The story follows Lale, a Jewish person from Slovakia who has "chosen" to go to a concentration camp in order to help his family. After being there a few weeks, he takes on the job of helping out the tattooist of the camp who tattoos the numbers onto peoples' arms as they enter the camp. He eventually becomes the main tattooist after the other person suddenly disappears. Because of his job, he gets extra rations of food and he shares them between his other camp mates. Doing this puts him in contact with many people and gives him many friends that are willing to help him in the future. The book is about how Lale survives being in a concentration camp, keeping on the right side of the guards, and how he found the love of his life.
This story is so beautiful, raw and honest. I have read quite a few historical fiction novels, however none that are based on a true story. Lale's story left me with a mixture of emotions (mostly tears) and it is one of those books that will stay with me forever.
This story is so beautiful, raw and honest. I have read quite a few historical fiction novels, however none that are based on a true story. Lale's story left me with a mixture of emotions (mostly tears) and it is one of those books that will stay with me forever.