And who among us has the right to judge anyone else who is fighting to survive? It appears almost everyone wants to judge and punish Cilka for the role forced upon her in a Nazi concentration camp, a role which allowed her to physically survive but tortured her soul.
Cilka is an amazingly resilient young woman who finds herself imprisoned in Siberia because of what she did when forced by the Germans during World War II. Her fellow prisoners are potentially as hateful as her jailers, but because of her intense guilt engendered by her true, unselfish nature and kind heart she is able to find a place for herself in a hostile environment.
Cilka spends her life making amends and seeking peace. She has lost everything more than once, but she remains true to her heart.

This book is a must-read for any fans of WWII historical fiction . As a follow-up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz, it takes us further into the life of Cilka, one of the characters of the book. This is also a book showcasing the strength and determination of a young woman to survive, but to help as many people as she could along the way. The journey that Cilka takes from a prisoner in the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau camps is extremely unsettling and horrific in its vivid descriptions of what took place within these prison camps. When the camp is liberated by the Russians, Cilka finds herself in an even more horrifyingly outrageous situation, in that she is then charged with collaboration and sent to a Russian Gulag camp called Vorkuta for her perceived crimes. Here we learn about the unbelievable inner strength of this woman as she lives the life of a prisoner, and yet has the courage to stand up for and help other women to try to endure their surroundings and mistreatments. Cilka could be considered “lucky” during her time int he Gulag, as she was taken under the wing of a female physician who could see the talent and compassion of Cilka, and she was trained as a nurse in several areas. I cannot put into words how much I appreciated being able to learn of this strong, determined, compassionate and inspiring young woman. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review, which this has been.

Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris is the companion to her previous bestseller The Tattooist of Auschwitz. This new book delves into the life of Cilka who appeared in The Tattooist. Cilka has been released from the concentration camp only to be sentenced to hard labor for many years in a Siberian work camp due to her perceived collaboration with the Nazis during WWII. Cilka's time in the work camp is heartbreaking to read about. The subject matter of this book makes it unpleasant to read but the writing makes it worth continuing on. Cilka lived an extraordinary life and survived so many ordeals. I wish she could have seen her life played out in this book. Read and enjoy!

Good follow up to her previous book. She certainly does her research and makes it so very interesting to read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

Cilka's Journey is a harrowing true story of an extremely brave young woman. Cilka did what she had to survive in the concentration camp then paid for her survival for the rest of her life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As I read Cilka's Journey it was hard to believe she could even survive, let alone have the courage to help others. I have not read The Tattooist of Auschwitz but I definitely plan to now. The author did a lot of research for the book and brought the characters to life. I appreciate the authors notes at the end. This would make an excellent book club pick. Definitely a 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and author of this book for a copy of this book for my honest review.

This book did not work for me. I didn't enjoy the writing and, upon further research, am concerned with her treatment of this subject matter. The Auschwitz Memorial Research Centre claims inaccuracies as does Cilka's stepson.

Cilka's Journey is Heather Morris' follow up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Though they can be read as standalone books, I encourage you to read The Tattooist first as it adds richness to the second book.

This book tells the story of Cilka, a woman originally placed in Auschwitz for being a Jew who was later sent to the Soviet gulags for"helping the Nazis," when all she did was fight to live. This is a story of survival, friendship, and the ability to find love even under horrible circumstances. A powerful and poignant read. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this squeal to Tattooist of Auschwitz. I would highly recommend it. Warning: it is a tough read because of the subject.

This book is all about the characters. Following their journey as they live through one of the toughest prison environments. The writing so so descriptive that you picture yourself there along side Cilka as she navigates another nightmare.

Having this story based on a women is empowering. We need more novels like this; based on female heros.

What happens when a young woman is imprisoned in a Soviet gulag for acts she did in saving her own life during WWII? …Wow. Morris illustrates this work of fiction based on the real Cilka Klein and extensive research with compassion and drama.

Mostly set in an unforgiving, life threatening Soviet work camp in the aftermath of WWII, Cilka’s story is one of survival. But so much more than that, it is a story of friendship, resilience, love and resistance. Everything about this story is strong: the writing, the dialog, the characters. The grim settings could have brought me down, but the drama and care shown by Cilka and others provide hope in horrific times.

The author’s notes, historical information and afterword about the Vorkuta gulag add important context to Cilka’s powerful story. Don’t be afraid to read that part first. No significant spoilers and great background.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this inspiring book in exchange for an honest review.

I can’t begin to express how many feelings this book evokes as I read it. It was at times sad, terrible, heartbreaking, tense, lovely, and hopeful. I have not yet read The Tatooist of Auschwitz, but it has been on my list for a while. After reading Cilka’s Journey, The Tatooist of Auschwitz has skyrocketed to the top of my list. As hard to read as some of this book was emotionally, I couldn’t put it down. I was invested in Cilka and her world, celebrating her small joys and weeping with her setbacks. No one who hasn’t been in their shoes can really know what life was like for the people who have endured what Cilka and her friends did, but this book is a glimpse into that history. May we never repeat it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This story was intense. Cilka’s perseverance was what grabbed me from the beginning. Heather Morris tosses you right into Cilka’s life which I loved because I normally have a hard time getting invested in historical fiction, but I was committed to the story within the first twenty pages.

This novel is a story that appears well researched and definitely well written. It had me all in my feelings over the heartbreaking trials and terror this young person went through, first in one camp of terror and then another, finding ways to survive.

