Warning: Contains spoilers

My first read of 2020 is Heather Morris’ novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz based on the true story of one man, Lale Solokov, and the events from one of humanity’s most brutal and darkest times in history – The Holocaust and the Nazi’s persecution of the Jews. We follow the extraordinary journey of Lale, who spent three years imprisoned in Auschwitz- Birkenau working as a Tattooist, permanently marking each man, woman and child who arrived into the camp with a number. Through this, he one day meets Gita Furman and instantly falls in love with her. He is absolutely determined that he and Gita both make it out of Auschwitz alive, so that they can thereafter live a free life together.

In The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Morris tells a beautiful story of love and devotion juxtaposed with themes of brutality, violence and death; amongst all of the horror that Lale and Gita find themselves living within they are still able to find escapism and hope in one another. They are able to steal some time together on Sundays when they don’t have to work and on some occasions Lale even manages to visit Gita in her block. In these moments, we are transported with Lale and Gita, as we can momentarily forget where this love story is taking place and the true horror of their reality.

This was the first book I have ever read from this historical period, so I don’t have much to compare it to in that respect. Regardless of this fact though, I thought The Tattooist of Auschwitz was a brilliant read. It is truly hard to believe that the horrific events detailed in this book actually occurred, simply because they are just absolutely awful and inhumane acts of violence. But this is why it is such an important read – we should all know the truth about The Holocaust. However, Morris also reminds us of the light at the end of the tunnel and that powerful love can win, which, in a novel that is full of darkness, is most definitely needed. Lale’s devotion to Gita is heart- warming and from the moment that they meet, I was praying that they both made it out alive – spoiler – they did. They then go on to get married and have a child, Gary Solokov.

So, what am I ultimately taking away from The Tattooist of Auschwitz?
Something that predominately stood out to me throughout the novel was the inspiring bravery of the characters, not just Lale, but also Cilka (Gita’s friend) who is singled out from the other girls and forced to be a sex slave. Ultimately because of her role and her bravery she is able to save Lale’s life at one point. I was also constantly surprised by Lale’s hope. Even in the direst of times, his hope remains unbroken. Although there is one particular point in the novel where it seems to have been diminished, Gita is there to help him through.