The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a book based on a true story of a man who was imprisoned at Auschwitz for over three years. The book is harsh and gritty. The information shared was devastating, yet held a nugget of hope. What happens at each juncture is part of the horror and hope.
Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew is transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau (point of interest – I did not know they were so close to each other). Due to his ability with languages, he was assigned the job to tattoo each of the new inmates. It is a thankless job, but allows him more access to food. He is allowed more freedom than most, but at the same time, he witnesses the death of many, the horror and cruelty of others. Lale also meets Gita, a woman he is totally in love with.
The fear of each day, the fear of loss, the inhumanity tears at Lale and Gita. The belief of the future despite the present is a flicker of light that is almost extinguished daily. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris will stay with you for a long time.
