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.
