I finished reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz today, and absolutely loved it. I’ve visited Auschwitz and Birkenau a few years ago, and until I read this book — it was impossible for me to imagine that any sort of love could exist there.
This book is historical fiction about Lale who is a tattooist that etches numbers on everyone who comes to Auschwitz, and Gita who is a prisoner there, and is about their love.
What’s incredible about the book is that it is a magnificently uplifting story, and most of it is true. I’ve read some criticism of the book that talks about some of the finer details not matching historical accuracy, but I think the critics are missing the point with the book on this one.
That such love, kindness, friendship and hope could exist in the place where perhaps the worst atrocities in the history of humanity were inflicted is for me the point of this story.
This is a great story, and I am sure that I will read it again – and I can also whole heartedly recommend it to everyone.
Related reading: NYT Review of the Book.
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