The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of the Online Book Club discussion of The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

How did you find the reading this week? This is one of those books that it feels weird to say that it's good or that I'm liking it since the subject matter is so serious and the events are so horrendous. Did you feel that way while reading? I like Lale, and I appreciate his story and his journey, but it's not enjoyable to read about all of the unimaginable things that happen to him and everyone at the camp. 

One thing that I kept thinking throughout this first section was that people are so brave to attempt to survive in horrific circumstances. Lale, and the people he encounters, are experiencing and seeing things that I can't even comprehend, but they still try to survive every single day. And, they still try to make connections with each other and even try to find love. I just can't understand how they can keep going. After his first night in camp, Lale sees two people shot while using the latrine, but he still continues on. I thought that scene was especially disturbing because it proved that even if the prisoners follow all of the directions, they can still be senselessly killed. 

Near the beginning of the book, Lale gets incredibly sick, but the men in his bunk work together to save his life. What did you think of the fact that the men in the bunk were willing to help another person, even though they were suffering? While recovering from his illness, Lale meets the other tattooist and gets the opportunity to take the job. Were you surprised that Lale was first reluctant to take the job? Did you agree with the reasoning that the people were going to be tattooed regardless, so he should take the job to ensure that they are compassionately tattooed? 

Lale gets a lot of perks with his new job. He uses his freedom to help people all throughout the camp. Could you believe all the risks he took throughout the first section? I couldn't believe once he started hiding jewels. One of the things he is able to do with the supplies he's trading is get medicine for Gita. Did it surprise you that Lale was able to get so many favors from Baretski? Not only did he help Lale find Gita and learn her name, but also, after she was sick, he got her moved to a lighter work assignment. I was surprised by their dynamic. 

What did you think of Cilka? There's been some controversy about the portrayal of Cilka in this book and the sequel Morris wrote entitled, Cilka's Journey. I appreciated what a good friend she was to Gita, and she definitely used her influence in this portrayal to help others. 

What do you think of Gita and Lale's relationship? It's interesting how quickly they move in their relationship at the camp, but I guess if your life is constantly on the line, you don't waste time with a long courtship. Were you surprised at how quickly Lale became enamored with Gita? 

Are you interested to keep reading? Do you think anyone will find out about all of the contraband items he has under his bed? What kind of punishment would he get for that? Do you think he and Gita will be able to keep meeting each other in the next section? 

Before you go, check out this video in which author, Heather Morris, talks about meeting Lale for the first time. I can't imagine what it would have been like to hear him talk about his experiences. It would have been so emotional and hard to listen to. 

I hope you'll leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this first section. Make sure to read the next 9 chapters before joining us again next week.