The Tattooist of Auschwitz
In the words of Graeme Simson– ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ is an extraordinary document, coming more than seventy years after the events it describes, and reminding us how many stories will forever remain untold. It reminds us that every one of the unimaginably large number of Holocaust victims was an individual with a unique story… And this story is an extraordinary one, even by the standards of Holocaust stories- by turns moving, confronting and uplifting and, of course, a window on one of the most horrific events in human history. Heather Morris tells Lale’s story with dignity and restrain, never letting her own voice intrude, nor letting the love story overwhelm the greater context of displacement, trauma and survival.
This is Lale’s story, a 24-year-old who is taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp and because of his command over languages is offered the role of the tattooist. The Love story that evolves and stays in a situation where every day is a reminder of the uncertainty of life ahead is exemplary. It gives hope to every heart that reads it –love keeps you going.
Death alone persists in this place.
tattooist of Auschwitz
To be free to make love whenever, wherever we want.
Gita, Page 147
If you wake up in the morning, it is a good day.
Lale,Page 260
A Glimpse of a conversation between Lale and love of his life (Gita):
‘I have no problem with you keeping your faith.’ Says Lale gently.’ In fact, I will encourage your faith if it means a lot to you and keeps you by my side. When we leave here, I will encourage you to practice your faith, and when our babies come along, they can follow their mother’s faith. Does that satisfy you?’
‘Babies? I don’t know if I will be able to have Children. I think I’m screwed up inside.’
‘Once we leave here and I can fatten you up a little, we will have babies, and they will be beautiful babies; they will take after their mother.’
‘Thank You, my love. You make me want to believe in a future.’
‘Good. Does that mean you will tell me your surname and where you come from?’
‘Not yet. I told you, on the day we leave this place. Please don’t ask me again.’
The difficult words from this book are provided in the next blog.
Some Holocaust Images:
thanks for writing this. would love to hear out the complete love story…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe someday💕
LikeLike
Nicely written🙌 I liked both the content and the style of the post.
I find this especially interesting as I am reading ‘Mans search for meaning’ by Victor Frankl, which describes the terrible condition in Auschwitz, and how some people are able to cope up in such extreme conditions. Its an eye opener.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for appreciating… When I first read this book I came to know about the horrific genocide more closely although I had some insight of the holocaust but reading it through feelings of the survivors was like living it and thus unbelievable…
Also to find and sustain a love in such inhuman condition is exceptional…
I would like to read ‘Mans search for meaning too..
Thanks again for sharing your views and suggesting a related book…✌
LikeLiked by 1 person