An incredible book. It is hard to summarize how many emotions I experienced, from fear to joy, to disgust, through sadness and everything in between. It is a book that puts things into perspective. But it is also a fascinating concept, knowing that history is generally written by the victors. How did others perceive Lale? A question which will never be answered.

I’m not sure you can ever read too many real-life perspectives of Auschwitz. I can imagine being sucked in; trying to absorb more and more, jigsaw together a picture from the infinite, varied, individual experiences. Like the need to pick up every single audio telephone in the Imperial War Museum’s Holocaust exhibition, (which is entirely worth doing.) For this reason alone, this book is unmissable.

It’s a readable, sensitive, morally complicated and engrossing story. Lale Sokolov volunteers to go to Auschwitz, in the hope of saving his family. He is naturally optimistic and determined to survive, any way he can, and secures himself the job of Tetovierer, or Tattooist. It is a (relatively) privileged position and allows him extra rations, a room of his own and a certain level of protection. He constantly shares his small bounty with other inmates, but the most heart-breaking aspect of the novel is the sense of how he questions himself and his actions. As if he is anything other than a victim. As if there were other choices he could have made.

But despite the fascination, and inherent emotional power, of the subject matter; this is still a novel, and a love story. And, for me, the love story was oddly uncompelling. Lale falls for a fellow inmate, Gita, and the plot follows their story. But Gita as a character doesn’t feel very filled out. I still don’t know what it was about her that he loved. It’s Lale himself that shines through the pages and that creates a slight tension -- as though Lale wanted to tell Gita’s story, but the author just wanted to tell his.

Strangely, I got more of a sense of Gita from the ‘Author’s Note’ at the end, than from the pages preceding it. In fact, the ‘note’ is where the tears in this book are most likely to come. I’m not sure if this is a success of the book, that we’re so invested in the lives described that the extra details are so moving; or a failure of the book, that the real power and interest lies in the bits the author decided to leave out. Perhaps it’s best to judge this novel on its own merits, and then hope there’ll be a sequel.

This book is amazing, it is a true story of life in Auschwitz and Birkenhau and it's quite hard to read in places but as much as could be the story has been proven as factual. Lale was a Slovanian Jew and he was taken to the concentration camp to await is fate. He was very lucky as the tattooist singles him out to assist him and that may have saved him from imminent death, he went on to tattoo more people and one of them is Gita who he falls immediately in love with but will he ever get to talk to her? They spend 3 years in the camps and the things that happen to him and also the other inmates are told in depth and with sensitivity by Heather Morris who was given the go ahead by Lale himself. I smiled and I cried in parts so be warned if you are reading it on your commute make sure you have tissues with you. A definate 5* from me.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of the book.

The story told in this book, of Lale Sokolov and his partner Gita, and their struggle to survive the horrendous circumstances in Auschwitz-Berkenau during WWII. If this review were solely of the power and hope of this story, I would have no hesitation in giving it five stars. This true story of love, hope, survival, and the atrocious human cost of the Holocaust is powerful, moving, and almost too horrendous to bear. That both of them survived beyond Auschwitz and went on to live long lives together, remaining in love, is an unforgettable story which I read in a single sitting on a Monday night, completely enthralled.

However, I take serious issue with the presentation and marketing of this book. With Heather Morris credited as the only author, and marketed as a fiction book, it does a disservice to the story of Lale and Gita. This is not fiction. This is a non-fiction book, and shouldn’t be marketed as fiction. Nothing in this book, the foreword, the afterword, the acknowledgements, suggests that Heather Morris had anything to do with the plot, the development, or the structure of this book, other than to frame the story of Lale and Gita as it happened. I really feel like this book is a memoir, written with the assistance of Heather Morris, or a biography, a snapshot of a true story. It’s not fiction, or historical fiction, and to mark it as such (and even the book categorises itself as historical fiction) is to do a disservice to it.

My other huge complaint about this book was that it was adapted from what was originally written as a screenplay. And boy, does that show. The narration is stark, with no emotion or description other than what is absolutely necessary. It’s so clear that this was a screenplay, and all of the emotion, the framing, the detail that makes it real, was supposed to be provided by the actors, by the direction, and by the production of the film.

