The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a powerful tale of true love and survival during one of the darkest times of human history. Based on a true story, this book is one that you will definitely want to keep tissues nearby while reading.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
When I started reading this book, I was so nervous. I love reading about true stories and history, but there are some topics that are more difficult to read about than others. The Holocaust is definitely very high on my list of difficult topics.
This book was a bit tough for me, simply because of the horrible setting and events. However, the story was also incredibly hopeful and positive. I adored the tone that the author made sure was prevalent throughout as I felt that it really matched the overall mindset of the main character.
The entire book was written so wonderfully. When the main character was afraid, I, too, felt afraid. When he was enraged, I was enraged. When he was heartbroken, I felt heartbroken. And when there were moments of heartwarming love or immense relief, I felt similar feelings. Of course, I could never imagine the true power of each of these emotions, as I didn’t live the same experiences, I thought the author did an amazing job really putting you in the shoes of the characters.
I really enjoyed how character driven the story was. Each of the characters really came to life within the pages. Even when I put the book down, I found myself thinking about them and worrying about what was going to happen next. Each of the friendships that developed were so extraordinary. Seeing how people can band together and take care of one another in times of terror is absolutely incredible.
This is a book that you just have to read.
As a reader, I am so grateful to Lale Eisnberg for sharing his story, and for Heather Morris for putting this wonderful novel together.
My Favorite Passages from The Tattooist of Auschwitz
He forces a small smile. She returns a smaller one. Her eyes, however, dance before him. As he looks into them, his heart seems simultaneously to stop and to begin for the first time, pounding, almost threatening to burst out of his chest.
Whenever possible, he listens to the talk and gossip of the SS, who don’t know he understands them.They give him ammunition of the only sort available to him- knowledge, to be stored up for later.
“You must first learn to listen to her. Even if you are tired, never be too tired to listen to what she has to say. Learn what she likes and, more important, what she doesn’t like. When you can, give her little treats- flowers, chocolates. Women like those things.”
My Final Thoughts on The Tattooist of Auschwitz
A must-read. This book is so powerful. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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Deanna Reads Books says
I totally get what you mean, this is a tough subject to talk about, but sounds like a good book to look into!
Deanna Reads Books
Erica Metcalf says
<3
Christina Reid says
I have been wanting to read this one for a while and your review has just made me want to read it even more!
Erica Metcalf says
<3
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts says
The Holocaust, despite how interesting and fascinating (not in that wow, I want to do the same thing way), is definitely one of the dark ones topics out there. Personally I enjoy reading about the Holocaust because I want to know more about why a group of people could be put under so much hatred. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is one of the few out there that I hear are positive, so I'm glad you enjoyed it and the emotional pulls it has on you!
Erica Metcalf says
<3
Amy says
This does sound so well written and powerful, but I don't think I could take it! The topic is just too harrowing. I'd be in tears from start to finish, I think.
Erica Metcalf says
Yeah, it was definitely tough!!
Stephen Donovan says
Great review, Erica. And I completely agree, tis book is a must-read.
Erica Metcalf says
<3
chucklesthescot says
I used to read a lot on the subject but it did become hard to read because of the upsetting subject matter. I used to read a lot of abuse true stories but that started affecting my depression and I had to stop.
Erica Metcalf says
Yeah, it's so hard to separate yourself from those dark stories! I only read them every once in awhile. I have to break them up!
Unknown says
I just got it a couple of weeks back and was so happy as it's been on my to read list, and after reading your review, I just know it's going to have to be read sooner than later!
Erica Metcalf says
Awesome!! I want to say enjoy, but that feels a bit odd here. <3
Olivia-Savannah says
I really want to read this one and I have been seeing raving reviews everywhere. It definitely is some kind of talent if you can make such a sad, horrific and terrible time and be able to put hopeful moments in there too. I am glad to know the writing is wonderful as well. Thanks for the recommendation x
Erica Metcalf says
For sure!! I hope you love it as much as I did! It's heartbreaking, but also lovely.
McKenzie Allyshia says
I've had this book on my "to read" shelf for a while and I definitely cannot wait to read it. I can only imagine how heart breaking parts of it were. The holocaust is a hard topic to read about and re-live.
Erica Metcalf says
<3
Gayathri Lakshminarayanan says
I have been seeing this one everywhere and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I love reading about the WW-II so this is right up my alley.
Gayathri @ Elgee Writes
Erica Robyn says
<3