The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

4/5 rating. 257 pages.

Book #73 of 2020. Read October 18, 2020.

A book pick by the wonderful Grace and Lillian!

This is the incredible story of Lale Eisenberg (later Sokolov) and Gita Furman. Heather worked with Lale to get this story which is based on his imprisonment at Auschwitz. Lale was the tattooist there and met Gita as he touched up her tattooed number on her arm – he was smitten at first site. Through this position, Lale was able to build up contacts in order to save many people in the camp. His continued assurances that they could outlast the Nazis made a huge impact on morale, but he was even more directly involved in many cases.

The resolve of these two lovers is incredible and shows the lengths that people will go to in order to survive. Obviously with this being about Auschwitz, there are countless instances of pure evil being perpetrated on innocent lives, but somehow, Lale is able to continue to push through and be a light to those around him. If each of us could be a fraction of the person that Lale was, this world would be a much better place!

Heather does an amazing job of focusing on Lale and Gita, which makes the story not as heart-wrenching and depressing as it otherwise could be. You share in their hardships, but even more in their triumphs. The love these two share is amazing, and I recommend you pick this book up and read all about it!

Quotes:

“Your crime is to be Jewish…We’re just the enemy.”

“I figure you must be someone worth saving.”

“To save one is to save the world,”

“Be attentive, Lale; remember the small things, and the big things will work themselves out.”

“Choosing to live is an act of defiance, a form of heroism.”

“He didn’t know where he was headed, but he wanted to make damned sure he looked his best when he arrived.”

“Any death is one too many.”

IG Link.