So as a book it’s stark. Not in a way which makes it feel like a stylistic choice, but in a way which makes it feel like a lazy adaptation of an alternative media.

The story, the tale of Lale and Gita is so memorable. But the framing and the presentation of it lets it down so badly. To allow Lale’s words to tell his tale with assistance from Heather Morris would, I think, have been a better tribute to this story of love, and perseverance, but to categorise this story as historical fiction and market it as a novel is to do a huge injustice to it.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for a free eARC of this book in return for an unbiased review. This book was absolutely amazing, it follows the true story of a holocaust survivor and his time in the clutches of the Nazi's. Once I finished this book I cried for a good 20 minutes, full on sobbing, because this book is so powerful. It is written beautifully and gives such an insight into the world that was created to dehumanise people, and yet still there was hope throughout. This is definitely a must read and I need to get this book in a physical format so that I can read it again. Absolutely amazing.

This is the true story of Lala and Gita Sokolov and their incarceration in Auschwitz.

Lale was the tattooist or Tetovierer, labeling all the incoming prisoners for survival. A job that entailed scratching numbers into arms with indelible ink, a mark that would stay with them throughout their lifetime.

Given more freedom than many of his fellow prisoners Lale was able to move about the camp exchanging jewels and money from the dead for food that he would distribute amongst his fellow prisoners.

A charming, amiable young man, Lale was determined to survive, a determination strengthened when he meets Gita, tattooing her identification number as she arrives in camp. It was love at first site and its is a love that will see them both survive the terrible atrocities they witnessed and endured.

Lale is such a wonderful character. Charming, focused, with a steely determination to make the best of his situation for himself but more importantly for his fellow prisoners. The risks he took could have and very nearly cost him his life. The sheer hell that he witnessed would have broken many men, but not Lale, he accepted his lot and got on with it. Perhaps one of the most poignant passages in the novel is of Lale sat tattooing the new arrivals as ash descends on him from the cremation huts, Lale continuing with his job as the dead bodies of those had been gassed were burnt.

Gita, the love of his life, is also determined to survive, working in the administration block living for Sundays when she and Lale can share stolen moments, a small break from the horrors of everyday life.

The descriptions and the imagery perfectly portray the horrors of life in the concentration camps. Morris tells of the brutality of the SS Officers and the guards and also of those prisoners who have the grim task of burning bodies, sorting through the belongings of the dead and in some cases inflicting harm to gain names of troublemakers.

For all the horrors Lale and Gita endured, what shines through is their love for each other, a love that never falters and will see them survive, marry and eventually have a successful and full life in Australia.

Perhaps because of the subject matter I found it hard to criticise the novel. It is not perfect and there are flaws, particularly with some of the flash backs to Lale’s previous life, but these are unimportant when Morris is retelling the true story of an incredible man.

This is not a comfortable read and nor should it be. What the Jews and other minority groups suffered at the hands of the Nazi’s is something the world should never forget. The fact that this is a true story makes it all the more horrific, yet it has glimmers of hope and humour and ultimately love.

Absolutely excellent account of life in the Auschwitz/Birkenau concentration camps during the holocaust.
Even more compelling due to it being based on a true story. The main character, Lale Sokolov, recounted this true story to the author, telling of his experiences and how he met his future wife Gita in the camp. It is truly remarkable how the couple found each other and managed to survive their horrific experiences and be able to pass their story onto the next generation. It is also interesting how people still suffered even after being freed from the camps, returning home was not just a simple option. I firmly believe that the story of the holocaust must be kept alive and spoken about widely in order to prevent similar from happening in the future. This, and similar books, should be required reading in schools.

Having read quite a lot about this book, I received an Advanced Reader Copy with anticipation of a disturbing but enlightening read. Sadly, I felt that the book missed the mark.

I have no doubt at all that Lale Eisenberg had a harrowing time from before his incarceration, through his time in the camps, to his telling of his story and beyond.

