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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert | Book Review

[Book Review] The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

January 19, 2019      Erica Robyn      20 Comments

The Tattooist of Auschwitz book photo

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a powerful tale of true love and survival during one of the darkest times of human history. Based on a true story, this book is one that you will definitely want to keep tissues nearby while reading.

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

When I started reading this book, I was so nervous. I love reading about true stories and history, but there are some topics that are more difficult to read about than others. The Holocaust is definitely very high on my list of difficult topics.

This book was a bit tough for me, simply because of the horrible setting and events. However, the story was also incredibly hopeful and positive. I adored the tone that the author made sure was prevalent throughout as I felt that it really matched the overall mindset of the main character.

The entire book was written so wonderfully. When the main character was afraid, I, too, felt afraid. When he was enraged, I was enraged. When he was heartbroken, I felt heartbroken. And when there were moments of heartwarming love or immense relief, I felt similar feelings. Of course, I could never imagine the true power of each of these emotions, as I didn’t live the same experiences, I thought the author did an amazing job really putting you in the shoes of the characters.

I really enjoyed how character driven the story was. Each of the characters really came to life within the pages. Even when I put the book down, I found myself thinking about them and worrying about what was going to happen next. Each of the friendships that developed were so extraordinary. Seeing how people can band together and take care of one another in times of terror is absolutely incredible.

This is a book that you just have to read.

As a reader, I am so grateful to Lale Eisnberg for sharing his story, and for Heather Morris for putting this wonderful novel together.

My Favorite Passages from The Tattooist of Auschwitz

He forces a small smile. She returns a smaller one. Her eyes, however, dance before him. As he looks into them, his heart seems simultaneously to stop and to begin for the first time, pounding, almost threatening to burst out of his chest.

Whenever possible, he listens to the talk and gossip of the SS, who don’t know he understands them.They give him ammunition of the only sort available to him- knowledge, to be stored up for later.

“You must first learn to listen to her. Even if you are tired, never be too tired to listen to what she has to say. Learn what she likes and, more important, what she doesn’t like. When you can, give her little treats- flowers, chocolates. Women like those things.”

My Final Thoughts on The Tattooist of Auschwitz

A must-read. This book is so powerful. I cannot recommend it highly enough.


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review
  • Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert | Book Review

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deanna Reads Books says

    January 20, 2019 at 2:10 am

    I totally get what you mean, this is a tough subject to talk about, but sounds like a good book to look into!
    Deanna Reads Books

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 20, 2019 at 2:24 am

      <3

      Reply
  2. Christina Reid says

    January 20, 2019 at 11:23 am

    I have been wanting to read this one for a while and your review has just made me want to read it even more!

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 20, 2019 at 1:21 pm

      <3

      Reply
  3. Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts says

    January 21, 2019 at 3:07 am

    The Holocaust, despite how interesting and fascinating (not in that wow, I want to do the same thing way), is definitely one of the dark ones topics out there. Personally I enjoy reading about the Holocaust because I want to know more about why a group of people could be put under so much hatred. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is one of the few out there that I hear are positive, so I'm glad you enjoyed it and the emotional pulls it has on you!

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 21, 2019 at 11:24 am

      <3

      Reply
  4. Amy says

    January 21, 2019 at 6:21 am

    This does sound so well written and powerful, but I don't think I could take it! The topic is just too harrowing. I'd be in tears from start to finish, I think.

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 21, 2019 at 11:24 am

      Yeah, it was definitely tough!!

      Reply
  5. Stephen Donovan says

    January 23, 2019 at 9:54 am

    Great review, Erica. And I completely agree, tis book is a must-read.

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 24, 2019 at 12:03 am

      <3

      Reply
  6. chucklesthescot says

    January 24, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    I used to read a lot on the subject but it did become hard to read because of the upsetting subject matter. I used to read a lot of abuse true stories but that started affecting my depression and I had to stop.

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 25, 2019 at 12:54 am

      Yeah, it's so hard to separate yourself from those dark stories! I only read them every once in awhile. I have to break them up!

      Reply
  7. Unknown says

    January 25, 2019 at 10:07 am

    I just got it a couple of weeks back and was so happy as it's been on my to read list, and after reading your review, I just know it's going to have to be read sooner than later!

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 25, 2019 at 9:36 pm

      Awesome!! I want to say enjoy, but that feels a bit odd here. <3

      Reply
  8. Olivia-Savannah says

    January 25, 2019 at 11:28 pm

    I really want to read this one and I have been seeing raving reviews everywhere. It definitely is some kind of talent if you can make such a sad, horrific and terrible time and be able to put hopeful moments in there too. I am glad to know the writing is wonderful as well. Thanks for the recommendation x

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 25, 2019 at 11:30 pm

      For sure!! I hope you love it as much as I did! It's heartbreaking, but also lovely.

      Reply
  9. McKenzie Allyshia says

    January 26, 2019 at 2:40 am

    I've had this book on my "to read" shelf for a while and I definitely cannot wait to read it. I can only imagine how heart breaking parts of it were. The holocaust is a hard topic to read about and re-live.

    Reply
    • Erica Metcalf says

      January 26, 2019 at 2:52 am

      <3

      Reply
  10. Gayathri Lakshminarayanan says

    February 3, 2019 at 10:29 am

    I have been seeing this one everywhere and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I love reading about the WW-II so this is right up my alley.

    Gayathri @ Elgee Writes

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      February 3, 2019 at 5:45 pm

      <3

      Reply

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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