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The Tattooist of Auschwitz

By: Heather Morris
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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Publisher's Summary

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov, two Slovakian Jews who survived Auschwitz and eventually made their home in Australia. In that terrible place, Lale was given the job of tattooing the prisoners marked for survival - literally scratching numbers into his fellow victims' arms in indelible ink to create what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust. Lale used the infinitesimal freedom of movement that this position awarded him to exchange jewels and money taken from murdered Jews for food to keep others alive. If he had been caught, he would have been killed; many owed him their survival.

There have been many books about the Holocaust - and there will be many more. What makes this one so memorable is Lale Sokolov's incredible zest for life. He understood exactly what was in store for him and his fellow prisoners, and he was determined to survive - not just to survive but to leave the camp with his dignity and integrity intact, to live his life to the full. Terrible though this story is, it is also a story of hope and of courage. It is also - almost unbelievably - a love story. Waiting in line to be tattooed, terrified and shaking, was a young girl. For Lale - a dandy, a jack-the-lad, a bit of a chancer - it was love at first sight, and he determined not only to survive himself but to ensure that Gita did, too. His story - their story - will make you weep, but you will also find it uplifting. It shows the very best of humanity in the very worst of circumstances.

Like many survivors, Lale and Gita told few people their story after the war. They eventually made their way to Australia, where they raised a son and had a successful life. But when Gita died, Lale felt he could no longer carry the burden of their past alone. He chose to tell his story.

©2018 Heather Morris (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

What listeners say about The Tattooist of Auschwitz

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Couldn’t stop listening

Wow what an amazing insight to the horrors that was Auschwitz! So moving I cried from sadness and I cried from happiness. Amazing thank you

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27 people found this helpful

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Fantastic story

Wow what a brilliantly written powerful story
Set in one of Mans darkest times, a story of 2 peoples love and the will to survive the horrors of war
Thoroughly recommend it to everyone

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10 people found this helpful

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The strength this story gives to life.

I had this book saved in my wish-list for months before I felt ready to hear this true story. We all know what the German's did and some of us have been to Auschwitz & Birkenau. This story is a true account of 1 man's struggle to stay alive and the hope he clings to, that one day he will be free and be able to marry the 1 woman he loves soo dearly, whom he met in the same concentration camp. I couldn't put this book down and honestly say it was one of the best books I've listened to. Thank you Heather for bringing this story to life. It's truly touching.

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1 person found this helpful

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Incredible

I was gripped by this story from the second I began. This is a story about humanity, love and survival in the face of unbelievable and horrific war.

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Please read!

Exceptional! One of the best books about one of the many relationships of WW2 in the worst circumstances. Made more poignant finding out the end near my home! Highly recommended.

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awesome book

I loved this book. It is well worth the read. The authors notes are brilliant at the end.

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A must read!

Amazing story of an inconceivable life! A man I would love to meet from history

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WHAT A STORY!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was written and narrated so well. I couldn't stop listening. I was drawn in very quickly and it had my full attention. There were moments of sadness, joy, fear and anger which made the book tick so many boxes for me.

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Compelling, beautiful

This story was based on the accounts of a real survivor of Auschwitz. It was confronting, inspirational and beautiful. I loved it, but feel bad saying that. The love and beauty and hope and determination of this story will have me live each day of my life with more purpose and gratefulness.

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  • Mad
  • 16-04-2019

Great book- performance could be better

The book? Great. 5/5. Perfect.
The performance? Can be a bit distracting in parts. At one point it sounds as if the editors have copy and pasted the main characters name into the reading as it is out of rhythm and tone and just sticks out like a sore thumb.
But other than those parts this is an excellent listen.

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