R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 2/15/2022 + 1438 more book reviews

When Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, arrives at Auschwitz-Birkenau, he is appointed Tatowierer (German for tattooist). He will mark thousands of fellow prisoners with identification numbers. For almost three years, Lale sees the Nazis commit horrific atrocities and barbarism. Yet there are acts of bravery and days of boredom where the inmates are too starved to do anything at all. To help his fellow prisoners, he uses his position to obtain and exchange jewels and money from the murdered to by food and medicine to help fellow prisoners.

As tattooist he has some privileges including improved rations and better sleeping conditions. He can move freely in many parts of the camp. That is until he is caught, removed from his position and cruelly tortured. When he is reinstated and he is more careful about what he does for others. For example, he befriends a worker from outside working on camp construction. The farmer brings food to be shared as Lale sees fit.

One day Lale comforts a trembling prisoner who is waiting to have her arm tattooed. The attractive young woman is Gita, with whom he falls in love. He realizes in that short interlude he will do whatever he can to endure, leave this place and marry her. Unbelievable as it seems, the love affair blossoms, demonstrating that love and humanity can flourish under such dark frightening conditions.. Lale eventually leaves the camp and meets his sweetheart.

It took the author years to tell Lale's story. Becoming a friend, she tells his story with care, compassion and sensitivity. Leaving emotion aside, she writes factually following the lovers into their new life beyond the camp.

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