I have a deep appreciation of what author Heather Morris can do with her combination of rigorous historical research, superlative empathy, and stellar powers of expression: She takes individuals from perhaps the darkest time in human history and brings them to vivid, complex life.

This is the third book in Morris's Tattooist of Auschwitz trilogy, and all of her skills are on display. This book differs from the first two in that: 1) some of the people on whom it is based are still alive, and -- according to the afterword -- met Morris and told her their story; and 2) it carries the subjects' lives forward into the post-war decades

The second of these differences added a great deal to the appeal of the book, although (like many of the other reader-reviewers), I wish it hadn't felt like just an afterthought. It was a life-affirming coda that maybe got short shrift.

The first of these differences -- Morris's acquaintance with her subjects, and their ability to read her book -- may have influenced her more than she realized. The book felt almost like an homage to these three remarkable women, in an almost-gushing way.

Still, it was an uplifting depiction of a heartbreaking period. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an advance readers copy.

I love Heather Morris so much and appreciate her writing books such as this. Her writing evokes such emotion that I absolutely felt connected to every fiber of this book.

Three Sisters is another phenomenal book by the author that brought us The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It’s based off of a true story of three Slovakian sisters that made a promise to their father to always protect each other. No one could have imagined the pure nightmare that these girls would have to endure. It is so important for these stories to be told so that new generations don’t forget the horrific crimes committed against an entire group of people just because of their faith. I’m grateful to the survivors that have found the strength to tell their stories.

A must-read.
Starting off, I did read Cilka's Journey by this author and loved it. I am not usually into reading historical novels, even if they are fictional and especially dealing with real-life events, like the Holocaust. But Heather Morris writes so very well you are more intrigued about the story that she is telling, not depressed about the actual event (although tragic).
I will say that I did not enjoy this as much as Cilka's Journey, there was something about the third person point of view writing which didn't work here for me. I also thought it flipped back and forth too much with timeframes. And I would have to agree with some other reviews that most of the book deals with Auschwitz and not what the synopsis says.
But I would still highly recommend it.
The strength that is mentioned in it by showing the three sisters and their determination and sacrifices is just so heartbreaking and heart-warming. It truly makes you stop and think about the thousands that not only had the strength to endure but then carry on after a horror such as they experienced. The footnotes at the end are a nice touch. Ms. Morris did so much research and interviewing for her series of books, I applaud her.
4.5 (rounded to 5) stars
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review

Three Sisters is by the author of Cilka's Journey which I had read. That book grabbed my heart which Three Sisters overwhelmingly did too. Heather Morris gives a heartbreaking story of the horrors of the death camp in Nazi Germany - Auschwitz as well as how it continues to affect Livia, Magda, and Cibi. What a story of their survival in the face of such a wicked cruel place. Then their troubles are not completely over with the ending of the war. Now they learn to embrace their freedom with the past that will always haunts them.

What makes this such an impressive read is that it is based on a true story. The notes at the end were inspiring but also heartbreaking to know that real people actually had these experiences; that other many real people were actually so evil. Still others were kind.

This is historical fiction but it is for all people everywhere. I cannot express how important read this is for all of us, we must not forget. We can also honor these three sisters by living our best lives while holding tight to our families.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I LOVED "Cilka's Journey" and still have "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" on my to read list, so I was excited to read this book. I hate to say it but I didn't love it and had an extremely hard time getting into the story. I would give it 2.5 stars. From the very start I knew it wasn't going to be my favorite. I didn't love the characters, I know they were based on real life sisters. The dialogue between them was somehow off to me and they definitely took their promise to their father to the extreme. Livi was supposed to be fifteen when she went into the camp, but the way she acted and talked it seemed like we were reading about a little child. Would girls who just escaped a death march really be able to dig graves and bury people? They were emaciated and almost died on the march but somehow but kept feeling the need to bury people they didn't even know. The story felt a lot like previous books I read and didn't add anything new. The last part of the book centers around the sisters after the concentration camps as they make a new life in Israel.

