The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a book that was on my TBR list for a very long time, but other books kept coming in and for some reason or the other, this book got pushed back.
So, finally I read this book on my new kindled now I can say that my bias over paper back has taken a shift. Kindle is light, easy to carry around and doesn’t hurt much it falls on your face while you sleep and read.
So getting back to the book, this book is from my favourite genre – Historical Fiction. Such books touch a cord in my heart as they leaves it aching in the pain and fear for the characters. Some where I connect more to such stories as I am drifted in to the past, in an era thankfully I didn’t live in but would want to know about.
I fail to understand the holocaust and all the killing which by the way has still not stopped. Countries like Syria and now Palestine are still shedding their blood and tears over torn land.Why the divide and the killing in the name of land and religion or simply to show your power?
Somewhere to get my answers and to read the brave account of survivors, I sway towards book like this- The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Blurb:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a fiction book based on the words told by an Auschwitz survivor, “Lale”, over a period of three years to the author. While the author has tried to keep the story as real as possible, the account of holocaust were far more unimaginable than what is mentioned in this book.
The story is about a boy named Lale who is picked up and sent to a Concentration Camp in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Because he could speak many languages; he gets a job as a tattooist and had to tattoo numbers on every newcomer in the camp. These number were their identity. With this job came many perks. Better accommodation, sleeping condition and more ration than others.
During his nearly 2.5 years at the camp, Lale managed to get gems and money which he exchanged for food and medicine to save the lives of people around him.
One day while giving a tattoo, Lale sees Gita and he decided that one day he would walk alive from this camp and marry her.

My Review:
This book is an account of the real-life hardship and barbarism that the people at the camp had to go through. Being pushed to the edge and yet surviving the atrocities. But the wider picture shows how amidst all the torture and brutality, the human spirt of survival was not lost. The story is about compassion, love, unity, dignity that Lale, Gita and all the other people at the camp showed.
Only for his will to walk away scot free one day, Lale takes all the risk, helps others, and shines in the end and leads a life he and Gita had envisioned.
I was drawn to the book and got gulped by the charcters specially Lale who with all his might and wit manages to survive in the camp.
The best part about this book is that in the end, author has authenticated the tale of Lale and Gita by attaching some documents to prove that they were a part of the camp. She has shared a brief history about their family while they were in the camp. Heather Morris also visited Lale’s first house where he lived with his family and met the people around to know about him and understand him better. It’s always wonderful to put a face to a story and with some pictures shared of Lale and Gita, you would feel more connected to them after reading the book.
The Holocaust is over, and we are left to wonder how these people even survived the barbarism, but I believe that till the time doesn’t test us, we will never know our true worth and what we can do.
With this book, I pray that humanity rises over religion and land, and we all get an equal opportunity to live as a citizen of this earth.

This book has a Fabolous 4.5 stars. I only reason to remove the .5 start is because I felt that the book could have been a bit more fast paced.
This blog is a part of Blogchatter’s halfmarathon.
30 replies on “The Tattooist of Auschwitz- Book review”
Fantastic read!
Thank you
Such a nice review of the book and I am drawn towards it. It is in my wishlist now
A horrendous time in history indeed. Will there ever be enough books and things to remind us to never forget? I loved your review, it was concise and lucid.
I also like reading Historical fiction. It always make me think deep. With the story, I visualize how the life must have been. Your review shows you have enjoyed the book.
Though I am not a big fan of historic fiction genera but the plot of this book really amazing. the lead character Lale’s life sounds interesting as a tattooist . it would be interesting to know more about his relationship with Gita. loved the way you have reviewed it.
I want to read this book for so long and now while reading this review I think I got the blurb. Thanks for such a detailed review and I guess I’m going to read this book soon.
Have heard rave reviews about this book from a friend. After reading your positive review, I am sure gonna catch up on this one soon.
The book seems to be in the classic mould that tells a poignant story set in the times of the holocaust unleashed by the Nazis. Your review has prompted me to definitely read this book. Sandy N Vyjay
Holocaust is a horror that the world is yet to get over. No wonder I found your book review so interesting!
Looks like an interesting book that demonstrates the values of love, hope and determination in a world filled with hatred, negativity and violence.
The Holocaust is one of the biggest blots on human existence. Although this book is about it, it also seems to bring with it the idea of hope, survival and a better future. Would love to read this book!
I enjoy reading historic fiction, this seems to be a nail biting read .. gonna grab a copy for sure . thanks for the helpful review
Yes, heard lot about Syria news and story related with it , surely caught attention. Story character strong enough to grab your attention. I will surely going to give it a read.
I have read this fabulous book and so agree with your review, Hansa. The book moved me so much and the delicate love story that blossomed from the depths of death and despair gave me hope that life can always change.
Its’ a fiction but I believe it must have been inspired. Really those who survived only knows what they went through. The world will never forget it.
I would like to read this book and know about the story as I liked the plotline and your review.
I love historic fiction. And your review for this book has made me add it to my “to be read” list.
I am not much into historical reads as have not been able to connect myself to this genre much. But I am sure the ones who love this genre will enjoy reading it. And I have to agree that humanity should not be bound by religion or caste and creed. Every human has the basic right to live peacefully.
Looks like a great read. Though I don’t like to read this category, after reading your review I would love to give it a read
The Tattooist of Auschwitz looks like a good book to read. Would love to pick it up for my next book as I like fiction that is based on history.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz seems to be an interesting book in the classic mode. It is definitely a story that brings back the massive human tragedy that was forced on the world by the Nazis.
I am not a fiction book lover, but my sister loves and I am sure she will enjoy reading this. I am going to gift her this book.
That’s very intriguing crisp read. The storyline and narration is crisp and increases curiousity. Like that story narrate the authenticated the tale of the camps .
I loved your book review. Stories about compassion, love, unity, and dignity always interests me. Can’t wait to know more about the heroics of Lale, Gita, and all the other people at the camp.
I’m not into this genre much but loved your review. I’m intrigued as to what happens further in the book so I will personally contact you to get some insight Hansa.
This has been on my tbr too for a long while. Somehow I still haven’t sat down to read this. I hope after your review I will.
I am a big fan of Historic genre of books. I would like to read it as it gives the background of life back then and hardships too.
This is my genre, I love listening, reading, and watching documentaries around historical events, especially around the WW2.
This would be the right choice to pick, thanks for recommending
[…] 1st pick is “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by heather Morris. This book is about holocaust and the concentration camp in Auschwitz. The […]
[…] I have also review one more Historical fiction which was partially based on true events, ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz” which you can read here. […]