“Cilka’s Journey” is a follow up of “The Tattooist of Auschwitz”. I thoroughly enjoyed “Tattooist” and was really looking forward to “Cilka’s Journey.” It did not disappoint! If you enjoy Historical Fiction and enjoyed “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” this is a must read.
The novel, based on a true story, moves between Cilka’s life in Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camps during World War II and post-war in a Siberian camp, Vorkutlag, one of the largest and toughest camps in the entire Gulag system. Cilka was convicted of working with the enemy as a prostitute and spy during WWII and sentenced to 15 years hard labor. This is a story of Cilka’s survival in both locations. The detailed horrors she witnessed and experienced are prevalent. What makes this book different from other WWII concentration camp stories is her life in the Siberian camp. “Both Hitler’s concentration camps and the Soviet Gulag existed for the same purpose—to purge society of its enemies, and to extract as much work from them as possible before they died.”
It is a gut-wrenching story that is hard to put down. I found myself constantly rooting for Cilka and amazed at her dedication to others. I highly recommend this book!
The novel, based on a true story, moves between Cilka’s life in Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camps during World War II and post-war in a Siberian camp, Vorkutlag, one of the largest and toughest camps in the entire Gulag system. Cilka was convicted of working with the enemy as a prostitute and spy during WWII and sentenced to 15 years hard labor. This is a story of Cilka’s survival in both locations. The detailed horrors she witnessed and experienced are prevalent. What makes this book different from other WWII concentration camp stories is her life in the Siberian camp. “Both Hitler’s concentration camps and the Soviet Gulag existed for the same purpose—to purge society of its enemies, and to extract as much work from them as possible before they died.”
It is a gut-wrenching story that is hard to put down. I found myself constantly rooting for Cilka and amazed at her dedication to others. I highly recommend this book!