Having read the book from cover to cover in one sitting, I have ended up feeling that perhaps the subject shielded his "ghost writer" from much of what he experienced or, I hope less likely, it was decided that the unvarnished truth, in these days of reconciliation, was too unpalatable for the reading public. Whichever of the options is closest to the truth, the book disappointed me as I was hoping to get a better view, from someone who was, uniquely, both a prisoner and someone in a position of some responsibility, of what really went on in the camps that exterminated more than 1,000,000 people and where Mengele was resident. Unfortunately, this book did little to convey to me the unbelievably difficult realities of life and survival in the camps and that I found truly disappointing.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a very powerful and emotional read. At times it is overwhelmingly harrowing, yet at the same time there is always a hint of hope.

This is a very emotive story of love and friendship in the most unlikely of places. The horror of human brutality entwined with inspirational acts of bravery and human kindness.

I couldn't put this book down and ended up reading it in one three hour sitting last night. I couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. I felt guilty even thinking about escaping the story to go back to my own comfortable life, and had to see it through to the end with the characters.

I had tears in my eyes while reading this, and by the time I reached the Author’s Note and additional information I was properly crying.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz comes very highly recommended by me.

Based on true story and tells of the horrors of the holocaust and the hope of survival against all the odds. The hope this will never happen again as a lesson for mankind. Enjoyed this book was an easy read even though the subject matter would be distressing for some.

This incredible true story left me in tears. I didn't know that a fellow prisoner would be the person to mark men, women and children in the death camps-how do you live with that burden? The Tattooist of Auschwitz shines a light on this man's remarkable and horrifying experiences; it is a tale of survival, love, loss and the human spirit.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz, although enjoyed doesn't quite seem to be the right word. The constant state of fear described is exhausting to read as is the ever present terror of being singled out for punishment or death. It beggars belief that something as good and full of joy as falling in love could ever happen there and the fact that it did says an awful lot about the human spirit.

This is the incredible story of a couple who met in Auschwitz, survived their ordeal through a combination of luck and guile and then managed to meet again in the aftermath of the liberation. In Lale's declining years he wanted to have his story told and a light shone again on the atrocities of the Holocaust. It is a worthwhile read and there are aspects of the account of Auschwitz that I had never heard before that were recounted here. Obviously the Holocaust is something we must never forget and a book such as this which is perfect for teen readers will play a valuable part in that. However, I have two negatives to mention. Firstly, there seem to be some parts of the narrative that jar with historical accounts of the camps, such as the easy association of men and women and the ease with which contraband is acquired, stored and traded.. Secondly, the style of writing is a little bland and fails to arouse as much emotion as a story such as this should. Working in schools, I have had the privilege of listening to several ex-prisoners of the camps and the story they tell is an emotionally harrowing one. Lale's story is no different but the author seems strangely detached from her subject, leaving the reader with an unwelcome and puzzling disconnect from the story and its protagonists.
I will be recommending this book to students, but with reservations.

Where to start with this book, it took me a while to get my thoughts in order before I could write a review.  This is based on the true story of Lala & Gita Sokolov.  They met when Lala tattooed the number on her arm on her arrival at Auschwitz.  They along with tens of thousands of others became a number.  Not a name. Not a person.  They were A Number.

Heather spent three years with Lala and his two dogs as he told his story to her.  He needed to do this so that "it would never happen again".  Also it was time for him to tell, he knew he didn't have long before he joined his beloved Gita.  Her death gave him the push he needed.

Lala was part of the German round-up of much-needed workers and he was taken to Auschwitz.  By the use of his charm and a certain amount of luck he managed to get the position of "Tetovierer" the tattooist in the camps of Auschwitz and also nearby Birkenau. This allowed him a little more freedom and also extra food rations, Lala shared all he could with others in the camp.  He managed to barter with civilian workers for food, with the help of Gita and her friends.  All that could be shared out was, help given where possible.  The generosity in a time of great suffering shown by others has a way of repaying itself, and indeed when Lala was in need of help it was there.  He travelled between the two camps and this gave him insights as to what was happening, seeing different things appearing, seeing new people, meeting the new doctor a certain Josef Mengeler.

Through Heather, Lala gave accounts of who he met and his experiences.  Heather has written his story with true emotion, sympathy and understanding.  It is a heart wrenching read, and so it should be, but Lala's character has come through the pages, showing his grim determination that he would survive, he would marry Gita and they would have a future together.

