What an amazing story!
Heather Morris completely outdoes herself as she brings us the story of Cilka, a character first introduced in The Tatooist of Auschwitz. Cilka is faced with what seems to be insurmountable adversity. She has managed to survive the concentration camps, only to be sentenced to fifteen years at a Russian labor camp. She is forced to overcome both physical and emotional hardships, even as she continues to suffer from the trauma she experienced at the hands of the Nazis. While she struggles with trust, Cilka is never at a loss for compassion for others. Through sheer force of will, she faces this latest set of challenges, leading by example. Cilka's story is heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measures. The quality of the research involved adds authenticity to the story. Morris does a great service by casting light on a part of our collective history that is often overshadowed by the horrific details of the Holocaust.