I have such mixed feelings about this book because of the controversy surrounding it. I understand this is historical fiction but it was promoted to be "based on an incredible true story". Cilka's own stepson is upset about this book citing the impossibility of her being a mistress to two incredibly high ranking officers and stealing medications that were virtually nonexistant. The relationship at the end is completely fictitious as the stepson was so upset he did not give permission to have his father and their love story written about in the book. Even the Auschwitz Memorial condemed the book for its "numerous errors and information, inconsistent with the facts as well as exaggerations, misinterpretations and underatatments". Other survivors and survivors' families are upset about the book as they believe it puts Cilka on a pedestal when their stories put her in a less than flattering light. It's impossible to know the complete truth is as Cilka is not here to speak for herself.
This book was very enlightening as I've read much about the horrid concentration camps but not about the post-war Siberian concentration camps that housed those who were accused of collaborating with the enemy. In the book, Cilka was the mistress of a high ranking officer at Auchewitz to save herself and others from being brutally murdered which is the reason she was placed in the Siberian camp. I can't imagine being released from one hell to go live in another.
I would recommend this book because many, like me, don't know much about the post war camps but caution the reader to bear in mind it is a work of historical fiction and the main character's actions and thoughts are mainly the work of the author's mind.
This book was very enlightening as I've read much about the horrid concentration camps but not about the post-war Siberian concentration camps that housed those who were accused of collaborating with the enemy. In the book, Cilka was the mistress of a high ranking officer at Auchewitz to save herself and others from being brutally murdered which is the reason she was placed in the Siberian camp. I can't imagine being released from one hell to go live in another.
I would recommend this book because many, like me, don't know much about the post war camps but caution the reader to bear in mind it is a work of historical fiction and the main character's actions and thoughts are mainly the work of the author's mind.