kumailwastaken 's review for:

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

3.75

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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The Tattooist of Auschwitz may not excel in literary finesse, nor does it always adhere strictly to historical accuracy. however, it offers a deeply compelling and emotionally resonant narrative. it is both devastating and strangely uplifting to witness a story in which something so profoundly human emerges from a place like Auschwitz-Birkenau, a notion that almost feels surreal. while the book occasionally strays from the facts, it still tells a story that insists on being heard.

the prose is straightforward, not particularly distinguished, yet it reads effortlessly. the short, brisk chapters lend the narrative momentum, encouraging you to keep turning the pages. it is Lale’s journey that holds the heart of the novel; an odyssey marked by resilience, tenderness, and an unyielding spirit. his story is one that deserves to be chronicled 

I can’t find a lot to criticise, especially after reading the author’s postscript about her time with the real Lale and the dedication she poured into telling his story. there is a measure of comfort in knowing that the book stems from an actual survivor’s memories. at the same time, it is impossible to ignore how parts of the narrative veer into romanticised territory, glossing over the unimaginable horror with moments that feel almost too polished, too embellished.

the book teeters between historical fiction and memoir. despite this ambiguity, I found genuine value in the tale of Lale and Gita, regardless of how it has been framed. there is something powerful in the attempt to create beauty out of brutality, in preserving the memory of a kind and courageous man. beneath its imperfections, the novel holds many moments of quiet, aching beauty. as a history nerd, this was a delight.

3.75/5.