The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris published in 2018 was a New York Times Bestseller and seemed to be everywhere for a few years. Originally written as a screenplay, it was instead produced in novel form. It follows the life of concentration camp prisoner Lale Sokolov and his love for fellow prisoner Gita. The Slovakian Jews end up at Auschwitz-Birkenau a few weeks apart in 1942 and were there for three years. Lale takes on the role of tattooing numbers onto the arms of prisoners as they show up at the labour camp. The role offers a few small perks in an otherwise dismal situation.
Reportedly, the book has faced scrutiny as it is was based on the information told by Lale to the author and at times does not match up to factual events. Regardless, what does make the book interesting is that it focuses on the relationships rather than strictly the atrocities these people suffered. The fleeting interactions with Gita that Lale cherishes are contrasted with his interactions with SS guard Stefan Baretski who at times offers the smallest bits of kindness but was otherwise was a wretched person. Baretski was later sentenced to life in prison for the crimes he committed during the Holocaust. The book is hard to put down and offers a glimpse of humanity during one of the saddest periods in human history.
8/10
The Light Appears 