Definitively recommend giving the book a try. I really wanted to love it. I'm in the minority with my thoughts on the book. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Story of Hope and Family

Fearing that he will die under going and operation, Menachem calls his three young daughters, Cibi, Magda and Livi, together. He makes them promise to always protect each other and stay together. During WWII, the sisters find this a hard promise to keep.

Cibi and Livi are sent to one of the worst Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz. Magda remains at home with their mother until they were also sent away. At the camp they were luckily reunited. Sticking together helped them all to survive and after the war, the sisters helped each other to establish new lives in Israel.

This book tells a tragic story of Jewish families uprooted and sent to the inhuman concentration camps. The books gives horrifying details of the terrible conditions faced by the girls in the camp including losing loved ones to the gas chambers.

Although much of the book is sad, it is also a story of courage and hope. I found reading the book very upsetting. It’s hard to imagine that people were so callous treating other human beings to such horrific conditions.

I thought the author did an excellent job with a very difficult subject. She didn’t minimize the horror of the concentration camps, but she was able to give her characters strong emotional support and hope from being together. This is a book well worth reading and I did like the ending.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

All I have to say is wow! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter, and I did not want to put it down. Three Sisters follows the Meller sisters - Cibi, Magda, and Livi - from childhood, through Auschwitz, and beyond. It is based on a true story and let me tell you, it is remarkable. The bond that these three women share, based on a promise made to their father, is unrelenting. They protect each other at all costs and love one another fiercely and is the kind of relationship I think most people would love to have with their siblings. The bulk of this story takes place during their time in Auschwitz-Birkenau and it is not easy to read about the things that they witnessed and went through, but it is a major part of who each of these women are. I appreciated the research and thought that went into this novel and I think the story is one that needs to be told. If you enjoy historical fiction, this one is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Three Sisters by Heather Morris is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz books. It is the story of three Slovakian sisters: Cibi, the oldest, Magda, and Livi, the baby. They made a promise to their father to always watch out for each other. A promise they take to heart as they find themselves taken from their homes and imprisoned at Auschwitz. They cling together as they suffer from starvation, overwork and the brutal whims of the guards. As the allies are closing in and one last hurdle is overcome: the death march from Auschwitz. Against all odds they survived the camp and now they must find a way to survive again. But the fight for their lives and freedom are now truly beginning. The sisters must face new challenges as the world comes to grips with the events of WWII and the horrible atrocities the Nazis committed. Can they leave the ghosts of the past behind them as they strive to find a new life with peace and happiness?
Reading and studying the stories of Holocaust survivors, I always wondered would I have the same strength and courage to survive? One never truly knows how they will respond to a situation until they are faced with it. Inspired by a true story, the story of the sisters overlaps with those of Lale and Gita from The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka, from Tattooist as well as her own story in Cilka’s Journey. The story does not hold back on the vivid details of the horrors the sisters suffered and witnessed while at Auschwitz and even the continued prejudice once they were freed. It is a beautiful story of the amazing courage, love and strength of three sisters. There were times when I cried with the sisters, when I wanted to reach through the pages to hug each of them. I eagerly turned each page, wanting and hoping they would find the peace and happiness they desperately wanted. I highly recommend Three Sisters.

Three Sisters is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey
are available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. It is a story of three sisters going through hell in the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau during the Holocaust. Although of all their losses they hold on to each other and have the courage to build a new life for them and their families after WWII. For all of those who love historical fiction I highly recommend it

Heather Morris has done it again! Ms. Morris has written this astonishing true story of three sisters who, against all odds, survived the horrors of Auschwitz. Cibi, Magda, and Livi's story is extraordinary and Ms. Morris has done an exceptional job of sharing their journey.

She has also, once again, brought to light little known history: in particular, the towns of Haifa, Kfar Ahim, and Rehovot, where many survivors of the Holocaust settled in their country of Israel, where they finally felt accepted and safe.

These stories of survival always leave me astonished and remind me of the many blessings I have and the many things I take for granted. Though difficult to read, they always remind me if what is truly important in life.

