I have been waiting for this book for a long time. Heather Morris also wrote The tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's Journey. I cannot think of two other books I have loved this much and now it is three. I have loved each and every one equally. The author finds a way to spin a story of despair into hope.

Three Sisters is a story of three sisters who end up in Auschwitz together after promising their father to always take care of each other. These sisters are so instrumental in each other's stories. Surviving the concentration camp is only the beginning of the story for these three. They are able to forge a future from the ashes.

I love that the author adds a note which explains how she was presented the story of these sisters and how their story came to be told. This is yet another survivor story that everyone needs to hear. I absolutely love that we get glimpses of Lale and Gita from The tattooist and of Cilka from Cilka's Journey. It truly proves that we are all connected.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

“Three Sisters” by Heather Morris is the final book in her memorable and beloved “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” trilogy. And this book ends the series on a hopeful note.

The three sisters are Cibi, Magda, and Livi. They live happily with their family in Slovakia. Before their father faces a serious surgery, he admonishes them to promise to always care for each other. He dies during the surgery, and the three sisters remember his command. When Hitler and the Nazis come to power, the pledge of the three sisters to always stick together and care for each other is put to the test.

No matter how many World War II books I have read, the absolute depravity and insanity of Auschwitz and the other concentration camps always horrifies me. Cibi and Livi are sent to Auschwitz first in 1942, which meant that for three years they kept their vow and cared for each other day by heartbreaking day. Their sister Magda was transported to the camp in 1944. She was there for the final death march and the end of the war. Together the three of them completed the near impossible- they helped each other and survived.

Life after the war is still difficult for the three sisters. Feeling of survivor’s guilt and nightmares continue to haunt them. But they always focused on their pledge to stay together and care for each other. The miracle of Israel helps the sisters to heal as they start again in a new country that belongs them.

“Three Sisters” is a story of heartbreak and hope. I especially enjoyed reading about life in Israel after World War II. As the sisters married, and had children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren we are grateful for their survival, yet overwhelmed by the unbelievable loss of so many future generations that were brutally ended in the death camps.

This historical fiction is based on a true story. It is written in a simple and loving way and readers who love inspiring stories will be satisfied. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

“Three Sisters”, ….Historical Holocaust- ‘based-on-a- true-story’, novel was written from love, warmth, and compassion….which any reader can see.
Heather Morris’s own heart is as big as they come.
Heather met with two of the sisters - 90ish- years old-
still alive - who spent hours with Heather sharing their story.
I could image the passion - power - and gratefulness the sisters and Heather felt being together, their communication exchanges and appreciation each of these ladies felt.

As for my personal experience of reading “Three Sisters” …. I bumped up against my resistance- my judgements- my ‘mind’.
The tone of the book (for me), felt elementary and the dialogue between the sisters felt too sugary-sappy, for my taste. Their was a fluffiness tone - that many readers might adore —
But… I’ve read dozens and dozens of Holocaust stories—
so for me—I was ‘Holocaust-spent’…. to be reading a fluffy-tone-tale.
I just didn’t feel I was learning anything new ‘about’ the horrors, struggles, hunger, work conditions- or escape …,
I found myself ‘not wanting’ to read every word of every page of this 400 page novel.
I admit - I started skimming- reading quickly…
just wanting to finish it and move on.
But…..
I ‘do’ appreciate Heather’s work and dedication—
and of course it’s moving to meet Holocaust survivors.

I enjoyed the Author’s Notes at the end. The straight history about the characters ‘was’ interesting to me…
but the storytelling itself ….left me feeling “been here - read this” too many times.

“Three Sisters” ‘would’ be a wonderful book to educate and put into the hands of young adults.

Cibi, Magda, and Livi are the names of the sisters from
whom this survival story is based.
The sisters grew up in Slovakia. In 1942, as teenagers, they left their home (a little family background at the start, along with the basic conditions and circumstances of the times)….
then off to work for the Germans.

The theme of the sisters was to ‘always protect’ each other - a ‘promise’ they made to their father. I felt this ‘promise’ was over- done - but ….at the same time, yes, I get it.

Cibi and Livi were sent to Auschwitz, while the middle sister, Magda, was hiding.
Two years later, in 1944, Magda was captured, and joined her sisters in the camp.
Eventually they find their way back home….make it to “The Promise Land”, in Israel.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Heather Morris.

The Power of Love and Devotion

Heartbreaking , Tragic, and Tear Jerking, this book deserves more than five stars. Oh My, I just couldn't stop reading it. The girls in this book showed so much courage and fortitude. To know that it is based on some real characters is just so sad. I don't know how anyone could go through what these girls did and live. It is no wonder that they fought the memories for so long.

I was glad that Cibi and Livi had each other in the Concentration camps. I also felt Magda's pain that she had been left behind. The girls had strength and hope on their side. Livi never lost faith. I was glad to see them reunited when Magda arrived even though it was in the camp. There was so many times in the book that I had to stop and wipe away the tears so I could keep reading.

I liked how the book showed the Kapos and officers as both good and bad in the same person. One minute they would soften and do something kind and the next they would cause someone's death. How could a person live with themselves in that situation? I think maybe some of those that worked in the camp must have had some deep mental problems, if not before the camps I am sure they did afterwards. Then some Nazi's were just pure evil.

It was a good touch to start the book showing a good loving family and the beautiful home they had before the Nazi's came. Then the way the neighbors and friends turned against the Jewish after the Nazi's came. It was very sad also in the aftermath when the sisters went home and how they were treated.
I loved the last part of the book. I would hope that some of the Jewish people did find their family members and regain a portion of their lives and were able to be happy again.

This was a very emotional read, but it showed some great courage and strength and documented some events in history that need to be remembered so that they never happen again. I would most definitely recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

Thanks to Heather Morris, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a copy of the book.