Synopsis: In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to concentration camps at Auschwitz – Birkenau. While there, he endures three traumatic years filled with horrendous living conditions and is a witness to numerous horrific deaths.
In July 1942, his life changed forever. He met and fell in love with Gita, who was forced to these concentration camps like him. The Tattoo of Auschwitz is one man’s story of how he found love amid unfortunate circumstances and his willingness to fight for that no matter the cost. The author, Heather Morris, states, “The Tattoo of Auschwitz is a story of two ordinary people living in an extraordinary time, deprived not only of their freedom but also of their dignity, their names, and their identities. It’s Lale’s account of what they needed to do to survive.”
My thoughts: Morris paints several pictures for the reader. Some are grim and hard to imagine, while others tug at your heartstrings. It is Lale’s account of what happened to him during his time at these concentration camps. He details how he survived and how he found love. For me, The Tattoo of Auschwitz is a story of strength – collectively and individually for both Gita and Lale. It’s a story meant to bring awareness. A bond so strong between two people that nothing and no one can tear it apart.
The Tattoo of Auschwitz is a story of hope, love, anger, disbelief, sadness, and opportunity. It is all these things to readers like myself who read this book. At some point, we’ve felt these different emotions as we’ve read along to Lale’s story. I love how he reunites with Gita in the end. He stops right in front of her and is on his knees, elated to see her again. He asks her to marry him, and they’re able to start life anew together after being deprived of that many years ago.
Even though this is one person’s story of what they endured, I still feel that by sharing his story, so many other individuals are getting the chance to read and visualize what it must’ve was like during that time for him and everyone else who was there. Some people could be learning about it for the first time by reading Morris’ novel. The Tattoo of Auschwitz was an engaging story from beginning to end. I appreciated Lale’s kind heart and fighting spirit, as well as Gita’s.
If you haven’t, I would encourage reading this book. It’s not just a romance story; it’s a life story. We’ve all had to endure hardships in this thing called love. Some situations were, unfortunately, more challenging than others. The Tattoo of Auschwitz is available everywhere books are sold.
Morgan Lee Reviews 