105 pages • 3 hours read
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Auschwitz, Germany • 1940s
2018
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris tells the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew and Holocaust survivor, who becomes the tattooist at Auschwitz and falls in love with a fellow prisoner, Gita. As he tattoos prisoners, Lale uses his position to trade for contraband to aid others' survival. Despite the dehumanizing conditions, he remains morally resilient and ultimately reunites with Gita after the war. The book includes graphic depictions of violence and trauma experienced by Holocaust survivors.
Melancholic
Emotional
Romantic
Dark
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
1,180,996 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris has garnered a mixed reception. Critics and readers praise its heartfelt storytelling and the poignant portrayal of love amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. However, some find fault with its historical inaccuracies and simplistic writing style. Overall, it's seen as an emotionally engaging narrative but uneven in historical fidelity. Work Cited: Morris, Heather. The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Harper, 2018.
Who Should Read The Tattooist of Auschwitz?
A reader who would enjoy The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is captivated by historical fiction based on true events, particularly those centered on WWII and the Holocaust. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay will find this poignant love story of resilience and survival compelling.
1,180,996 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gita Furman
Gita Furman
A young Jewish woman from Slovakia, who becomes Lale's love interest; her relationship with Lale provides both characters with hope and strength.
Jakub
Jakub
An American Jew of Polish descent who is forced into a brutal role at Auschwitz but remembers Lale's kindness and tries to protect him.
Baretski
Baretski
An SS officer who oversees Lale and exhibits a complex mix of resentment and respect towards him.
Cilka
Cilka
A beautiful young woman whose appearance and situation bring her horrific attention from an SS officer, yet her influence aids Lale in times of need.
Victor and Yuri
Victor and Yuri
Polish construction workers who become allies to Lale, assisting him by smuggling goods into the camp.
Pepan
Pepan
The original tattooist of Auschwitz who brings Lale under his wing and secures him a position as his assistant.
Aron
Aron
A fellow prisoner who displays unwavering faith in Lale and sacrifices himself to protect him.
Schwarzhuber
Schwarzhuber
A high-ranking SS officer in Birkenau with a dark and predatory interest in Cilka, adding to the cruelty of her experiences.
Goldie Sokolov
Goldie Sokolov
Lale's younger sister, who survives the war and reunites with him in Slovakia after the conflict ends.
288
Novel • Fiction
Auschwitz, Germany • 1940s
2018
Adult
16+ years
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