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The first book chosen for the Domestic Book Club is The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. This book will captivate you, so much so that you might have a hard time putting it down. Based off of a true story, The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris follows the story of Lale Sokolov, the tatowierer (tattooist). Surrounded by the most horrible of conditions during one of the darkest times in history, this is the story of how one Holocaust survivor’s determination to marry the woman of his dreams helped him survive being imprisoned in a concentration camp for years.
I haven’t read anything like this before, so for me this was a page turner. I love memoirs so I liked that this book was based off of a true story from interviews the author did with the real Lale Sokolov. It is incredibly eye-opening what people had to go through- the will and drive they had to have in order to do whatever it took just to survive another day.
This is by no means a “light read”. In fact, this book can be quite difficult to read at many points. This book will open your eyes to the hardships people had to endure while being imprisoned at Auschwitz. This book might even spark some interest and curiosity to look into other Holocaust survivor’s stories – to learn of their history and bravery in the worst place imaginable. I know I did quite a bit of “googling” throughout this book to learn more about each character and their history.
Interview with the real Lale Sokolov in 2004.
Favorite Quotes from the Book:
“If you wake up in the morning, it is a good day”.
Heather Morris from The Tattooist of Auschwitz
“As long as you are alive and healthy, everything will work out for the best.”
Heather Morris from The Tattooist of Auschwitz
“Remember the small things and the big things will work themselves out.”
Heather Morris from The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Liked this book? You should read this next.
I just recently found out that there will be a second book making The Tattooist of Auschwitz a series. In the first book you read a little bit about this character but in the second book you will hear more of Cilka’s story. I’m adding Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris to my personal to-be-read list on GoodReads.
Cilka’s Journey is also based off of a true story. It tells the story of Cilka who was single out from the other female prisoners because of her long hair and beauty by the Commandent at Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. I can’t wait to hear more of her story. Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris will be release on October 1, 2019.
Other Book Recommendations:
The Librarian of Auschwitz: Based on the True Story of Dita Kraus by Antonio Iturbe
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eger
The German Midwife: A Novel by Mandy Robotham
If you watch nothing else today, may it be this incredible interview with Eva Mozes Kor who survived the Holocaust Twin Experiments
This firsthand account from Eva Mozes Kor was the first interview I had ever seen from a Holocaust survivor. Eva Mozes Kor is a truly amazing woman. Her personal story of courage, strength, and the ability to forgive is something to take note of. I think we can all learn something from her. Sadly, she passed away this July (July 4, 2019) but she can never be forgotten.
Light prevails over darkness, and love will always conquer hate.
Eva Mozes Kor, CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center
She opened my eyes and made me see the world in a different light. She is incredible and I’m so very thankful for her. Eva Mozes Kor founded the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Indiana. Eva has also written books about her experience in the concentration camps. Surviving the Angel of Death: The True Story of a Mengele Twin in Auschwitz is the book that I’ve added to my to-be-read list. I hope to read more of her story soon.
Would you volunteer to be imprisoned at Auschwitz like Witold Pilecki?
I recently read about another truly amazing human, through the book Everything is F*cked by Mark Manson, named Witold Pilecki. His story of courage and bravery is unlike any other. I mean, who would willingly want to volunteer to be imprisoned at Auschwitz? His story is definitely worth looking into.
Ready for the next book?
Head on over to the Domestic Book Club page to find out what book we are reading this month and check out other book club books that are worth a read.
I want to hear from you! What did you think of this book?
Let me know in the comment section below
It feels strange to say I loved this book when it was about such a harrowing topic, but I did! I can’t wait to read the book about Cilka. I like how you added the videos in with your review!
I know exactly what you mean, this topic can be tough to talk about. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I’d love to hear of any book recommendations you might have as I’m always looking for a good book to read.