A review by lexgrace
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

This historical fiction novel, based on the tragically true story of  Slovakian Jew Ludwig “Lale” Sokolov (Eisenberg) who was assigned as the “Tätowiere” of Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp during the Holocaust of WWII, is an incredibly profound and emotional tale of survival and love that endures. Lale’: commitment to Gita from day one is nothing short of a tear-jerker, as they both fight, in their own harrowing ways, to make it through some of the greatest horrors known to man. -All working under Germany’s most notorious Commandants and even the infamous Dr. Mengele, the two face increasingly defying odds to make it out alive and find themselves living on their own terms. Not shying away from the dark monstrosities of the era, Morris paints a poignant picture of just how awful this era was and reminds us to not take our lives of health and freedom for granted. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder

Moderate: Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, War

Minor: Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Alcohol

Given the nature of the historical context this story is written around, this book is designed for a more mature audience who has a moderate understanding/education of the Holocaust of WWII.