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The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A Novel Paperback – Deckle Edge, September 4, 2018
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#1 New York Times Bestseller and #1 International Bestseller • Now a Peacock Original Series starring Harvey Keitel and Melanie Lynskey
This beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov—an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity.
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz is an extraordinary document, a story about the extremes of human behavior existing side by side: calculated brutality alongside impulsive and selfless acts of love. I find it hard to imagine anyone who would not be drawn in, confronted and moved. I would recommend it unreservedly to anyone, whether they’d read a hundred Holocaust stories or none.”—Graeme Simsion, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov's experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarper Paperbacks
- Publication dateSeptember 4, 2018
- Dimensions5.31 x 0.65 x 8 inches
- ISBN-100062797158
- ISBN-13978-0062797155
- Lexile measureHL760L
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From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Review
“Based on a true story, the wrenching yet riveting tale of Lale’s determination to survive the camp with Gita is a moving testament to the power of kindness, ingenuity, and hope.”
— People
“Like the Nobel Prize-winning author Elie Wiesel’s Night, Morris’ work takes us inside the day-to-day workings of the most notorious German death camp. Over the course of three years, Morris interviewed Lale, teasing out his memories and weaving them into her heart-rending narrative of a Jew whose unlikely forced occupation as a tattooist put him in a position to act with kindness and humanity in a place where both were nearly extinct.” — BookPage
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the story of hope and survival against incredible odds and the power of love.” — Popsugar
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz is an extraordinary document. I find it hard to imagine anyone who would not be drawn in, confronted and moved. I would recommend it unreservedly to anyone, whether they’d read a hundred Holocaust stories or none.” — Graeme Simsion, internationally-bestselling author of The Rosie Project
“What an extraordinary and important book this is. We need as many memories of the Holocaust as we can retain, and this is a moving and ultimately uplifting story of love, loyalties and friendship amidst the horrors of war.” — International bestseller Jill Mansell
“As many interviews as I did with Holocaust survivors for the Shoah Foundation and as many devastating testimonies as I heard, I could not stop reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz—an extraordinary story of love so fierce it sustained people enduring the unimaginable. Read it, share it, remember it.” — Jenna Blum, New York Times and international bestselling author of Those Who Save Us and The Lost Family
“To many, this book will be most appreciated for its powerful evocation of the everyday horrors of life as a prisoner in a concentration camp, while others will be heartened by the novel’s message of how true love can transcend even the most hellishly inhuman environments. This is a perfect novel for book clubs and readers of historical fiction.” — Publishers Weekly
“This is a powerful, gut-wrenching tale that is hard to shake off.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Although one might suspect that there’s far more to his past than is revealed here, much of Lale’s story’s complexity makes it onto the page. And even though it’s clear that Lale will survive, Morris imbues the novel with remarkable suspense.”
— Booklist
From the Back Cover
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.
About the Author
Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now resident in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the US. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who “might just have a story worth telling.” The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Their friendship grew and Lale embarked on a journey of self-scrutiny, entrusting the innermost details of his life during the Holocaust to her. Heather originally wrote Lale’s story as a screenplay—which ranked high in international competitions—before reshaping it into her debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Product details
- Publisher : Harper Paperbacks; Illustrated edition (September 4, 2018)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062797158
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062797155
- Lexile measure : HL760L
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.65 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #21,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author
Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now resident in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the US. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who ‘might just have a story worth telling’. The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Their friendship grew and Lale embarked on a journey of self-scrutiny, entrusting the innermost details of his life during the Holocaust to her. Heather originally wrote Lale’s story as a screenplay – which ranked high in international competitions – before reshaping it into her debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story riveting, poignant, and incredible. They describe the book as an interesting, fast read about Romany victims of the Nazis. The writing quality is praised as well-written and easy to follow. Many readers appreciate the heartwarming story that reflects the strength within the human spirit. They find the characters believable and strong. The book creates a stunning image that stays in their minds.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story's narrative. They find it riveting and poignant, with an incredible account of survival in inhumane conditions. Readers appreciate the enlightening read into the horrors of how the world was there. The epilogue is a nice touch. Overall, they describe the book as an amazing true account of a man who lived under the worst circumstances.
"...secondary characters helped to build this world, and helped Lale and Gitas during their journey, and also that contributed to Lale's work and life...." Read more
"...I rated this 4 stars because it's a tragically beautiful love story. As I said it's not written in a traditionally great way...." Read more
"...The writing was wonderful, and the stories were so humbling. May our world never experience this ever again." Read more
"Excellent story that tears at your heart and soul. The details bring the story to life and make you feel all the emotions." Read more
Customers find the book an engaging read. They appreciate learning about Romany victims of the Nazis and the creative ways Lale helped them. The account is described as powerful and a fictionalized version of events during that period.