Many thanks to Erica at St. Martin's Press for reaching out to me with this early review copy and NetGalley for providing it in exchange for an honest review.

Three Sisters is a continuation of the Tattooist of Auschwitz series but can be read as a standalone. The sisters made a promise to their dying father as young children that they would always stay together and help each other. Then in 1942, rumors go around the community that the Nazi's are gathering up the teenage Jews to work for Germany. Cibi, the oldest, is away taking part in the Zionist youth movement, and Livi is thought to be too young to be taken. When Magda gets a serious fever and must be hospitalized, the doctor keeps her there to keep her safe. Unfortunately Livi is on their list even though she's only 15, and Cibi volunteers to go with her. They are transported to Auschwitz, working in the labor camps transporting bricks to build a new camp...Birkenau. Meanwhile, Magda hides out every time the Germans come looking for her, but eventually she also gets caught. The girls take many risks while in the camp in order to stay together. When they are released and able to return home to Slovakia, they suffer terrible treatment by their neighbors just for their religion so they decide to make a new life in Israel, reuniting with the surviving members of their extended family.
I love that this and the other books in the series are based on real life characters. The abuses they suffered are just terrible and I admit I had to reach for the tissues a few times! The fact they were able to stay together was a miracle in itself. Heather Morris has a way of writing in a compassionate, relatable way to paint a picture of the true conditions of the camps.
Happy Publication Day! I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

This book as the title suggests involves three sisters; Cibi, Magda, and Livi who are determined not only to survive the war but to stay together. The book is at times heartbreaking at times inspirational. There are plenty of hard-to-read examples of extreme cruelty and more in this book as with any similar story, there are also many instances of small acts of kindness. It is the latter that gives us hope. Besides, if people can survive the horrors that Holocaust survivors like these went through then we can survive anything.

Inspired by a true story, the three Meller sisters make a promise to their father before he died to all stick together no matter what. This becomes even more true as the Jews are being rounded up and taken to camps. Magda was of the age that the Nazis were looking for. As she was ill at the time, the doctor sent her to the hospital to protect her from being taken. Then the age of the young people was lowered, and Livi was to be sent to the camps. Cibi came home to go with Livi to protect her. Although Magda wanted to be with her sisters, she was put in hiding until the time came for all Jews to be rounded up. By some miracle the sisters all wound up in Auschwitz together. The stories of the atrocities they endured are beyond horrifying, and how they managed to survive and keep their promise to their father is amazing. The author’s description makes you feel the events they went through. At the end of the book there are statements from some of the family members that are very inspiring.

Also reviewed on Kobo under the name IrishEyes430

Oh my stars. I adore this series! This is the 3rd book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz’s series, and I have now read all 3, but I think they can all be read a stand alone.
Three sisters, Cibi, Magda and Livi make a promise to their dying father that they will stay together no matter what. Then WW2 starts and everything changes in their world. Livi gets called to go work for the Germans and so she doesn’t go alone Cibi goes with her. Magda can’t go because she is being held in the hospital in order to protect her and her family. When the war ends, they settle in Israel after surviving concentration camps, but the majority of the book is about their journey and all the things they faced to get there and be reunited again. It is traumatic to read even though it is fiction because the reality is that people did endure what these girls did. The resilient of these girls is incredible and what their life was like afterwards was super interesting, especially since their felt bad for surviving when so many others didn’t.
Thanks to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.

The Three Sisters by Heather Morris is the third book in the Tattoo of Auschwitz series. It is based on the true story of Cibi, Livi and Magda and their time during World War 2.

The book starts with the three sisters making their father a promise that they will always stay together, no matter what. That promise stays with the girls for the rest of their lives.

