A story of compassion where anything but despair seems impossible.
A photograph of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ – by Heather Morris.
‘’I tattooed a number in her arm. She tattooed her name in my heart’’
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov a Slovakian Jew who grew up in the town of Krompachy was forced to leave his family and taken to Auschwitz. Upon arrival, the SS discovered Lale’s ability speak several different languages and he was set to work as the ‘Tätowierer’ (German for Tattooist) a job which forced him to defile the bodies of millions of innocent people imprisoned in both Auschwitz and Birkenau. A job which would haunt him for the rest of his life.
He was held captive by the Nazi’s for almost three years and witnessed some of the most horrific and barbaric dehumanizing that took place the during the Holocaust. Despite experiencing one of the worlds darkest and perilous times his story still manages to be one of love, hope, and compassion. Lale is determined that both himself and his love Gita will make it out alive.
What makes the story stand out, is its focus on the solidarity and acts of kindness that took place between the prisoners at Auschwitz as well as the endless suffering. Heather Morris understands the significance this had on both Lale’s journey and his survival and brings it beautifully to her writing.
I’ve found it difficult to write this review as I was so deeply moved, I struggled to put it into words. I’m certain that long after finishing ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ the poignancy of Lale’s message will stay with me; the fact that such bravery and endurance finds a way to exist despite the harrowing torture evokes emotions within me that I cannot even begin to describe.
I would urge anyone to read this book whether they know lots or little about the Holocaust as it shines a light of humanity into a world where only inhumanity is known.
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