It's hard to find the words to review this book. Based upon the true story of Lale Sokolov it relates the realities of surviving life in a concentration camp. Lale is determined to make it out of Auschwitz alive, especially after he meets Gita, in his role as camp Tattooist.
The role never sits comfortably with him and he develops friendships throughout the camp. He manages to create a network of trading partners and saves spare food he receives (due to his "privileged" position) to share amongst those less fortunate/swap for other goods.
It's all a matter of survival. Although the book is biographical it's written in the style of a novel and sometimes you almost forget that this was Lale's real life. Often you are brought back to harrowing reality with graphic images of the sheer horrors that were meted out.
Beyond just a story of a vile period in history this is a tale of love and determination and a book that will certainly stay with me for some time to come.
The role never sits comfortably with him and he develops friendships throughout the camp. He manages to create a network of trading partners and saves spare food he receives (due to his "privileged" position) to share amongst those less fortunate/swap for other goods.
It's all a matter of survival. Although the book is biographical it's written in the style of a novel and sometimes you almost forget that this was Lale's real life. Often you are brought back to harrowing reality with graphic images of the sheer horrors that were meted out.
Beyond just a story of a vile period in history this is a tale of love and determination and a book that will certainly stay with me for some time to come.