Riveting and impactful historical fiction!
I want to start by saying that I have not read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, where the character of Cilka is introduced. I did not feel that it hindered my ability to read this book as a stand-alone. I hope to go back and pick up the above mentioned because this is such an important subject to read and discuss.
I’m not going to imply that this was an enjoyable read because it was really dark and depressing. It’s set during a horrific period in history! I’ve read several books about the Holocaust, and they never fail to chill me and have an unforgettable impact! In this novel, not only does Cilka have to endure years in the camps at Auschwitz, but after doing whatever necessary to survive, she is then sent to prison for conspiring with the enemy! Yes, it is as depressing as it sounds, but there is light in the way that Cilka tries to help others and never stops striving to survive!
I would suggest reading the author’s note at the end to put into perspective how much of the story is true fact and what is fiction. I have to admit that the best way for me to get a general sense of the history of a time period is to read it as a piece of historical fiction. I’m just not much of a non-fiction reader, so I can appreciate the generalized historical facts without having to be 100% accurate.
This was a well written and researched novel that will tear your heart out in places, but also speak to you about the resilience of these survivors.
I’m not going to imply that this was an enjoyable read because it was really dark and depressing. It’s set during a horrific period in history! I’ve read several books about the Holocaust, and they never fail to chill me and have an unforgettable impact! In this novel, not only does Cilka have to endure years in the camps at Auschwitz, but after doing whatever necessary to survive, she is then sent to prison for conspiring with the enemy! Yes, it is as depressing as it sounds, but there is light in the way that Cilka tries to help others and never stops striving to survive!
I would suggest reading the author’s note at the end to put into perspective how much of the story is true fact and what is fiction. I have to admit that the best way for me to get a general sense of the history of a time period is to read it as a piece of historical fiction. I’m just not much of a non-fiction reader, so I can appreciate the generalized historical facts without having to be 100% accurate.
This was a well written and researched novel that will tear your heart out in places, but also speak to you about the resilience of these survivors.