I got this book from my neighbor and it has sat towards the bottom of my “to read” pile for months. I was hesitant to read it because, honestly, it seemed corny. Her teenage daughter had enjoyed it, and it's kind of a romance novel. Finally, mostly because I hadn't read any kind of holocaust novel in a long time, I decided to give it a go.

Heather Morris, the author of this boo, was told the life story of Lale Sokolov (born Ludwig Eisenberg) shortly before his death, and turned it into this novel. It's a tale of young Lale, in Europe in the '40s. He's a Jew and Auschwitz is in the title, so you can probably guess what happens. While in Auschwitz he manages to get a job as a tattooist, which while kushier than most, was still a job as a prisoner in a concentration camp. He was in Auschwitz for three years and was a hustler the whole time. He ends up getting extra food, which he distributes mostly to people more in need them himself, but also to other people for favors. He also makes other connections that allow him to enjoy special privileges, which he eagerly shares with other prisoners, and which get him out of too many near death experiences. But the main theme throughout the book is his love for a woman he meets in the camp, Gita. At times beautiful, at times absolutely beyond heartbreaking, their love almost outshines one of the worst atrocities in human history.

I'm not one for corny love story books, so that must not be what The Tattooist of Auschwitz is. I had to stop five or six times throughout this 250 pages book because I was overcome with emotions. I still have a heavy feeling in my heart, despite the book ending the way it did. Morris didn't waste a single word in telling this remarkable story, and I wish I could travel back in time and meet Lale and Gita. I don't know what else to say besides read this dang book. Cry. Laugh. And feel the love. ( )

Interesting book and a quick read. I had a hard time figuring out if this story was true or fiction. I was hoping it was a true story because that would make it more powerful but then I saw it was listed as fiction. ( )

This is another holocaust story based on a true story. I think it's mostly true but classified as a novel because the author had to fill in some blanks. It was amazing that Lale was able to do all he was able to do, but I suppose his language abilities and smart wit got him farther than a lot of prisoners. I'm glad everything worked out for him, but if it really didn't happen I would be wondering if it was too good to be true. ( )

Prachtig verhaal, bizar slecht geschreven. ( )

I couldn't put this book down. It had me hooked! Don't get me wrong, this is a hard story to read (because of the awful things that happen), but it's a story of strength and courage and one that will stick with my the rest of my life. Reading this book, I felt like I knew this man so well he was family. That shows me how brilliant written this is and how enthralling it was. I really commend this author, this is absolutely brilliant. One of my all time favourites.