A compelling novel which I will never forget. Am now reading Cilka's Story.

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it drop, you will laugh and cry.

One of the most understated, beautifully written books I’ve ever read. I was constantly waiting for a twist in the narrative and then remembered it isn’t fictional.

Great read. Harrowing story but great that it is being told. There must be so many more stories within the bigger framework of the Holocaust.

Such a fabulous book. It didn't take me long to read because I was so caught up in the story. I would reccomend to anyone!

One of the most moving stories i have read- it is almost unimaginable to feel how 2 people could maintain a relationship under those terrible circumstances.The story had to be related by someone who had been there. Great

This book was recommended to me and I’m so glad I read it! From the torment of concentration camps to the blossoming love story... I just loved every page of this book.

Touching, heart warming, and at time overwhelmed with the horror of true events, I read this in a single sitting, and my husband, who usually doesn't read novels, read it right after me.

Brilliant book. Congratulations Heather Morris. Couldn't put it down.

The real-life love story of Lale Sokolov and Gita Fuhrmannova is one that defies belief. Both taken as prisoners to the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, Lale is assigned the position of Tätowierer (tattooist) while Gita is just one prisoner out of thousands. They meet only long enough for Lale to ink the number 34902 onto Gita’s forearm, but it is enough to spark between them a fierce love that comes to thrive in the face of the utmost terror and torment.

With a history like this to tell, The Tattooist of Auschwitz was never going to be anything but a completely harrowing read, but Australian debut novelist Heather Morris has told the story of Lale and Gita with breathtaking tenderness. It is a gripping work of historical fiction, with the reality of life in the camp rendered gravely and with just enough detail to inspire horror. In its best moments, though, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a beautifully told story of a love that has endured the worst of humanity and I could not put it down.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the first novel by Australian author, Heather Morris. At the age of twenty-five, Ludwig (Lale) Eisenberg, a Slovakian Jew, was transported to Auschwitz. He was tattooed with the number 32407. He was transferred 4km down the road to Birkenau (Auschwitz II) where, possibly due to his multi-lingual knowledge, his grooming and his demeanour, he was assigned to help Pepan, the man who tattooed the arm of each Jew entering the camp.

In July of 1942, he was re-tattooing numbers on Jewesses being moved to Birkenau from Auschwitz when he met seventeen-year-old Gisela (Gita) Fuhrmannova. He knew her only by her number, 34902, although he eventually enticed her given name from her. He soon realised he was in love, and he was determined to survive this horrendous experience so that he could live a free life with his beloved Gita.

Being the Tatowierer afforded him some privileges (more food, better accommodation, no hard labour and free passage around the camp), and Lale used it to advantage. But not just for himself. He was resourceful, and managed to feed some of the starving and get better conditions for a few. He saved lives, even while around him death was common, cruel and copious. On many occasions, his actions put him in danger, and his survival against considerable odds had one SS officer asking if he was a cat.

Morris’s novel is based on a true story, and the way she was given the facts to transform into this story, related in the Author’s note, make an interesting footnote. Also included are some photos of the couple and an Afterword by Lale and Gita’s only son, Gary. The basic facts of their lives are given in the Additional Information section, along with a map of Birkenau. Despite the cruelty and suffering, this is a tale of hope and love: a moving and uplifting read.
With thanks to Bonnier Publishing for this copy to read and review.

This is by far the hardest book I’ve ever had to review. I’ve put off reviewing it as I hadn’t the first idea of how I would even try to give this book justice. When I think about it again, the tears flow, when I realise this is a true story the tears never stop. It’s heartbreaking yet heartwarming. Prove that wherever evil exists, human love and humanity will always shine through. A remarkable couple whose story will stay with me for ever.