Book review — The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Set between 1942 and 1945 the book follows the life of the Tätowierer (Tattooist) of Auschwitz, Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov.

Lale volunteers to leave his family in Slovakia as the family’s representative working for the German war effort. He, along with thousands of other young men are transported from all over Europe to Auschwitz in Poland. Many not surviving the journey or the process of sorting on arrival. Those who are survived the sorting process were tattooed with the number that would replace their names for the duration of their survival.

Lale is a natural linguist. Early during his time at Auschwitz Lale falls ill with Typhoid. During his fever he is taken out and thrown on the cart of dead bodies, but one of his friends removes him from the cart and cares for him, helping him through the illness. During the recovery, Lale is helped by the current tattooist who asks the German offices if Lale can be his apprentice.

During his time working as the tattooist, Lale meets his future wife, Gita, who he describes tattooing his heart.

The story then takes a turn to a romance, following the relationship build between Lale and Gita.

Much like any of the stories of survival of Auschwitz, or other concentration camps, Lale and Gita’s story is one of chance. With such a small probability of living through the concentration camps, each survivor has an incredible story of luck and judgement. By their nature, the survivors already have incredible stories to tell, and this is a very easy read.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoyed The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Choice or Lucky Boy.

Five stars.