Lale is well-dressed, a charmer, a ladies' man. He is also a Jew. On the first transport from Slovakia to Auschwitz in 1942 Lale immediately stands out to his fellow prisoners. In the camp, he is looked up to, looked out for and put to work in the privileged position of the tattooist - to mark his fellow prisoners forever; one of whom is Gita who steals his heart at first glance. His life is given purpose and Lale does his best through struggle and suffering to use his position for good.
A harrowing and yet inspirational tale of one couples survival of the concentration camps. A testimony to the strength of the will to survive, Lale simply decides he will not perish under the Nazi regime. When Gita is ready to give into despair it's his will alone that pulls them through to a life after WW2. The Tattooist quietly saves many under the watchful eye of his captors, gathering supporters, friends and lives as he goes. His soul cries for those who are gone all while he continues to survive. Having had the somber privilege to visit Auschwitz myself, I walk through Lale's daily life in camp with him and am amazed that anyone; let alone this sensitive young man, survived the place of ultimate death.
A story that should be read by all - and I'm proud that my country, my city welcomed this couple to create a 2nd life under the Aussie skies far away from the horrors and ghosts of their past. Thank you Heather Morris for bringing us Gita & Lale's story.
