The Tattooist of Auschwitz

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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.

I lent this book from a friend who really liked it so I tried finishing it (and probably could've, but I was so busy with packing so I just...didn't finish it. I could've, definitely could've, but by then I just didn't have the motivation to finish it. 
I understand that the book is set in extremely sad and really bad times - I know, I studied history in high school, I know all that. But I had no interest in the characters? They were...boring? Is that rude to say of characters in a concentration camps? Probably. Definitely. 
I read that it was originally a script and you could definitely tell that, because it was very dialogue-centered, but even the dialogue wasn't enough to want me to keep reading.

And the way they did all the transition scenes (so many) was too fast to gauge a good understanding of everything. 

This is a pretty good historical fiction novel written about the holocaust. As expected, it has some really horrific scenes. If you get triggered a lot, do your research before reading this one. What I didn’t expect was a love story. So, to wrap up this review, this is a great love story told in one of the worst times in world history.

Things I disliked:

1. It was too fast. Left me with questions.

2. Should have been written as nonfiction.

Things I liked:

1. Loved the characters.

2. Had me invested in their relationship.

Can’t wait to read books two and three.

It’s difficult to express the joy this story gives given the extreme sadness that underpins it. The strength of the human will to survive, of love, and of community is so poignant.

I thought this book was very good. Then I read some things about the inaccuracies in the book. It is historical fiction, so I didn't expect it to be totally accurate. But, I do think that it should be more accurate than it is due to the fact that the history of Auschwitz is so so disturbing and brutal. The treatment of human beings, by other human beings, during this time in history marks a period of time so important, so huge, that it should always be presented as brutal as it was, even in fiction.

Fascinating. Horrifying. Well written. And sadly all true events.

This is probably a wonderful book, but it was not for me. I couldn't get into it in written or audio form. DNF

Just finished this. Not necessarily the best written of books but the story itself is powerful. Two questions are asked. How does one keep one's humanity in the midst of inhuman cruelty and barbarism. And what will a person do, including compromising their own integrity, to save and protect themselves and others when faced with the daily reality of beatings, torture, rape and murder. Unless we ourselves have been in a concentration camp the answers are not so simple.

The book shed light on the atrocities committed by humans seeking power, particularly the harrowing events that took place in the camps. Such cruelty is something no one should ever have to endure, regardless of the circumstances. The fate of the oppressed, as described in the book, was presented in a critical yet gruesome manner, leaving a lasting impression and sending shivers down my spine. It serves as a poignant reminder of the darker aspects of our history and the importance of learning from our past to create a better future for all.

While I found it thought-provoking and informative, I must admit that the epilogue left me feeling upset. It delved into the establishment of a state of Israel, a historical event that we know was marred by suffering and oppression. All I have to say is It's disheartening to see that those who were once oppressed have, in turn, become the oppressors. Sigh!

Excellent book!

I wish this book had been written by someone who could actually write...

The story itself is powerful and important: a survivor's memories. But it is watered down and cheapened by clunky, awkward, bad writing. I wish I could have just watched a recording of this man telling his story, or read a transcript of their interviews. I am certain that would have been more compelling.

I think any survivor's story deserves to be told and Lale and Gita's is no different. There are so many books out there around WW2 and the atrocities committed by the Nazis, so I liked that this veered more towards the hope people have and the love that can form in such a harrowing place.

As others have said, the writing wasn't the best. The author was a screen writer and the story did often read like a script with very to the point sentences and little depth to the characters.

Overall I'm glad I read this and Richard Armitage once again was a brilliant narrator on the audiobook.

I feel, that this book is written for movies or series. the writing style is moreover follows a movie script/ screenplay fit format. The only problem for me is that the book follows too descriptive following of day after day routine in the camp, which distracts and bored me at times. And Lale-Gita's sharing of love is not that much glued for me.

Heartwarming story, set during the most brutal time in history.
A little less graphic than I'd expected.
Would recommend.

I let this sit on my bookshelf for far too long! I've heard nothing but good things about this one and it did not disappoint. 

Though it took me a while to wrap my mind around a romance set in Auschwitz of all places, it helped to know this book is based on a true story, otherwise, I might be saying it wasn't believable. Lale was such a lovable character as well as Gita. Their story is one of perseverance and defying all of the odds. The book is fast-paced and a great read when you're looking to finish a book in one sitting. It's a perfect blend of sadness, joy, and hope. My only wish is that the ending wasn't so abrupt. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

This is an exceptional book and deserves all the praise that is has received although I do feel that some parts felt slightly too stretched from possible reality.

I need to lie down and just cry

Emotional

I was expecting a grim story of human suffering which in part it was, but also positives of the human spirit and desire to keep going showed in the story. An emotional rollercoaster off a book. Brilliant.

There are no words to describe the sadness and the poignancy of such a story followed by the author's notes and the afterword detailing how the setting down on paper of this story came about and then how the two main characters went on to build a life of enduring love together. A story about some of the darkest moments in history and what it takes to survive that. If you're considering reading this book, may I suggest listening to the audiobook by Richard Armitage? It will add a totally new dimension to the atmosphere of the book.

[listened on audiobook]
I loved this story. It was heartbreaking and filled with so much emotion. The ending was great though. I would recommend.

I feel bad ragging on a book club pic and a story about a holocaust survivor... But damn, this really isn't a good book. The writing is bland and somehow manages to suck all emotion out of what could have been an engaging story.

If you want a holocaust story look somewhere else

cant really put my thoughts into words

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

Absolutely loved this book. To think their motto was if I wake up it's a blessing - that was their life. Survival. I could not put this book down.

Been meaning to read this one for a while now and finally caught it in ebook format. It's a great story and I love that it's based in a true relationship. At the same time, could we get some well known books with Jewish characters that aren't about the Holocaust? It's not something to forget, but maybe we could have stories where these folks get to just exist?