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curlyjessreads 's review for:
Cilka's Journey
by Heather Morris
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!