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lit_with_britt 's review for:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
by Heather Morris
A handful of years ago, I made a goal to read one Holocaust-themed book per year, and this one was a compelling and heartbreaking addition to my reading journey.
This novel, based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, follows his experiences as a Slovakian Jew imprisoned in Auschwitz. Due to his ability to speak multiple languages, he is assigned the role of Tätowierer (tattooist), responsible for marking fellow prisoners with their identification numbers. Through this position, he meets Gita, a fellow prisoner, and the two develop a deep and enduring love amidst unimaginable horrors.
What stood out to me was the resilience of the human spirit in the story. Lale’s determination to survive, protect Gita, and help others—even at great personal risk—was inspiring. The small acts of defiance, like smuggling food and trading goods, showed how even in the bleakest moments, hope and kindness could still exist. One of my favorite parts was the exchange of chocolate between Lale and Gita—such a small yet powerful moment that symbolized love and humanity in a place designed to strip people of both.
The book was emotional and engaging, making it a quick and immersive read despite the heavy subject matter. While the writing style was simple, the raw emotion and historical significance could still be felt. Books on this subject always leave me emotionally wrecked, but this one also left me with a sense of hope. Lale and Gita’s story is a testament to love, resilience, and the unbreakable will to survive.
This novel, based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, follows his experiences as a Slovakian Jew imprisoned in Auschwitz. Due to his ability to speak multiple languages, he is assigned the role of Tätowierer (tattooist), responsible for marking fellow prisoners with their identification numbers. Through this position, he meets Gita, a fellow prisoner, and the two develop a deep and enduring love amidst unimaginable horrors.
What stood out to me was the resilience of the human spirit in the story. Lale’s determination to survive, protect Gita, and help others—even at great personal risk—was inspiring. The small acts of defiance, like smuggling food and trading goods, showed how even in the bleakest moments, hope and kindness could still exist. One of my favorite parts was the exchange of chocolate between Lale and Gita—such a small yet powerful moment that symbolized love and humanity in a place designed to strip people of both.
The book was emotional and engaging, making it a quick and immersive read despite the heavy subject matter. While the writing style was simple, the raw emotion and historical significance could still be felt. Books on this subject always leave me emotionally wrecked, but this one also left me with a sense of hope. Lale and Gita’s story is a testament to love, resilience, and the unbreakable will to survive.