The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a powerful tale of true love and survival during one of the darkest times of human history. Based on a true story, this book is one that you will definitely want to keep tissues near by while reading.

When I started reading this book, I was so nervous. I love reading about true stories and history, but there are some topics that are more difficult to read about than others. The Holocaust is definitely very high on my list of difficult topics.

This book was a bit tough for me, simply because of the horrible setting and events. However, the story was also incredibly hopeful and positive. I adored the tone that the author made sure was prevalent throughout as I felt that it really matched the overall mindset of the main character.

The entire book was written so wonderfully. When the main character was afraid, I, too, felt afraid. When he was enraged, I was enraged. When he was heartbroken, I felt heartbroken. And when there were moments of heartwarming love or immense relief, I felt similar feelings. Of course, I could never imagine the true power of each of these emotions, as I didn't live the same experiences, I thought the author did an amazing job really putting you in the shoes of the characters.

I really enjoyed how character driven the story was. Each of the characters really came to life within the pages. Even when I put the book down, I found myself thinking about them and worrying about what was going to happen next. Each of the friendships that developed were so extraordinary. Seeing how people can band together and take care of one another in times of terror is absolutely incredible.

This is a book that you just have to read.

As a reader, I am so grateful to Lale Eisnberg for sharing his story, and for Heather Morris for putting this wonderful novel together.

My favorite passages:
He forces a small smile. She returns a smaller one. Her eyes, however, dance before him. As he looks into them, his heart seems simultaneously to stop and to begin for the first time, pounding, almost threatening to burst out of his chest.

Whenever possible, he listens to the talk and gossip of the SS, who don't know he understands them.They give him ammunition of the only sort available to him- knowledge, to be stored up for later.

"You must first learn to listen to her. Even if you are tired, never be too tired to listen to what she has to say. Learn what she likes and, more important, what she doesn't like. When you can, give her little treats- flowers, chocolates. Women like those things."


My final thoughts:

A must-read. This book is so powerful. I cannot recommend it highly enough.