"...The strength, the optimist, and the creativity Lale had, the way he was able to help others. people love him as he always brought hope...." Read more
"...What a beautiful mindset to have...." Read more
"A remarkable and humbling read for a WWII enthusiast. This book allowed me to feel as if I was experiencing it myself...." Read more
"...All are great reads but not easy because of the subject matter...." Read more
Customers find the writing quality of the book engaging and well-crafted. They say it's a compelling read that is hard to put down. The author presents the story in an easy-to-follow manner, with plenty of detail and emotion. Overall, readers describe the book as a fast and captivating read.
"...that I did that as The Tattooist of Auschwitz was an amazing story and book that I really was missing from it.. this is the story of Lale Sokolov..." Read more
"...authors and say that the authors writing was superb but the authors does tell a story, she does write in a way that gives you a small glimpse in to..." Read more
"...The writing was wonderful, and the stories were so humbling. May our world never experience this ever again." Read more
"...Essy to read." Read more
Customers find the story inspiring and heartwarming. They appreciate the strength of the human spirit and how it illuminates the pages. The book puts life into perspective for readers, focusing on faith and positive thinking.
"...Tattooist of Auschwitz is the real story of Lale, a man who was kind, empathic, and with a heart of gold that his love for Gita was the only thing..." Read more
"...The details bring the story to life and make you feel all the emotions." Read more
"...distraction through dreams of and plans for the future, inspire selfless and risky action, and sustain and inspire during the darkest hours when it..." Read more
"...but the uplifting spirit of the characters in this book makes it very interesting! Essy to read." Read more
Customers find the characters and situations believable. They appreciate the strong and heroic characters who survived the Holocaust. The book makes the events seem more realistic, with the main character's ability to sidestep death and help others.
"...Many great secondary characters helped to build this world, and helped Lale and Gitas during their journey, and also that contributed to Lale's work..." Read more
"...subject matter, the fact that not only could Lale survive, he never lost his humanity...." Read more
"Story was very engaging and moved along quickly. Characters and situations very believable...." Read more
"...This book doesn’t honor it’s real main characters, their true story. It downplays reality in favour of an easy, romantic lovestory...." Read more
Customers find the book a moving and eye-opening look into the concentration camps during World War II. They say it creates an image that stays in their minds.
"...What a beautiful mindset to have. Sad but beautiful, how little anything worldly meant to her because she had lost everything important already..." Read more
"...The stories that are being told are heartbreaking and eye-opening. I really loved this book." Read more
"Stunning,story of survival under the most unthinkable surcumstances. Well written,could not put story down until it's magical ending...." Read more
"...The compassion you see from Lale throughout the story made the rough parts beautiful. This book had even with so many painful points...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the story. Some find it inspiring and heartbreaking, with beautiful moments. Others describe it as a hard and emotional read, with conflicting emotions like anger, fear, joy, sadness, and brutality. The storytelling style is described as detached and unsettling.
"...is based on two very real people's story is both beautiful and heart breaking...." Read more
"...The story is heart-wrenchingly sad at times, as might be expected considering the subject matter, but the horrors though seen occasionally are not..." Read more
"Excellent story that tears at your heart and soul. The details bring the story to life and make you feel all the emotions." Read more
"Loved the story telling here. Heart breaking but a very written narrative...." Read more
Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it moving and easy to follow, with a good flow. Others feel it's rushed and lacking some details, making it difficult to understand the history and situations.
"...so he takes the job with its perks of extra rations and freer movement around the camp...." Read more
"...and the depth of the context, this novel has the piece-y feel of random memories strung together...." Read more
"...Morris relates Lale's story in a straight-forward, unrelenting manner, detailing how he was stripped of his very identity and assigned a number,..." Read more
"...privileges including more food, a private room and more liberty to move around inside the walls than what is allowed for the many thousands of other..." Read more
Reviews with images
a welcome addition to the Auschwitz library
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2021I was waiting to read Three sisters the third book of this series but when I found that I had to read the first three books of The Tattooist of Auschwitz I decided to start from the beginning and pick up the first book of this series.
I'm happy that I did that as The Tattooist of Auschwitz was an amazing story and book that I really was missing from it.. this is the story of Lale Sokolov and Gita.
Lale was a Slovakian Jew, transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau on April 23, 1942, with the number 32407. He survived the worst because of his intelligence and charismatic ways to help and see through many of the other Jews and people who were constantly arriving at these camps as well as he spoke many languages that helped him to secure the most valuable opportunities and jobs to survive.
