It was the July of 1942, when Lale Sokolov, prisoner 32407 comforted a trembling young woman, prisoner 34902, and vowed to survive Auschwitz’s concentration camp and marry her.

Over the years we have heard many vivid and harrowing retellings of what went behind the one of the most horrific times in human history. What happened at Auschwitz and other concentration camps during WWII was dehumanizing, painful, and heart breaking but what prevails today is the fact that the people that survived it, moved on, forgave, and lived a full and happy life. 

That’s where the story of Lale and Gita begins. They not only found true love at Auschwitz, the most desolated of places, but survived the horrors that lurked within and reunite with Gita. What makes their story standout is the simple yet potent re-accounting of everyday life in the concentration camps. 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is the real-life story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, and Gita who meet, fall in love, and survive the gruesome horrors of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Lale is forcefully transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his imprisoners find out that he speaks multiple languages, he is appointed as a Tätowierer which is German for tattooist. He is then tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

During his two years at Auschwitz, Lale is a witness to horrific acts of barbarism, but at the same time to impeccable acts of bravery, compassion, and love. He risks his own life and uses his privileges as the ‘tattooist of Auschwitz’ to exchange jewels and money retrieved from the murdered jews in exchange for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is not only moving and heart wrenching, it also inspires hope, belief, and fortitude. When I first read it, I was blown away by it and still struggle to find words for the emotions it brings in me. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a testament to the endurance of love under the darkest conditions. And as army wives, that is not only something we believe in, but also live by every day.

Lale’s story walks us through the everyday reality of what happened within the walls of Auschwitz. It re-accounts the horrors that had become a routine for a hundred of innocent prisoners. His many run ins with terrifying historical figures that have made it into history as examples of the worst humankind has to offer; such as the sadistic “doctor” Josef Mengele.

Despite the darkness, Lale always managed to find a beacon of light in the smallest of pleasures that helped him get through from one day to another; highlighting the strengths of the human spirit. The spirit of Lale’s story lies in being able to survive in a place where so many want them dead. 

Heather Morris, spent years with Lale as he shared memories of his time in Auschwitz-Birkenau. She does an excellent job in bringing this story to the readers, capturing the emotions of a young man whose life was turned upside down by one of the worst events in human history. 

One day Lale was enjoying the finest things in life – good food, comfort of a nice home, love of his family; and the next day he was on a cattle train headed towards  Auschwitz-Birkenau. In her writing, Morris manages to convey the spirit of this young man trying to survive; but at the same time hold on to his humanity and innocence the best he can. 

What an amazing man. What an amazing story. Everyone should read this unforgettable book. Thank you, Heather Morris, for bringing Lale and Gita’s story to life for everyone to read; and making sure he will not be forgetten.