Stunning! Emotional, captivating..I couldn't put it down! After reading The Tatooist of Aushwitz" the story continued with Cilka's Journey. Another amazing book, based on a true story.
Cilka is just sixteen years old when she is taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp in 1942, where the commandant immediately notices how beautiful she is. Forcibly separated from the other women prisoners, Cilka learns quickly that power, even unwillingly taken, equals survival.
When the war is over and the camp is liberated, freedom is not granted to Cilka: She is charged as a collaborator for sleeping with the enemy and sent to a Siberian prison camp. But did she really have a choice? And where do the lines of morality lie for Cilka, who was send to Auschwitz when she was still a child?
In Siberia, Cilka faces challenges both new and horribly familiar, including the unwanted attention of the guards. But when she meets a kind female doctor, Cilka is taken under her wing and begins to tend to the ill in the camp, struggling to care for them under brutal conditions.
Confronting death and terror daily, Cilka discovers a strength she never knew she had. And when she begins to tentatively form bonds and relationships in this harsh, new reality, Cilka finds that despite everything that has happened to her, there is room in her heart for love.
From child to woman, from woman to healer, Cilka's journey illuminates the resilience of the human spirit—and the will we have to survive.
ARC Netgalley

Heather Morris knows how to write a good novel and I greatly enjoy the things that she writes. While I wasn't the biggest fan of The Tattooist of Auschwitz I did find this novel more well done. She weaves a powerful story and you do find yourself wrapped up in it all. WWII books are some of my favorites and I do like seeing what happens to the characters after everything.

Wow this was a powerful story. I loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz so I was beyond excited for this one. I was not disappointed. I can't even imagine everything she went though, her story is heartbreaking. This was written and researched very well. I highly recommend it.

Cilka's Journey is one powerful read. It should not missed. I highly highly recommend it. I have got to get my hands on Heather Morris's The Tattooist of Auschwitz to find out what happened.
Five stars.

I have to admit that I didn't finish this book, so my review is just based on the portion that I read. I missed the publication date, so I bought it on audiobook to try to get through it. I ordinarily avoid WWII historical fiction, but having read another author earlier this year, I thought I would give this a try when I received the invitation to read it. I have not read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, but if it's anywhere near as horrific as the beginning of Cilka's Journey, I cannot.

The writing is very vivid and evocative. It's not over-the-top, by any means. It's respectful of the horrors of the concentration camps and gulags, but Morris paints a very clear picture of those experiences. It hurts my heart and soul to read of these experiences and I've sobbed through the portions of the audiobook I've listened to. If you can get past those horrors or compartmentalize your emotions, this is a really good book. Again, the writing is phenomenal and Cilka is inspirational in her will to survive, but it's too hard for me. Maybe someday I'll get back to it, but for now, it's a DNF which is all me. No disrepect or criticism of the author or this story.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an Arc of this book so I could write an honoust review.

Writer Heather Morris became a famous writer by telling the story of Lale - the Auschwitz tattooist. And although sometimes the facts in that book are questionable, we now it's a story about one of the survivors, who did what he had to do in order to survive. And knowing this, made it a heartbreaking and touching story for many readers.

In Cilka's journey we get to know one of the friends Lale and Gita made in Auschwitz. A 16 year old girl who was deported to Auschwitz, and whom - just like so many others - did what she had to do to survive. But where for many of the few survivers where able to start searching for family and loved ones, after leaving Auschwitz. Cilka's faith was way different. A story that is not been told many times, but was the story of more survivors.

In order to survive Cilka did what she had to do. But in the end she was blamed for working with the Nazi's and send to a labourcamp of the Russians. And although there wasn't a more terrible place than Auschwitz, being there was hard on her. She had to work hard in order to survive. Like in Auschwitz she made friends, just like in Auschwitz there was violence and rape, just like in Auschwitz there where people who found love. And Cilka was one of them.

The story about Cilka is heartbreaking. Surviving one hell, going to the next and still hiding her secrets, afraid of what others might think of her. She trained to be a nurse and worked hard, not only to survive herself, but also to take care of others. But life in there is hard on her, and sometimes the thoughts of Auschwitz catch up on her and make it even harder.

Those who loved Morris her first book, have to most definitely read this one as wel. The same ways of writing, but also the way Lale and Gita are discribed because they found a place in Cilka's heart. The same style that moves and touches the readers is incredible. And although this book is not all about the facts - most of it is... And that makes it a touching story of a woman you just want to save from a teribble faith. The faith of surviving Auschwitz, only to be held captive once again.

I read the Tattooist of Auschwitz at the very beginning of this year right before a trip to Germany and the surrounding areas where I spent a humbling day at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp sites. Reading Cilka’s Journey after this trip was incredible as I was able to actually picture where she was during the flashbacks to her days at Birkenau. This story enlightens the reader to a whole other world after the war in the Soviet gulag camps. This is another horrifying piece of history I was not as familiar with. Cilka is an incredibly brave young woman and a fascinating character. I loved the friendships and relationships she forms while in the labor camp. I hate to say I loved this book because it is a heartbreaking, gutwrenching, read- but it’s important and Heather Morris tells the story in a beautiful way once again.

Thank you to St. Martin’s press for the advanced copy to review.

The author writes, “After the book “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” many asked the question, “What happened to Cilka?” So this is the story of Cilka, a fictional character (based on the life of an actual women) who survived three years in the Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and then sentenced to fifteen years in a Siberian prison camp (by Russian liberators), for so called cooperating with the enemy. During her time spent in the Siberian camp, she suffers much of the same abuse, bringing back awful memories of the past, in which she tries very hard to stuff down and keep secret. Her journey takes us into the world of inhumane treatment, and loss of identity through rape, starvation, inadequate living provisions and hard labor in arctic temperature. But thoe Cilka tries hard to keep to herself, she can not stand by, while others suffer from injustice and pain.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.