35523006Goodreads blurb:“The incredible story of the Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist and the woman he loved.

Lale Sokolov is well-dressed, a charmer, a ladies’ man. He is also a Jew. On the first transport from Slovakia to Auschwitz in 1942, Lale immediately stands out to his fellow prisoners. In the camp, he is looked up to, looked out for, and put to work in the privileged position of Tätowierer– the tattooist – to mark his fellow prisoners, forever. One of them is a young woman, Gita, who steals his heart at first glance.

His life given new purpose, Lale does his best through the struggle and suffering to use his position for good.

This story, full of beauty and hope, is based on years of interviews author Heather Morris conducted with real-life Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov. It is heart-wrenching, illuminating, and unforgettable.”

My Review

My goodness how to review a book that is harrowing, but also hopeful? A book that made me gasp in horror at man’s inhumanity, but also marvel at man’s hope and compassion for others.

As you can see this book has filled me with so many emotions whilst reading it and trying to put a review together. At times it was so easy to read, as the story is told in a easy going manner, but then there were times where I got such a shock, when Lale uncovers more harrowing scenes in the camp.  The love story between Lale and Gita was amazing, making this part of the story heart-warming and full of hope.

This is definitely a book that will stay with me for a very long time. It also needs to be shared far and wide, to be read by all ages and all peoples, so that would happened is never forgotten, so that it never happens again.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bonnier Publishing Australia for my digital copy.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is published today.