Considering "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" is a harrowing true story, it was truly compelling and utterly unputdownable. It's without a doubt one of only a few books that will stay with me a very long time, it's that unforgettable and one that keeps you thinking about the story well after you've put it down. Lale Sokolov is a well dressed, charming ladies' man - however he is also a Jew. On arrival at Auschwitz in 1942 he immediately stands out to his fellow prisoners who save his life when he takes ill. In the camp he is put to work in the privileged position of the 'Tatowierer' - the tattooist - to mark his fellow prisoners as they arrive in camp. One of them is a girl called Gita who captures his heart immediately. Given a reason to survive Lale uses his position for the greater good even through struggles and extreme suffering, with the hope of one day being with Gita forever, outside of the camp. Although upsetting, saddening and at times quite unimaginable, there is such a beautiful love story at the heart of the tale that you can't help smiling at. I immediately took to all the real life characters, they were excellently portrayed whether good or bad and could imagine the whole true scenario with such clarity. The author Heather Morris took several years to write Lale's story in her book with the input of the main protagonist himself and even becoming a very good friend with him. She has ultimately written a story Lale would be very proud of and which tells of his and Gita's tale of wanting to be together through one of the worst and sickening periods of our history with the utmost care and consideration. Compassionately written with sensitivity, its emotive, thought provoking, awe inspiring and certainly puts your own everyday problems into perspective. This book wasn't as brutal and as hard hitting as some holocaust books I've read although equally saddening, therefore I feel this could be read by slightly younger readers without offending or upsetting. I really can't recommend this stunning book highly enough, it a definite must read for 2018 and it gets a fantastic 5 stars for a heart wrenching unforgettable read.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
Touching story but not enough details for the readers like myself who have read other books about the subject i e "Anus Mundi" by Wiesław Kielar, "Pięć lat kacetu" by Stanisław Grzesiuk and other materials describing life in the Nazi camps in occupied Poland. This may be a result of somebody else writing the story not the actual survivor who was involved and who lived and experienced imprisonment in the camp.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This really is a very interesting read, and because the story came straight from the horses mouth and took 3 years to digest and research, only adds to the legitimacy and factual importance of what actually happened in that horrendous place. It is both heartbreaking and endearing. Highly recommended.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I can't recommend this book because I haven't yet read it. The write-up gives a remarkable review and as it is now a film I should imagine the book will be even better. Not that Iv'e seen the film and it's likely I won't. I much prefer books; they have a more real, factual and honest approach to a subject.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Best book I have read in a long time, just to read what took place and what the Jews had to suffer during the war. I was in tears.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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