This is an important period in history, one that should never be forgotten or taken lightly.  Heather has done a wonderful job in relating Lala's story. It is an emotional journey, and even now I still feel the emotion as I write this review, a few days after reading the book.  I received this book as an eARC via NetGalley, but I will be buying my own physical copy.  I highly recommend this book to all readers.

Lala's lifetime motto was "If you wake up in the morning, it is a good day."

Number - 34902 - Gita born 1925 died 2003

Number - 32407 - Lala born 1916 died 2006

Deeply moving, empathetic treatment of conditions and experiences at concentration camps during WW II. Written in a very simple but highly effective style. Based on a true story. A must read

This true and heart breaking story tells of the amazing endurance and love of Lale and Gita.  Lale has been assigned the humiliating job of tattooing his fellow Jewish people.  One day, a group of young women come in and as he looks up at a pretty girl, Gita, as he tattoos her, there is an instant attraction.  Lale vows to keep both Gita and himself alive until they are liberated.  As with most books about the Holocaust, there are some horrible and violent scenes described in the story.  One of the things about this book, however, is the there are many examples of kindness sprinkled throughout.  It shows that there was still some humanity, dignity, and hope in the camps.  The author spent three years interviewing Lale before he died.  I am so glad that Lale had a chance to tell his story before it was lost forever.

Blog review will be live on 10/01/2018

I am so stuck on how to review this book due to the subject. All I can say is wow. This is one book I will never forget. The author has done a truly amazing job of telling the story. It's harrowing but also so inspiring telling of how love, courage and a will to live spurred these survivors on.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the result of years of interviews between the author, Heather Morris, and Auschwitz-Birkenau survivor Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov. Originally written by Morris as a screenplay, she has now adapted her work to create her debut novel – and what a debut it is! Based upon Lale’s own harrowing story, this is a book that needs to be read and shared, with subject matter that should never be forgotten.

I actually wrote a whole draft review upon finishing this book, but honestly, I just didn’t feel like it did the book justice. I’m actually of the mind now that nothing I write will properly convey my feelings on this book. So, please, stick with me as I try to string some words together.

Lale was 24, a smart, linguistic young man from a Jewish family living in Slovakia. Every family in Slovakia was forced to provide one child over the age of 18 for work detail with the Germans. Lale volunteered himself to save his family, to prevent them from being rounded up into a concentration camp. Not knowing where he was headed or what would face him, Lale left home impeccably dressed as always, ready to face his fate.

This was how Lale found himself crammed into a cattle carriage with other men, headed for Auschwitz. Lale was assigned to the sister camp, Birkeneau and there made a promise to himself that he would survive. His intelligence and charisma meant he was noticed among thousands of others and assigned the role of Tatoweirer, the tattooist – a position which offered him a slightly better life in the camp, but with the traumatic task of marking every prisoner for life with their assigned number. It was through his role as Tatoweirer that Lale set eyes on Gita, a young lady who compounded Lale’s determination to stay alive.

Lale used his relative freedom in the camp to help others, to source and deliver food to keep his fellow prisoners alive, but such actions put him in great danger.

Lale seems like such an incredible man. His attitude, philosophies, and kindness shine through in this novel. I feel that Morris has done a brilliant job of telling this story – I couldn’t put this book down. Despite the horrors within its pages, this is also a tale of love, friendships, and hope. It’s a story that made me stop and think about the individual stories of other prisoners in these camps, what they had to do to stay alive and who they lost along the way. Stories that we will never know but that we should never forget existed.

This is a short novel but it packs a huge punch; the combination of Heather Morris’ storytelling and Lale’s unforgettable true story make this book impossible to put down.

PS I still don’t feel like my words have done this book justice, so just please READ IT!

‘Yes, you wear the Star. Your crime is to be Jewish.’

Finding love as prisoners of Auschwitz! Unheard of! It’s amazing to read this love story take place in such a horror filled setting.

He told his story piecemeal, sometimes slowly, sometimes at bullet-pace and without clear connections between the many, many episodes.
-Authors Note

That was how it read for me, I am not a fan of the writing style. I never felt truly connected to the characters in the story. I felt like I was reading a book report with no in-depth characterization. The story was originally written as a screenplay and I felt the crossover to novel could have been better.

With that being said I was very much engrossed with the story itself and I do recommend reading this great love story.