During a terrifying time in modern history, The Tattooist of Auschwitz gives us the opportunity to witness the triumph of humanity.
A story within ‘history’ is what attracted me to The Tattooist. I am generally drawn to non-fiction, and so The Tattooist of Auschwitz was right up my alley. From the moment I opened its pages, it captured every bit of my attention.
What is The Tattooist of Auschwitz About
The Tattooist is the story about Lyle Sokolov who was sent to Auschwitz in 1942 (he was 25 years old at the time). Early in his stay of three years, Lyle finds himself being allocated the job of Tattooist. It is his job to tattoo the serial numbers on the Auschwitz inhabitants’ arms. The serial numbers were tattooed on prisoners who were deemed healthy and fit enough to work in the camp.
RELATED: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 1: Book Review
Falling in love
During his tenure, he falls in love with 18 year old Gita while tattooing her arm. Even though her head was shaven and she was wearing tattered clothes, he fell in love with her (get out the tissues now!).
[bctt tweet=”The book is an account of how Lyle and Gita’s relationship evolved amidst inhumane circumstances.” username=”cherralle_”]
Is it a Cheesy Romance Novel?
Let me set the record straight. I do not like ‘romance’ novels. I find them cheesy and unrealistic, and I just cannot read them.
There are times when the author does go off the rails a bit. For example when she talks about ‘Lale’s longing for Gita during the hot summer days…etc.’ She does bring it back.
Also, when it gets too ‘Mills and Boonsy’ it felt a bit too much considering what is transpiring at Auschwitz at that moment.
The book’s focus is the connection between Gita and Lyle
There are many parts of the book, where I was genuinely moved. Although this book’s focus is not the Holocaust (it is about the love story), the author could not avoid sharing the horrific details (more tissues!).
Important Messages
It shows us that although Lyle was enduring one of the lowest moments in modern history, he found hope (and so did Gita).
It also reminds us to maintain and embrace the humanity within ourselves.
Always lead with kindness. Be human first. We are human before we are any other part of our identity.
I recommend the Tattooist of Auschwitz if you are looking for a read that is embedded in history but laced with a true love story. The story is heartfelt, and will have you reaching for the tissues!
You will be googling the hell out of Gita and Lyle because you will want to know more about them!
The tattooist is for sale at Take A Lot and all reputable bookstores.
I’m always looking for something to add to my book collection and I will definitely be reading this in future. I enjoy romance novels to an extent, but the best part of a novel is always the story.
You will like this one as it is not so intense as a typical romance. It is basically historical non fiction.thank you for commenting