Overall, I really enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz. I enjoyed learning about Lale and how he is as a person. However, at times I got frustrated as the author portrayed Lale as an absolute hero. There is no doubt that Lale was a hero as he risked his life to distribute food and medicine to other prisoners. But I had wished the author had made reference to the thousands of others, who did an equally admirable job. The same goes for the portrayal of Auschwitz. The fact that the author capitalises on Lale's almost 'brotherly' relationship with Baretski and the ability to bribe the Kapos to be able to spend time with Gita irritated me. It must have been a terrible place and by homing in on this distracted from the true horrors and brutality of the camp. It was interesting to see how the prisoners at Auschwitz developed a routine, which quickly became their new 'normal'.
I really admire Lale and Gita (and all other Holocaust survivors) and cried at the ending.
I really admire Lale and Gita (and all other Holocaust survivors) and cried at the ending.