Tattooist of Auschwitz
Morris, HeatherThe tattooing of identification numbers may be a routine procedure on entry into a concentration camp but for Lale Sokolov and Gita Furman it holds more significance: it brings them together for the first time, giving them a fresh determination to survive whatever is in store for them. Faced with the horrors of Auschwitz, they must decide what they are prepared to do to ensure their future.
Based on the personal recollections of a Holocaust survivor, this is an unforgettable story of hope and love in the most challenging of circumstances. [Larger font]
Pages
352
352
Year
2018
2018
Reviews
19-09-2024
The writing takes you to Auschwitz without the emotional overload. Yes, the horrors are evident but more of a background than an in your face horror. The story of how humans can function in the most dire of circumstances and how easily the horror becomes mundane. Based on a true story so there is weight here that gets missed from plain fiction. I guess all I can do now is repeat everything that everyone else has said. But instead of that, I'll say that all of us in the book group that read this book thoroughly enjoyed the read and we all have very different and distinctive tastes.
07-08-2024
We all 'enjoyed' the book as it was an easy read and not too gruelling considering the subject matter. We are now all eager to read the next book she has written about Cilka.
26-04-2024
A mixed reaction from our group with some who "couldn't" read it because of the subject matter of the Holocaust. The love story softened the horrors we all know so much about. We reviewed this book at ANZAC time, so it led to wide-ranging discussion on the horrors of history still happening today.
15-01-2024
An impressive survival story, described by one of our members as a love story with the Holocaust as background. Easy read despite the topic. Some members really enjoyed it; others didn't and objected to the lack of accuracy of some parts of the book.
24-10-2023
An extraordinary story, even if not the most 'expertly' written.
11-05-2023
We all enjoyed it! Riveting true story. The Tattooist was an amazing man!
08-08-2022
There are too many books written about the Holocaust. Many of them are well-written and well researched, but this was not one of them. The writer did not show the real depth of suffering, so failed to show the beauty of love experienced in that horrific place.
21-07-2022
A great love story in such horrifying circumstances. The writing style was very easy to read and most of us finished the book quickly.
16-06-2022
The group agreed that in spite of the subject matter, the book was an easy read and a good story. Perhaps a reminder to see the individual in this catastrophic event.
01-06-2022
All members of our group found this book enlightening - sometimes disturbing, but presenting a personal story in a very interesting way.
01-11-2021
People found the style simple, unsophisticated and readable. The storytelling was enjoyed, but some felt there were aspects that were lacking in credibility and believability. Others felt that was result of the way that Lale must have processed such atrocities.
18-10-2021
Loved it. Read it start to finish in 3.5 hours. Gripping, and the style of writing made the horror easier to bear.
01-10-2021
A thoroughly compelling read.
24-09-2021
Inspired animated discussion. Well-written; some parts that seemed not so credible but still a great read.
27-08-2021
Very thought provoking, and made us think about all the things that happened. Some were inspired to read the next one in the series. Some thought the ending was very abrupt. Great first book.
02-08-2021
Some felt a little more depth was needed in the writing, and wondered if that was because she was a screenwriter before an author. Most enjoyed reading it though.
12-07-2021
We mostly enjoyed this book, but there were some instances where more detail was needed.
12-07-2021
Nice easy read for a hard subject.
01-06-2021
A heartwarming tale, despite the adversities it portrays. The beautiful relationships proved captivating as a reader.
05-05-2021
Everyone in the group loved this book.
05-05-2021
Enjoyed by all - great discussion.
16-04-2021
This story was generally well-liked by the group. It was written in a simplistic style but the conditions in the concentration camps were vividly portrayed. The fact that the book was written by a New Zealander, who had met the main character, was quite significant.
21-10-2020
Interesting, an insight into a different perspective of Auschwitz ( a love story and a 'collaborator's story) - we all agreed that we would do what it takes to survive, or at least be too afraid not to do what was asked. A little disappointing however, seemed flat, and the writing was disappointing. we could not help but wonder whether this amazing story could have been transformed by a different/better writer...
28-08-2020
We all thought it was a really good book. We felt a lot of emotions and there were tears at times. We were all amazed at how life can go on despite the circumstances. We wondered how we would react in the same circumstances, but we couldn't say - survival instincts are unpredictable -Lale made courageous decisions. We loved the randomness of how Lale and Gita met up later. The extra information written by their son at the back of the book was touching and lovely to read.
24-06-2020
Best book so far this year.
15-06-2020
The writing style was simple and brushed over some details. Some of us thought this made the subject matter easier to cope with. Others thought the writing style didn't do justice to the story.