The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, the debut novel for the gifted author, Heather Morris, was written while building a three year relationship with Lale Sokolov. Readers are taken back to April of 1942. Lale took his married brother’s place to protect his family. The harrowing journey taken by this kind, caring and compassionate man is one of tragedy, hope, and perseverance. Lale and the others were herded into a cattle car. Some men were telling him to help them bust out of the cattle car but he cleverly replied, “If these walls could be breached don’t you think a cow would’ve done it?” His witty comment calms them down and eases the frustration felt by all. They were taken to Auschwitz where Lale got typhus and was thrown on a cart for the dead. A young man pushed him off and the tattooist helped heal him and trained him to number the prisoners. Lale first met Gita as he numbered those entering Auschwitz. He asked how her day had been, she deftly answered, “Oh, you know how it is. Got up, had a big breakfast, kissed Mama and Papa goodbye before catching the bus to work…” to which Lale replied, “OK, dumb question.” Lale falls instantly and totally in love with this girl, 34902. Can love take root in conditions that are deplorable? The answer is yes! Lale and Gita proved it. Heather Morris shows readers the love story of a lifetime through the eyes of a sensitive soul. We learn how Lale and Gita’s love impacted those around them. As Dana, Gita’s friend said, “ It’s enough that one of us has a little happiness, we share in it.” Lale’s mother had once told him to be a good husband, “…learn to listen to her, learn what she likes and more important what she doesn’t like.” This conversation occurred because Lale’s dad was distant and cold. Lale didn’t want to be like him so he sought the advice of his kind and caring mother. This story helps us learn to love better. “To save one is to save the world.”