The Tattooist of Auschwitz

cant really put my thoughts into words

very very disturbing and sad but didn't really like the writing.

I admire Heather's work to capture the lived experience of survivors. The relatively privileged role of the Tätowierer is one I have not read about before, outside of the extensive hype around this book. For me the best parts were Lale's interactions with a certain Dr, his guardian B, and characters like Nadya. The writing leaves a lot to be desired. I think it's worth reading, with an open mind.
It's a dramatic bio, with so many bizarre but certainly true events, bundled into a shallow dive into a person's character. I imagine the trauma prevented a deeper dive, which brings me to my next point.
Clunky random references to an oedipal complex and an obsession with women left a sour taste in my mouth. The author even thanks her 18yr daughter for letting 90 year old Lale flirt with her during the interview process. Weird.

Oh what could have been... At first I thought “well, the pacing is a bit strange, but maybe that's because it's an adaptation of a diary and they're trying to fill in the time gaps.” Then there were some convenient scenarios and I thought “Hmm. something is up.” Then at the halfway point, things seemed a little too neat and forgiving. That's when I did some searching. This was a dramatized fiction book based on a real person. What a disappointment. With my eyes open, I saw all the gaps that were hovering just out of sight. Lack of character development, love at first sight, convenient character relationships, holocaust setting for added drama.... And conveniently written for an easy film adaptation. This is just a money grab trying to pinch a few more pennies out of anyone who want to experience the suffering of the holocaust from the comfort of their own home.

tldr: This book is just a typical YA novel, that is trying to use “based on a true story of a holocaust survivor” as a marketing tool to make money.