This book was raw and true and uplifting. It had me from the first page. A true fight for survival - the survival of the fittest and smartest. What a wonderful story. I fell in love with the characters in this story. The pain and suffering they witnessed was horrific and very sadly real life. It’s amazing as I am in awe of all of the survivors of Austwittz - they have retold their stories in a most magnificent way to capture the reader and draw them into the story. The tattooist remembers details that must have kept him going every day. He fell in love and this is what kept him going every day. He recalls horrific tales about individuals he encountered every day - even some of the nazi soldiers. He remembers their characters, flaws and those who were truly evil. This book was heartbreaking but brilliant which is really difficult to capture in one story. Recommend it highly five stars