Is The Tattooist of Auschwitz suitable for teens?

[Hotchocolateandcake]

13yo ds has asked for the book.

He's not a keen reader I've all bur given up trying to get him to read so just glad if he asks for any book.

Can anyone who's read it give me an idea if the book is too adult.

I've read it - and if your DS has asked for it, id say let him read it - he will Obviously be aware of what it's about and I didn't think there was anything too graphic in it.

I don't even understand why it's so popular
With the subject of the book being what it is, it should provoke emotion but it did not provoke emotion in me

I actually can’t remember a lot about it because it really isn’t very good.

I would recommend Code Name Verity, which is YA, Maus, or maybe Night.

I've read it. I wouldn't have a problem with my 13 year old reading it

Hmm. It is young.
Depending on their maturity and their previously having read other Holocaust books?
I read it and enjoyed it very much.

Dds teacher talked about it in school with them at about the same age so I think I would let him read it. It’s not a great book though, of course the subject is heartbreaking but the book itself is dull and poorly written I think. Far better ones are The Boy in the striped pyjamas, The Choice, and the librarian of Auschwitz.

The Choice: A true story of hope www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1846045126/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F19SKXMNFBVC2W5HS1CF?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

The Librarian of Auschwitz: The heart-breaking Sunday Times bestseller based on the incredible true story of Dita Kraus www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1529104777/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DBSQWSA1XKW0S74F9VA2?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Oh thank God!
I've only ever heard one other person say anything negative about this book!
I can't understand the hype for the life of me!

@purpleme12

Oh thank God! I've only ever heard one other person say anything negative about this book! I can't understand the hype for the life of me!

I think sometimes people are scared to be negative about these sorts of books because it’s such an important topic to talk about - of course! But it’s also important they’re engaging and emotive otherwise no one will go on to talk about them or want to read any others!

While I haven't read the other books in the above post I can add an alternative which is also about the Holocaust (but also about so much more than the Holocaust!!)
Which regardless of the subject is actually the best book I've ever read on my life, no exaggeration

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

I think (especially with a teen who doesn't read) that it will be fine. Its not the best Holocaust book ever written, but is a million miles better than the unbelievable shite that is The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas.

@purpleme12

While I haven't read the other books in the above post I can add an alternative which is also about the Holocaust (but also about so much more than the Holocaust!!) Which regardless of the subject is actually the best book I've ever read on my life, no exaggeration

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

Yes I love that too. Fantastic book.

I say let them read it. It’s a massive part of history that people are trying to erase. A true story as well. I’ve read all 3 books by that author and liked them .

@purpleme12

I don't even understand why it's so popular With the subject of the book being what it is, it should provoke emotion but it did not provoke emotion in me

Completely agree, considering the subject matter I found it utterly soulless, the writing wasn’t great at all.

I wouldn’t have an issue with a teenager reading it, it’s strangely not very emotive at all.

The story teller is one of the best books I’ve ever read

It's atrociously written so from that point of view no. There are other much better books about the Holocaust though admittedly maybe not all suitable for a 13 year old. How about The Diary of Anne Frank? I didn't love The Book Thief, but even that would be better.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz actually made me angry at its failure to do justice to its subject matter. I gave up about a quarter of the way in.

Schindler's Ark (or List) by Thomas Kenneally is the best book I've read about the Holocaust. It's on the cusp of fiction, but is pretty much non- fiction, based on the accounts of real people. It's a tough read, and harrowing. And the film is really difficult to watch. Not sure I'd give it to a 13 yo but I did study it at A level.

It's an absolutely dreadful book so on that basis I'd say no. Boy in the Striped Pyjamas or The Book Thief much better. Like a PP this book was so bad it made me angry.

Ha! Came on to agree about how badly written this book is and so full of inconsistencies and rubbish.

Boy in the striped pyjamas is also hugely problematic - the ending (spoiler alert) where the German boy is accidentally killed and the reader is meant to feel enormous sadness, for me, whitewashes all the actual victims of the holocaust. Plus the plot is improbable at best - the German boy would know exactly what was going on.

So many better books regarding this subject that could be read.

I’d let him read it. I read anything and everything at that age and apply the same principle to DS, who’s also 13.

I’d just get him the book he’s asked for, even if it’s not good. It’s so exciting when they actually want to read!

The best book about the Holocaust IMO is If this is a Man by Primo Levi - it is required reading in Italian schools though 13 may be a bit young.

The Auschwitz Detective by Jonathan Dunsky is a very good story, very well researched & giving a very clear picture of life in the camp. Possibly a bit much for a youngster, have a look & see what you think.