The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Wow, it's nice to have read a book that really lived up to the hype surrounding it (I've not always had the best of luck with those!)!

This book had everything from sadness, heartbreak, bravery, despair, and hope.

It was truly horrific reading about the atrocities faced by the prisoners of Auschwitz...and it makes you wonder how something so horrific could've been allowed to happen. One of the most awful crimes against to have occured.

I know Lale was the tattooist and he felt really guilty about it, but I think he did what he had to do in order to survive. I admired his bravery in trying to help his friends in whatever way he could.

I say the same for Cilka, who I can't believe was charged with being a collaborator and sent to Siberia for sleeping with the ‘enemy'! And for 15 years! Like she actually had a choice in the matter! It was either that or ending up dead, since I don't think the commander's ego would've been able to handle being turned down! Like one horror camp wasn't enough, she had to go through it all again!

Going back to Lale and Gita, it's admirable that they were able to build a life for themselves afterwards despite the horrific trauma they were put through in Auschwitz. I also love that they were able to find love in amongst all that daily terror, when never knowing if they would be surviving from one day to next.

I have loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it!