The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Very cool that it's based on the authors first hand interviews with the main character but I found the writing only so-so.

I'm going to need an emotional cleanse after this one. As a love story amidst the chaos and heartbreak of Auschwitz, I guess emotion is to be expected. I love how cheeky and confident Lale is the entire story. His self assurance is never broken throughout. I wish the author had been able to interview Gita before she passed. I found her personality to be lacking as she was presented through Lale's rose colored view of her. It wasn't clear as to what it was about her that made Lale so enamored. He just was.

Got caught up in the story and don't want to put it down.

Excellent tale of hope and love from the depths of humanitys worst days.
Wonderful read that I'd recommend to all my friends.

I really enjoyed the story of Lali and Gita. I'm not sure how much poetic license was taken with the story as I have seen a lot of people claiming it wasn't factual. But it really doesn't matter. It is a good story either way and told from the perspective of someone doing a job we do not necessarily think about when we think of the atrocities of WWII. Some people would say Lali was forced to do something horrendous to save his life, others would simply see him as a collaborator. I don't think anyone who wasn't there or who hasn't been put in that position should judge.

At first, I expected the sad and depressing story as I have read all the concentration camps fictions but it's not. This book has a very good pacing storytelling method.

I love it and now I have Cilka's Journey waiting at the bedside table.

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.

Beautiful story centered on the background of ugly human history.

While the book doesn't spare you (at all) from the horrors of Auschwitz, the story in the forefront is one of strength, the goodness of (some) humanity, and love. There's also an interesting juxtaposition of Laly's strength of will + losing faith versus Gita's strength in faith + losing hope.

I listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage and he did an amazing job of capturing the characters, accents, and emotions.

An interesting read—the story is especially captivating. At times, the author does not address the horrors of the concentration camp in a meaningful way. Recommend to anyone looking for historical fiction.

An amazing read, to which you will find yourself hooked. The book brings the atrocities faced by people during the World War 2 in purest way possible. A must read for those who want to feel the power of love 👌

Although I can understand why a lot of people are put off by the simplistic writing, I actually think it exemplifies Lale's hopeful and semi-detached nature. In my opinion, it doesn't detract from the depth and profoundness of the story. There are plenty of memoirs that vividly detail the atrocities of Auschwitz but this is an intended piece of fiction to tell Lale's real life story on HIS behalf at HIS request. From what I can tell she captured his voice well, and I think she did a justice to him by not adding details that he probably wouldn't have been able to share with her. If anything the fact that it read more like an oral story-telling than a lengthy prosaic novel only made me empathize with him more.

Sometimes you need to hear the horrors man can perpetrate against one another. It is made easier when you hear the stories of man overcoming overwhelming obstacles and the human spirit prevailing. This is one such story.

The stories of survival during this time period are amazing and how Lale and Gita managed to accomplish is no exception, however I wish this book had been written with more emotion. It felt like a monotone retelling of individual incidents. I gave it four stars because of the story behind it all but wish the telling of it had been better.

4.25 stars

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a very powerful read. Based on a true story the book is about Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, sent to the concentration camp, Auschwitz, in April 1942. Determined to survive he uses his charm, and ability to speak several languages and works at keeping useful. Eventually he is put to work as the tattooist of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Struggling with the moral integrity of the job, being the tattooist has more rations, better sleeping arraignments, and more freedom to move around the camp. Lale uses his fortunate position helping his fellow prisoners stay alive exchanging money and jewels from murdered Jews for food and medicine. While tattooing one day he meets Gita and instantly fall for her. He swears they will survive the camp and marry. This is their story.

This book is a story of resilience and love. While, we are familiar with the horrific time period and the conditions endured by so many, Morris's retelling of Lale's story is a reminder of the strength, courage, and fight for life and love. It is a hard book to review. This book was well-written, stirring up so many emotions and Lale's story will stay with me. At times, hard to read, but impossible to put down. Thank you Heather Morris for helping bring Lale and Gita's story to light.


ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris will be published by Harper Paperbacks on September 4th, 2018.

Interesting story, dull prose.