Books Like...
"The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris is a powerful and emotional tale set in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who becomes the camp's tattooist and meets and falls in love with a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the book portrays themes of love, hope, survival, and humanity amidst unimaginable circumstances. The writing style is described as modern and easy to read, effectively painting a vivid picture of the atrocities of the Holocaust while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
If you liked The Tattooist of Auschwitz, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne is a short book that talks about World War II from the perspective of two children, one German and the other Jewish. The story revolves around a friendship that forms between these two boys, one living near Auschwitz and the other inside the concentration camp. The narrative is told through the eyes of a child, contributing to a haunting conclusion that left many readers emotional and affected by the heartbreaking events that unfold.
One afternoon, when Bruno came home from school, he was surprised to find Maria, the family’s maid – who always kept her head bowed and never looked up from the carpet – standing in his bedroom, pulli... - #2
Save:'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of three women - Caroline, a New York socialite involved in humanitarian efforts, Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in the underground resistance, and Herta, a German doctor at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The story spans from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, intertwining the lives of these women as they navigate the horrors of war, including medical experiments and the aftermath of the conflict.
The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of these three women, providing a rich variety of experiences throughout the war and beyond. The author skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the long-lasting effects of both cruelty and hope on the human spirit. delves into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, shedding light on the Rabbits of Ravensbruck and the atrocities committed during the war, while also touching on the post-war recovery and struggles faced by survivors.
If I’d known I was about to meet the man who’d shatter me like bone china on terra-cotta, I would have slept in. Instead, I roused our florist, Mr. Sitwell, from his bed to make a boutonnière. My firs... - #3
Save:"The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of two women, Eve and Charlie, set during World War I and the aftermath of World War II. Eve, a member of the real-life Alice Network of female spies, finds herself haunted by her past as she helps Charlie, a young American woman searching for her missing cousin Rose. The narrative moves between 1915 and 1947, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption as the characters navigate the challenges of war and personal growth. The book delves into the lives of these strong women, shedding light on their experiences and the impact of their choices during tumultuous times.
I was sitting opposite my mother at a wicker table among the potted palms in the Dolphin Hotel, trying to ignore what my eyes were telling me. The blond girl by the front desk wasn’t who I thought she... - #4
Save:Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a captivating historical novel based on the true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian who finds himself thrust into the heart of World War II. The book follows Pino's journey from a naive teenager to a courageous hero as he navigates through the horrors of the war, from escorting Jews across the Alps to becoming a spy for the Allies. The plot weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of the Italian resistance movement, offering readers a unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of WWII. The writing style, though varying in opinions, is praised for its ability to bring Pino's story to life, drawing readers into the emotional rollercoaster of his experiences.
Like all the pharaohs, emperors, and tyrants before him, Il Duce had seen his empire rise only to crumble. Indeed, by that late-spring afternoon, power was bleeding from Benito Mussolini’s grasp like ... - #5
Save:'Night' by Elie Wiesel is a chilling memoir detailing the author's personal experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Through the eyes of a young Jewish boy, readers witness the horrors of the Holocaust, the loss of family, innocence, and faith. The narrative is raw, honest, and impactful, shedding light on the inhumane treatment endured by prisoners and the struggle to find hope and humanity amidst unimaginable darkness.
THEY CALLED HIM MOISHE THE BEADLE, as if his entire life he had never had a surname. He was the jack-of-all-trades in a Hasidic house of prayer, a shtibl. The Jews of Sighet—the little town in Transyl... Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi is a harrowing memoir that recounts the author's experiences as a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Levi vividly portrays the struggles faced by inmates, the daily fight for survival, and the dehumanizing conditions they endured. The writing style is described as clear, factual, and literary, with references to Dante's Divina Commedia, creating a chilling and memorable account of the Holocaust.
Levi's narrative delves into the physical punishment, mental torture, and the intricate dynamics within the camp, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity displayed by those who managed to survive. The book provides a profound insight into the atrocities of the Holocaust, emphasizing the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of unimaginable horrors. Through Levi's meticulous observations and stark prose, readers are transported into the heart of Auschwitz, where survival becomes a test of both physical endurance and moral integrity.
- #7
Save:The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The story follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who navigate the challenges of resistance and survival in the face of the Nazi regime. The book delves into the experiences of French civilians, resistance fighters, Jewish individuals, and even German soldiers, providing a compelling and believable portrayal of the time period. Through well-developed characters and a gripping plot, the author weaves a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of women during wartime.
If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are. Today’s young people want to know everything about everyone. The... - #8
Save:'Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History' is a historical graphic novel that tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe, as narrated by his son, a cartoonist trying to come to terms with his father's haunting experiences during the Holocaust. Through Spiegelman's unique comics featuring Polish pigs, Nazi cats, and Jewish mice, the book delves into themes of survival, betrayal, executions, escapes, and the impact of historical events on personal relationships. The narrative shifts between Vladek's harrowing past in Poland and Auschwitz and his son's present-day struggles to understand his father's traumatic past.
The medium of a graphic novel allows for a compelling exploration of the Holocaust, highlighting not only the atrocities of Auschwitz but also the smaller injustices and discomforts faced by Jewish people outside the concentration camps. The artwork, characterizations, and emotional depth of the story make 'Maus I' a poignant and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the lasting effects of World War II on survivors and their families.
- #9
Save:"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully crafted story set during World War II, focusing on the parallel lives of a French blind girl, Marie Laure, and a German orphan boy, Werner. The book intricately weaves together their individual experiences, struggles, and choices, ultimately leading to a fateful encounter. Through short chapters alternating between characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the war's atrocities and the interconnectedness of lives amidst chaos, showcasing the humanity on both sides of the conflict.
In a corner of the city, inside a tall, narrow house at Number 4 rue Vauborel, on the sixth and highest floor, a sightless sixteen-year-old named Marie-Laure LeBlanc kneels over a low table covered en... "The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom" is a WWII memoir about a family who hides Jews and ends up in Auschwitz, yet it is not as traumatizing as other books about concentration camps. The story follows Corrie Ten Boom, a Jewish Christian who bravely helped hide Jews from the gestapo and was later sent to a concentration camp. Despite having a strong religious focus, the book portrays a tremendous story of resilience and faith under immense pressure during World War II.
I jumped out of bed that morning with one question in my mind—sun or fog? Usually it was fog in January in Holland, dank, chill, and gray. But occasionally—on a rare and magic day—a white winter sun b...