When the guards come to take all the Jewish girls, Magda is in the hospital. The doctor is keeping her there (even after her fever is gone) because he is hearing of the round up and is trying to keep her safe. He assumes that Livi too young and at the time Cibi is off training, so the doctor assumes that all the girls would be safe. He was wrong. Magda was the only one he was able to protect. Cibi who was home from training, went with Livi when the guards came to get her, remembering her promise to always stay together. The girls were ultimately taken to Auschwitz and Birkenau. Eventually the whole family winds up in Auschwitz, but before they could all reunite, the girls watch their mom and grandfather die at the hands of the Nazi's.

A lot of this book takes place after the War is over, and I love that! It isn't easy for the girls though... They realize that even though they have been freed , they really aren't truly free. They are still haunter by dream, by guilt, and still looked down on in their own country.

After the book is over, the afterwords are by members of the family, Livi and three of the sisters children. Those are the most beautiful and touching parts of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Heather Morris for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Three Sisters by Heather Morris was another heartfelt, emotional moving account of what the Jews went through during world war 2. These sisters were close and a family that survived unspeakable conditions. HM is a great writer and has a gift when sharing WW11 details. This can be read as a stand-alone and is actually book 3 of a series. I’ve read all of them and highly recommend them.
Thanks St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley.

#NetGalley #ThreeSisters #HistoricalFiction #Ww2Books

Horrifying and Inspiring

"Three Sisters" is not your ordinary WWII horror story of the camps. Or, at least, not just that. I found this book riveting, the first part prior to the camps, the 2nd part at the camps, the 3rd part about what happened when they went 'home', and the 4th part when they emigrated to Israel. I guess this is a bit of a spoiler, but the camp reality is so very dreary that if I were starting the book, I'd want some hope, too. This is such an important topic that is not usually covered in WWII fiction, that is -- "what came next"? The 'celebrations' of the end of a war are so very bittersweet; things will never be the same again. Heather Morris has done us readers such a service by giving us a glimpse of 'what comes next', the good, bad and ugly.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion. PS If you haven't read the first two books of this series, don't worry; you won't be lost and you can read them in any order.

The final book in "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" series, "Three Sisters" follows Cibi, Magda, and Livi as they strive to keep the promise they made to their father before he died-the promise to always stay together. It's a book about the unbreakable bond of sisterhood, even when facing the ultimate adversity in the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Based on true events, "Three Sisters" is an inspiring story of strength, love and courage; but also of heartbreak and loss. I liked how the sisters' stories didn't end when the camps were liberated but continued on to show how the horrors they endured continued to affect every aspect of their lives.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege or reading an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is equally as good as the previous two. The Three Sisters is, as the name suggests, about three sisters and the ties that bind a family. What sets this book apart is that roughly 40% is set after Cibi, Magda and Livi escape the camp and one-third of the story tells of their lives in the Promised Land. As with Morris’ other two books, the story is true and was created with the help of many interviews. At the end of the book are several afterwords — one from Livi and the others from descendants. These end notes provide a sense of closure and validate that the story is about three real sisters and their time in Auschwitz and thereafter.

When I’ve read books about the Holocaust, I find myself reading in disbelief because it is still so hard to believe that these atrocities happened and did so in the recent past, yet there is no doubt they did. This story is filled with courage and hope as these girls struggle and succeed at staying alive. It’s truly an amazing and inspiring story. Morris, through one of the characters, raises the question on many readers’ minds — How could God let this happen? I have no answers but appreciate that one of the sisters has such reservations and doubts about religion and spirituality. I am sure that many who suffered in concentration camps also lost such faith.

“There will be no more praying, little sister. No one is listening to us.”

“… we needed God in those camps, and where was he?’ Cibi says, firmly.”

Another major issue that survivors faced is how to heal and how to put these fears behind them. These experiences led to severe PTSD, feelings that did not have a name back then and no way to deal with them.

“Is this her reality now? Must she carry this crippling fear into her new life? She may no longer be a prisoner, but will she ever be truly free?”

“Cibi understands now: some things are just too awful to accept. Maybe it’s a good thing—who knows what they may yet have to endure? Maybe it’s a skill she too will have to learn to cultivate.”

“Like Cibi, she has no idea if, when or how they will begin to heal.”

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.