My Review…
Against all odds…
The story of two extraordinary people, Lale and Gita survive the horrors of Auschwitz and find solace in each other. The book is based on their true story.
Lale has the job of tattooist and must tattoo numbers on the arms of countless men, women and children. One day he tattooed #34902 on the arm and Gita. He recalled this day as the day “he tattooed her number on her left arm, she tattooed her number on his heart.”
An incredible and memorable story that shows the strong will of human survival and the risks that so many took to save not only their own lives, but those of others. The story follows their years together at Auschwitz and beyond the war. The writing was straight forward without a lot of depth into the characters emotions, yet as a reader, it stirred up all my feelings of intense sadness, fear and shock of what they endured.
Book Description…
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.
Dressed To Read 
It really is unforgettable, I really enjoyed the positivity and hope that were in his state of mind.
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I so appreciated reading about his spirit Inge!
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Sounds like quite an emotional read. I can’t wait to read this one soon.
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I think it is a memorable story Diana!
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This sounds like a really hard read, but thank you for sharing the review.
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It was Stacey, but also a beautiful love story (true) that I so appreciated the author’s ability to add a glimpse of the strong sense of human survival.
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It sounds like an emotionally charged book!
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Yes, and a true love story. She showed photographs of them at the end.
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Wow! I love when there are actual photographs in a book!
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I’m pretty sure this is on my Goodreads TBR. I’ll have to double check that! It sounds like an amazing read and I love that there is a photo at the end. I just love books based on actual events and/or people.
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Yes, the photographs were amazing and touched my heart.
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I also did the review last week! Loved this book, so much.
I leave you my opinion if you want to take a look at. https://theshelterofbooks.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/the-tattooist-of-auschwitz-by-heather-morris-review/
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Great review! Good to hear you enjoyed this one.
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Thanks Yvo xx
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This sounds good! I am always fascinated by stories from the Holocaust and the sheer will that kept people alive. You mentioned the characters not having much depth, but you still were stirred. Do you think that’s because we as readers bring so much to the table in terms of knowledge of the Holocaust? Or did the author move you in a more subtle way than characterization? Really curious about this one. Great review!
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It is hard to explain, but I think the author does a great job describing the characters and situations. It is not overly graphic, but enough that you can “feel” the atmosphere. It was more “subtle” as you say, but it is hard for me to put into words! I hope you do enjoy it if you decide to read it!
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Wow, this sounds like a good read. I have read a lot of books about the holocaust. It amazes me how an author comes up with a different twist. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, I really love books based on true stories and people. So fascinating…I hope you get to read it.
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Awww, I’ve had my eye on this book for like weeks! I now really want to read it! Nice review!
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