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A review by ftlobooks
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
5.0
https://wordpress.com/post/ashleighbekkah.wordpress.com/6292
Overall opinion of the book:
I finished this book in the first few days of January and wrote up my review of it shortly afterwards. After reading through my review, I couldn't bring myself to publish it. I felt that anything I said about this book wouldn't do it justice. I still don't think I have the words to review this book and to explain how deeply it moved me, but I'll try my best.
Firstly, I want to thank the author, Heather Morris, for putting Lale's story together so well. This book I'm certain will move so many people and stand the test of time. I'm so grateful that Lale agreed to share his incredible story of love and survival with the world. The holocaust is such a hard hitting topic that can never be forgotten by society. As the last generation of people who will have the oppourtunity to speak with survivors, it's crucial we share their stories and the reality of what happened with the world, so it can never be forgotten or denied in the future. It's of utmost importance that the memory of those who suffered are kept alive to stop this from ever happening again in the future.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a book that moved me in a way no other book ever has before, even though I've read many books about the holocaust. It resonated with me so much and was a book I reflected on for many days after reading it. Although it's harrowing for the most part, the ending made me cry happy tears knowing Lale and Gita survived the horrors of Auschwitz. As the story is closely based on Lale's experiences of Auschwitz it makes the story far more powerful. It really makes you question how the Nazi's ever thought they could justify even slightly the things they did.
Heather's writing style is great. She explains Lale's story well and it's clear that she really thought about how to best tell his story. The spelling, punctuation and grammar is flawless and the switch occasional switch in narratives was clear and concise. It was easy to differentiate between who was narrating. This is a fairly short book and a quick read, but if it was double the length I would still happily read it.
In the book, Heather Morris explains that Lale felt a deep guilt for carrying out his job as the tattooist of Auschwitz. She explains that he originally declined her offer to share his story because he felt that he would be judged for what he did. He thought he would be seen as guilty and a Nazi collaborator. In my opinion, Lale was not this at all. He was a victim of circumstance, and through his job and slightly more "privileged' position of receiving extra rations etc, he saved so many prisoner's lives. He helped and saved so many people.
Lale sounded like such a warm-hearted and cheeky soul and Heather has done so well to translate this through the book. Although I only know Lale and Gita through what has been written about their lives, they've both definitely left a footprint in my heart.
If you read any book this year, I would recommend that it's this one. Even though this was the first book I read in 2018 it's still the best so far. In fact, it's one of the best books I've ever read, and I'm not exaggerating. Although I received an ARC of this book, I'm definitely going to be purchasing a physical copy of it in the near future.
Final thoughts:
I would definitely recommend that you read this book. Although it's harrowing in parts, there is a light at the end of the tunnel in this instance. This is a completely extraordinary, real life story of survival and love. Heather provides the reader with the right balance of facts, the reality of the death camps, emotions, humour and most importantly, love. If you're anything like me when reading it it will make you feel every emotion possible and you'll cry both sad and happy tears.
All I can say is even if you don't have an interest in reading books relating to World War Two and the Holocaust, please give this book a read because it's deeply moving and Heather has retold Lale's story brilliantly.
I hope that one day this book will be made into a film as it was originally intended to be. If would be amazing if Lale and Gita's story is able to reach an even wider audience and I think it would translate into a film very well.
If you're interested in reading this book and want to find out some more information about the author, Heather Morris and who this book is about, Lale and Gita then I'd suggest taking a look at Heather's website here: https://www.heathermorris.com.au/. She's included some photos of Lale and Gita and some more information about this book.
Overall opinion of the book:
I finished this book in the first few days of January and wrote up my review of it shortly afterwards. After reading through my review, I couldn't bring myself to publish it. I felt that anything I said about this book wouldn't do it justice. I still don't think I have the words to review this book and to explain how deeply it moved me, but I'll try my best.
Firstly, I want to thank the author, Heather Morris, for putting Lale's story together so well. This book I'm certain will move so many people and stand the test of time. I'm so grateful that Lale agreed to share his incredible story of love and survival with the world. The holocaust is such a hard hitting topic that can never be forgotten by society. As the last generation of people who will have the oppourtunity to speak with survivors, it's crucial we share their stories and the reality of what happened with the world, so it can never be forgotten or denied in the future. It's of utmost importance that the memory of those who suffered are kept alive to stop this from ever happening again in the future.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a book that moved me in a way no other book ever has before, even though I've read many books about the holocaust. It resonated with me so much and was a book I reflected on for many days after reading it. Although it's harrowing for the most part, the ending made me cry happy tears knowing Lale and Gita survived the horrors of Auschwitz. As the story is closely based on Lale's experiences of Auschwitz it makes the story far more powerful. It really makes you question how the Nazi's ever thought they could justify even slightly the things they did.
Heather's writing style is great. She explains Lale's story well and it's clear that she really thought about how to best tell his story. The spelling, punctuation and grammar is flawless and the switch occasional switch in narratives was clear and concise. It was easy to differentiate between who was narrating. This is a fairly short book and a quick read, but if it was double the length I would still happily read it.
In the book, Heather Morris explains that Lale felt a deep guilt for carrying out his job as the tattooist of Auschwitz. She explains that he originally declined her offer to share his story because he felt that he would be judged for what he did. He thought he would be seen as guilty and a Nazi collaborator. In my opinion, Lale was not this at all. He was a victim of circumstance, and through his job and slightly more "privileged' position of receiving extra rations etc, he saved so many prisoner's lives. He helped and saved so many people.
Lale sounded like such a warm-hearted and cheeky soul and Heather has done so well to translate this through the book. Although I only know Lale and Gita through what has been written about their lives, they've both definitely left a footprint in my heart.
If you read any book this year, I would recommend that it's this one. Even though this was the first book I read in 2018 it's still the best so far. In fact, it's one of the best books I've ever read, and I'm not exaggerating. Although I received an ARC of this book, I'm definitely going to be purchasing a physical copy of it in the near future.
Final thoughts:
I would definitely recommend that you read this book. Although it's harrowing in parts, there is a light at the end of the tunnel in this instance. This is a completely extraordinary, real life story of survival and love. Heather provides the reader with the right balance of facts, the reality of the death camps, emotions, humour and most importantly, love. If you're anything like me when reading it it will make you feel every emotion possible and you'll cry both sad and happy tears.
All I can say is even if you don't have an interest in reading books relating to World War Two and the Holocaust, please give this book a read because it's deeply moving and Heather has retold Lale's story brilliantly.
I hope that one day this book will be made into a film as it was originally intended to be. If would be amazing if Lale and Gita's story is able to reach an even wider audience and I think it would translate into a film very well.
If you're interested in reading this book and want to find out some more information about the author, Heather Morris and who this book is about, Lale and Gita then I'd suggest taking a look at Heather's website here: https://www.heathermorris.com.au/. She's included some photos of Lale and Gita and some more information about this book.