Poetry of Reading: October 2024

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

by Natasa Djordjevic - 11:25 AM

I’ve read many historical fiction books, particularly those set during World War II. This familiarity with the genre should have prepared me for the content of such books, but despite that, I still found myself surprised by what I encountered.

The appalling conditions of the camps, the torture of prisoners, and the relentless, pervasive, and unchecked hate were profoundly disturbing.

The beauty of this story lies in its theme of hope. Morris uses love as a source of hope for the lovers, the prisoners, and even some of the guards. I was particularly surprised by how the love story impacted the guards. The Nazis typically employed systematic hatred and bigotry to dehumanize both the captives and themselves. However, Lale and Gita’s love story compelled some of the Nazis to recognize them as human beings, if only for a fleeting moment.

This is an extraordinary story about extraordinary lives. I was truly swept away by it, even if I can’t say that I felt completely transported to that time and place. I am always in awe of anyone who attempts to describe a place like Auschwitz. Despite the overwhelming fear and death, this book is filled with hope, optimism, and faith. That serves as a true testament to the power of love and the talent of Heather Morris.

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Love and War by John Jakes

by Natasa Djordjevic - 10:29 AM

This is, without a doubt, one of the best books set against the backdrop of the Civil War that I have ever read. After finishing the first book in the trilogy, I immediately began the second installment, which exceeds 1,000 pages. The time flew by as I immersed myself in the lives of the Hazards from Pennsylvania and the Mains from South Carolina.

The story begins with the first shots fired in Charleston, South Carolina, as families send their members off to war. The inevitable occurs: Billy Hazard joins the Union, while Charles Main enlists in the Confederacy. Despite their differing loyalties, Billy and Charles manage to remain friends, even though they know they won’t see each other for some time. Their paths cross again when Billy is sent to Libby Prison, where he encounters Charles once more. I don’t want to reveal too much, but the suspense had me on pins and needles throughout.

The novel beautifully captures the sorrow of lost love, the joy of love found, the horror of mankind’s inhumanity, and the tragedy of war. "Love and War" is truly a stunning achievement.

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War Lord by Bernard Cornwell

by Natasa Djordjevic - 12:20 PM

“I had fought so long and so hard for my home. It had been stolen from me when I was a child, and I had fought the length and breadth of Britain to regain it.

And now I must fight for Bebbanburg again. We would ride for home.”

I enjoyed the last chapter of the Uhtred of Bebbanburg saga. Although Bernard Cornwell tends to repeat certain details, his focus on historical accuracy, along with his ability to create vibrant fictional characters within that historical context, is unparalleled.

I will always remember the tale of Uhtred, along with Finan, Sihtric, Berg, and the countless others who assisted him in reclaiming his birthright.

Bernard Cornwell masterfully wove Uhtred into the story. Uhtred served as the perfect "middle-man"—he was Saxon by birth but a Dane at heart, embracing his identity as a heathen. He thrived in that grey area, and this is where Cornwell truly excelled. Readers find themselves uncertain about Uhtred's decisions, recognizing the merit in both choices and experiencing the same internal conflict as he did.

Many thanks to Mr. Cornwell for writing this series. This is a story that needs to be told again. The tale of England's birth will always spark my imagination, and it is genuinely gripping and timeless.