The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

An engaging, but disturbing read.  Based on the true story of Lale Sokolov who was imprisoned at Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland, in 1942.  Impossible for me to understand how this man survived the horrific sights and cruelty that he observed; but an even harder thing to grasp was the love story that occurred between Lale and Gita.  Lale sees Gita's "dancing eyes" on the first day of their meeting....after he tattoos her number into her arm.  He had not wanted this job, and definitely was appalled at marking these beautiful women with ink; but those dancing eyes spoke to him.  Their love develops over the next three years, until the Russians arrive to disperse the Nazis.

The Author's Note says this:  "The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a story of two ordinary people living in an extraordinary time, deprived not only of their freedom but also their dignity, their names, and their identities.  It is Lale's account of what they needed to do to survive.  Lale lived by the motto:  'If you wake up in the morning, it is a good day.' "

I might have to disagree about the "ordinary".  This man was a risk-taker who discovered ways to assist so many people as they struggled in this evil place.  He gave dignity, he cared, and he made life better...that takes an unusual person.  I was also encouraged to read about so many others in the story who contributed kindness and provisions along the way, to those in unspeakable distress.