Lale was the tattooist of the camp, a job that will provide him with food, jewels, and many favors that eventually can save his life and the life of many others, he trusted many but at the same time, he was careful to continue helping in a low key manner so the SS and the guards will not find out his moves around the camp.
Lale's life was not an easy one to learn, what he went through in real life was hard for only one to endure. I was really sad to read many of the things he constantly had to endure thinking how can he still be so composed and not lose his mind? but after all, he was the glue that helped many to survive. I'm glad Lale's family was able to share his story with us. it is many of the amazing stories people have to hear and learn.
The strength, the optimist, and the creativity Lale had, the way he was able to help others. people love him as he always brought hope. for sharing his food and many other things the other people needed in the camps, he was a great man.
Gita was transported to Auschwitz on April 13, 1942, with the number 34902 she didn't know what was going to happen to her, she only fears she will lose herself in the middle of these walls. she was about to meet the only person that will matter the most and will change her life forever, he was the only one that was able to help her and her friends, he has become the reason for her to continue this journey called life.
One of the saddest moments of the book definitely was the Gypsy part. it did break me and made me feel terrible. I wanted to hug Lale at that moment immensely
Many great secondary characters helped to build this world, and helped Lale and Gitas during their journey, and also that contributed to Lale's work and life. Leon, was an amazing help, I cried so much with what he went through, he didn't deserve any of that he was a great friend to Lale, Gita, Dana, Ivana, Cilka, Jakub, even Baretski was a good character.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the real story of Lale, a man who was kind, empathic, and with a heart of gold that his love for Gita was the only thing that helped him to survive the terrible things SS and the Nazis were constantly doing to them.
Amazing book, I can wait to continue this journey.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024Books like these that tell of a terrible part of history are always hard. It is a reminder of just how horrible and depraved humans can become when made to believe we are so different.
As a semi fictional book the author does a good job telling the story of Lale and Gita. To find out that this is based on two very real people's story is both beautiful and heart breaking.
I am a true believer that if we ever forget our history we are doomed to repeat ourselves. This story, although I'd not say written well in the traditional sense, is beautifully done. It shows how the Jewish people were resilient, and strong. That did what they had to, in order to survive.
To be looked at as someone who agreed with what the Nazis were doing just so you could survive, to be scared of being called a conspirator after the hell you lived through is terrifying.
Lale and Gitas story is one I'm glad was recorded. Even if it's not 100% what actually happened as far as some dialogue. It is one of I'm sure hundreds of thousands of incredible and devastating stories.
To get a glimpse of some of the actual hell that was Auschwitz. But it also showed that not all Nazis hated all Jews completely. Not that what any of what they did was ok but that they didn't look at them as complete nothings.
I hope this story makes it far. I hope that younger generations read this and know that no matter what we face having hope and the will to survive is enough.
At the end when the author is talking to Lale and Gitas son, to hear how even as his parents lost everything, Gita would smile and song because they were together and that meant it would be ok. What a beautiful mindset to have. Sad but beautiful, how little anything worldly meant to her because she had lost everything important already once.
I rated this 4 stars because it's a tragically beautiful love story. As I said it's not written in a traditionally great way. You wouldn't compare this to great authors and say that the authors writing was superb but the authors does tell a story, she does write in a way that gives you a small glimpse in to two peoples lives. For that I believe it's easily worth 4 stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024A remarkable and humbling read for a WWII enthusiast. This book allowed me to feel as if I was experiencing it myself. The writing was wonderful, and the stories were so humbling. May our world never experience this ever again.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025Excellent story that tears at your heart and soul. The details bring the story to life and make you feel all the emotions.
Top reviews from other countries
- CallieReviewed in Canada on January 12, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing book
This is a fantastic retelling of a love story that wins in the worst circumstances. I like the tv adaptation as well but missing key details from the book
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Martín LozanoReviewed in Mexico on December 5, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy envolvente
Buen estilo que atrapa.
- Its good quality, small and softReviewed in Germany on September 10, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Good, but still reading
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in India on August 12, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read story of love
Must read book. Happened in one of the hardest time to live . It a story about the man who survives, falls in love and has an happy ending when a ton of people didnt get. It's story of hope and a lesson so that history doesn't repeat itself .
- Amber1234Reviewed in Belgium on May 28, 2024
1.0 out of 5 stars Received package damaged
I received the book damaged with ink/ used, while I payed for a brand new book. Not happy
Amber1234
Reviewed in Belgium on May 28, 2024
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