The Tattooist of Auschwitz

BaconAndAvocado · 2018-08-31T19:31:27+00:00

Anyone read this? Is it any good?

impostersyndrome · 22/12/2018 13:31

I was going to come on and say what Dottie said better. The book is full of historical errors and serves as an example of why historical fiction can be so problematic. People are reading it as factual when it’s not.

Dottierichardson · 19/12/2018 06:40

I was put off by the fact that the Auschwitz Memorial Research Centre has denounced this novel for its historical inaccuracy:

jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/auschwitz-researches-dismiss-book-about-camp-tattooist-due-to-factual-errors/

www.jewishbookcouncil.org/_blog/The_ProsenPeople/post/on-the-future-of-holocaust-fiction/

nameuseroriginal · 18/12/2018 21:13

Enjoyed not enthusiasm

nameuseroriginal · 18/12/2018 21:12

I really enthusiasm book and would recommend it

CollyWombles · 18/12/2018 20:41

It's a good read, however it is story of love and only touches lightly on the horrors of the camps. Which is good if you don't want to read about that much!

BoswellandForshort · 17/12/2018 17:44

I obviously meant Lale, not Lake

BoswellandForshort · 17/12/2018 17:43

Lale's story is very interesting, but the way it is told makes it sound as if being in Auschwitz was a stroll in the park. Not only that, but I admit I struggle to believe all his adventures (as his son calls them) really happenned

This is the problem I had with it. And every Nazi they encountered was portrayed as, if not a good person, then at least with some desire to help. They all helped Lake and his friends, albeit for a bribe but still. I know it’s a true story but I found it difficult to believe all the guards were that helpful.

tripfiction · 12/12/2018 20:38

An interesting discussion going on - on Facebook, First Edition (The Sunday Times) www.facebook.com/groups/138715973533073/permalink/411992236205444/

Based on a true story, which is part of the marketing drive, how much leeway is there for "fiction"... do join the discussion!

Idlikeabunchofbananasplease · 06/12/2018 01:52

Cuntybumpkin have you read born survivors? Fab book about three Jewish women sent to Auschwitz and give birth to miracle babies. If you haven't already read it highly recommend it.

IamAporcupine · 01/12/2018 09:37

I finished this last night - very disappointing.

I really wanted to like this book, but the writing is so poor, the characters totally one-dimensional - I could not relate to any of them.

Lale's story is very interesting, but the way it is told makes it sound as if being in Auschwitz was a stroll in the park. Not only that, but I admit I struggle to believe all his adventures (as his son calls them) really happenned.

Ca55andraMortmain · 12/11/2018 19:14

I've just finished this as well. The story was interesting and moving and inspirational, but I have to agree that it was incredibly badly written, especially
SPOILERS

the chapter from Gita's pov after she leaves Auschwitz - it's essentially bullet points, like Morris just got fed up and decided to get the end down as quickly as possible. I found myself annoyed that after all he had been through, Lale ended up telling his story to someone who butchered it so badly.

AllGoodDogs · 12/11/2018 17:03

I've just finished it today, glad to find a recent thread on it! Have added Shindlers Ark and All the light they cannot see to my wishlist, thanks for the recommendations.

This one didn't move me as expected... I'm normally a Cryer, but no tears for the tattooist. I see what some of you mean re the writing... I do like starting a book like that knowing they come out the other end though.

Original poster

BaconAndAvocado · 09/10/2018 18:28

Well, I finished it.

I thought it was about an incredible true story and I felt privileged to have found out about Lale's life but, unfortunately, I didn't rate the writing.

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Etihad · 09/10/2018 12:32

The Cellist of Sarajevo is also an interesting book, though I think it’s fairly loosely based on 2 real people rather than an a biography.

KisstheTeapot14 · 09/10/2018 12:26

The Pianist - a shattering book.

Etty Hillesum - for an account of being a young Jewish woman in occupied Netherlands. True. We don't hear from her once she and her family is transported, but for the period of years in the run up, as the noose tightens it bears witness...So sad all of it.

Etty shines with life and joy. Its a story of her transformation and spiritual growth every bit as much as it is about genocide. Its not preachy though, she's a bit of a rebel, unorthodox in all senses, and has the odd wrestle and more with her therapist. Don't think he was too hot on professional boundaries!

1frenchfoodie · 27/09/2018 13:46

I am with Toomuchspother and macnab here, I did find it a good story, an enjoyable read, but given the amazing source material it somehow didn’t shine. It was good almost despite the writing.

HappydaysArehere · 21/09/2018 08:03

Has been bought for me and I haven’t had the courage to start it.

macnab · 06/09/2018 16:28

I completely agree with Toomuchsplother it was a good story, but not well told in my opinion.

HappydaysArehere · 03/09/2018 08:41

It’s been bought for us and waiting on the book shelf. Hoping to summon up the strength to read it.

Troubleandstrifebagforlife · 02/09/2018 10:53

Please do read Schindler’s arc if you haven’t already it’s faction and so beautifully written. Another one for the kleenex

Toomuchsplother · 31/08/2018 22:14

Oh dear ! I am definitely going against the grain here but I struggled with it.
Don't get me wrong the story is quite inspirational but I found it so poorly written.
In the right hands it could have been amazing.

CuntyBumpkin · 31/08/2018 22:03

Thank you Fanta and Bacon, I'll have a look at those.

I completely agree about it being GCSE material. I felt it was one of those books that changes you and your outlook.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 31/08/2018 21:33

I listened to it too, the Audible version is great. Deeply moving.

pontiouspilates · 31/08/2018 21:30

I listened to this as an audiobook on long runs. Several times I had to stop running and try to absorb what I'd just heard. Not an easy read/listen, but highly recommended. It's one if those that you continue to think about after it's finished.

Original poster

BaconAndAvocado · 31/08/2018 21:25

Wow, sounds great!

Another great book maybe along similar lines is All the Light They Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Beautiful yet gut wrenching read.

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