In 1942, 24 year old Lale Sokolov, a jack the lad and ladies man, from Krompachy, Slovakia puts himself forward to to be transported to work for the German Government in order to save his family. He is taken by train to Auschwitz and realises he is in hell on earth but is determined to survive. He is given work building huts at the start and after time becomes the 'Tatowierer' the tattooist who scratch the numbers into the arms of his fellow inmates. Being the tattooist, he is given more food and has the freedom to move from the men and women. He uses this freedom to give extra rations to his fellow prisoners. He is also able to do deals with some guards and outside workers for supplies in exchange for money and jewellery the and the women prisoners take from the suitcases of the inmates. A dangerous task but a lifesaver for many prisoners.
One day in the line awaiting to be tattooed is a beautiful young girl, she is scared and shaking. Lale takes her arm gently and with much care tattoos 4902 on her arm. He knows he is in love with her. Overtime Gita also falls in love with Lale and this keeps them sane in the midst of the horrors around them.
This true story written as a novel in funny, sad and shows love conquers all. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone.
One day in the line awaiting to be tattooed is a beautiful young girl, she is scared and shaking. Lale takes her arm gently and with much care tattoos 4902 on her arm. He knows he is in love with her. Overtime Gita also falls in love with Lale and this keeps them sane in the midst of the horrors around them.
This true story written as a novel in funny, sad and shows love conquers all. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone.