It has been a long time since I have read a novel based on true events. I had heard so many incredible reviews about the Tattooist of Auschwitz and had to read it for myself.
A synopsis based on Amazon:
“This beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov – an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity.
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for “tattooist”), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism – but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful recreation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.”
My personal review:
Honestly, I could not put this book down. It is the epitome of an emotional roller coaster. I was saddened, excited, happy, angry, elated…the list goes on! This book is not for the faint of heart. We all learn about WWII is school and the horrific events that changed the lives of so many during that time. The recount that the author wrote based on events that Lale Sokolov shared was written in such a way that you felt like you were actually there experiencing everything through the characters eyes.
This book is sad, and beautiful, and well worth your time to read. I highly recommend it!