I did not read 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' and can not compare or connect the two books. I don't feel like I needed to have read the other book to understand this one.

This book is called Cilka's Journey and that's exactly what is portrayed- it's a telling of her journey. There is no major plotline, mission, or problem to solve other than recounting the years that Cilka spent in a Russian gulag for her 'crimes.' It is not for the faint of heart. The hardships she endures include rape and violence. It is hard to read, and yet, it is important, whether the author took liberties with Cilka's life or not. I, for one, had not heard of these gulags and was enlightened to millions of lives lost under Stalin's authority, and the kind of inhuman treatment he ordered/allowed. But Cilka's resilience is inspiring.

I don't like giving a three star rating to a book about such tender matters, and it is not given for the story. It's probably just because I've read so many books like this recently that this one just didn't rise above those. The book description indicates there is an aspect of love story, but that doesn't really get started until 80% into the book. It's very much a description of day to day life over the course of her 8 years at the prison. It feels wrong to say that I was bored, but in all honesty, that's what I felt. I typically prefer books that have more of a plot. I'm not sure I'll read The Tattooist of Auschwitz at this point. But if you liked that one, then I'm guessing this one is right up your alley!