This book offered some new insights in to the horrific occurrences at Auschwitz. As Lale had access to areas that most prisoners would not have seen or escaped without surviving, his story is unique. We glimpse the lives of Mengele's victims, the torture within the Penal Units and the relationships between the rarely discussed array of communities within the camp, all from the eyes of a Jewish Prisoner wanting to survive.
Lale's story cannot be judged and it is important that his story be shared.
I have rated 3 stars purely for the quality of the writing which I felt made the story quite 'light' and it is not a surprise that Heather Morris is a playwright. I can see the scenes quite clearly being played out on a stage. The romance within the story takes precedence which was undermining of the ongoings however I do understand this might very well be the point! I was uncomfortable with Lale's interests in women and clothing which seemed out of place and were repeated throughout. I have read many autobiographies of Auschwitz survivors which I would recommend over this book if you are wanting a more factual and realistic insight. I would advise that this book takes a 'soft' approach which does not portray the horrors of Auschwitz effectively at all. However Lale's story is invaluable and I will definitely be reading Cilka's Story upon its release.
Lale's story cannot be judged and it is important that his story be shared.
I have rated 3 stars purely for the quality of the writing which I felt made the story quite 'light' and it is not a surprise that Heather Morris is a playwright. I can see the scenes quite clearly being played out on a stage. The romance within the story takes precedence which was undermining of the ongoings however I do understand this might very well be the point! I was uncomfortable with Lale's interests in women and clothing which seemed out of place and were repeated throughout. I have read many autobiographies of Auschwitz survivors which I would recommend over this book if you are wanting a more factual and realistic insight. I would advise that this book takes a 'soft' approach which does not portray the horrors of Auschwitz effectively at all. However Lale's story is invaluable and I will definitely be reading Cilka's Story upon its release.