein entered Auschwitz-Birkenau when she was 16. Through her time there she did anything she had to in order to stay alive. But when the camps are liberated by the Soviet soldiers when she is 18, her actions are seen as collaboration with the enemies and she is sentenced to 15 years in a gulag labor camp in Siberia. There she must once again fight day and night for her continued survival as well as the survival of her friends. Based on a real person, Cilka’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and selflessness.
It’s hard to be reminded once again about the inhumanity inflicted on other humans throughout history (and sadly still today), but it is also important. Forgetting just how evil people can be is a dangerous thing to do. But while this book is hard to read at time and set during a very dark time in human history, there is also so much light. Cilka is one of the most selfless people I can imagine. While many people she encounters don’t trust her motivation, they are often won over, and strive to do better themselves. I could not imagine going through such hardships and continuing to have such a strong will to live and continued focus on others’ wellbeing.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially those books based on real people, definitely pick this one up. I’d recommend Tattooist of Auschwitz as well and you will see a few characters from that mentioned in this one, but they are seen more in flashbacks than a part of the main story here. Also, don’t pass up on the author’s note at the end!
Cilka Klein entered Auschwitz-Birkenau when she was 16. Through her time there she did anything she had to in order to stay alive. But when the camps are liberated by the Soviet soldiers when she is 18, her actions are seen as collaboration with the enemies and she is sentenced to 15 years in a gulag labor camp in Siberia. There she must once again fight day and night for her continued survival as well as the survival of her friends. Based on a real person, Cilka’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and selflessness.
It’s hard to be reminded once again about the inhumanity inflicted on other humans throughout history (and sadly still today), but it is also important. Forgetting just how evil people can be is a dangerous thing to do. But while this book is hard to read at time and set during a very dark time in human history, there is also so much light. Cilka is one of the most selfless people I can imagine. While many people she encounters don’t trust her motivation, they are often won over, and strive to do better themselves. I could not imagine going through such hardships and continuing to have such a strong will to live and continued focus on others’ wellbeing.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially those books based on real people, definitely pick this one up. I’d recommend Tattooist of Auschwitz as well and you will see a few characters from that mentioned in this one, but they are seen more in flashbacks than a part of the main story here. Also, don’t pass up on the author’s note at the end!
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed hearing about Cilka's difficult life after the Holocaust. I didn't enjoy this as much as The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
emotional
inspiring
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved this book!
After reading the tattooist of auschwitz, I was entranced by the sixteen year old who helped Lale.
Throughout this book, there are many emotions, but the persevering one being hope.
This book enables the reader to peer into the headspace’s of many cogs in the nazi + gulag machines.
Lovely book.
After reading the tattooist of auschwitz, I was entranced by the sixteen year old who helped Lale.
Throughout this book, there are many emotions, but the persevering one being hope.
This book enables the reader to peer into the headspace’s of many cogs in the nazi + gulag machines.
Lovely book.