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The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Teaching the Holocaust and other Genocides

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The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Author: Heather Morris

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: 2018

Number of Pages: 288

Lexile Level:  760L

The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Summary

The Tattooist of Auschwitz tells the story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man who is imprisoned in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War II. When he arrives at the camp, Lale is tasked with the job of tattooing identification numbers on the arms of fellow prisoners, which connects him to their suffering and loss. As he navigates the horrors of Auschwitz, Lale falls in love with Gita Furman, another prisoner, and their romance provides him with hope, despite their dire circumstances. Lale's determination to survive and protect Gita drives him to take significant risks. Based on true events, the story highlights the importance of love and connection, both as a way to counter hatred and as a way to survive one of history's darkest chapters.

Main Themes

1.      Love and Hope: The novel emphasizes the power of love to transcend even the most dire of circumstances. Lale and Gita's relationship provides hope amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.

2.      Survival and Resilience: The story highlights the survival instinct in extreme adversity. Lale's determination to protect himself and Gita exemplifies human resilience. Lale survives through luck and his wits.

3.      Identity and Humanity: The act of tattooing numbers on prisoners highlights the dehumanization of the Jewish people in the Holocaust.  The characters strive to maintain their humanity and individuality, despite this.

4.      The Impact of War: The narrative examines the profound effects of war, not only on individuals but also on relationships and communities, illustrating the broader tragedy of the Holocaust.

5.      Moral Choices: Characters face difficult moral decisions in desperate circumstances, questioning the nature of good and evil in a time of brutality. Lale, in particular, has to tattoo numbers on fellow Jews. The question about complicity is central, but he is also saving himself and likely others.

Why The Tattooist of Auschwitz is Appropriate for 8th to 12th graders:

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, meant for an adult audience, will help students understand the brutal reality of life inside a death camp.  While dark, the book has relatable characters and a good love story that will draw in teen readers. The story is emotionally charged, making it easier for young readers to connect with the characters and their experiences. It encourages discussions about morality, choices under duress, and the nature of humanity, prompting students to think critically about ethical dilemmas and human behavior.  Given its content and themes, the novel is best suited for older adolescents capable of engaging with its mature subject matter. This is a more mature option for 8th and 9th graders, but it’s manageable for sophisticated readers.