A story of bone deep suffering with glimmers of hope here and there. Perseverance and survival with no end in sight. A crude doily, a chipped mug with a little flower plucked from frozen, arrid earth. The simple pleasures in life we all take for granted. Cilka's ordeals, punishment, bravery and deep love make for an evocative, emotional read. It is the tale of true sacrifice for those she called her friends, her sisters in survival. It is a tale of toneless brutality at the hands of disinterested, entitled people in power - just because they could. The fact that the book is based on a true story makes it that much more heartbreaking. Well written, well researched - a truly excellent book.

Privileged to have the opportunity to read this ARC from Netgalley. Heather Morris has done it again with this beautifully written story of courage, bravery and compassion against all odds where hope and courage can take root in even the darkest of places

At 10:50 a.m. I received an email inviting me to read an advanced copy of Heather Morris’ sequel to the Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey. At 11:00 p.m., I finished it. Pretty sure that’s never happened before. Good. Book.
I had not read The Tattooist prior to reading this (though it will be delivered today) and it is not necessary to have read it to enjoy Cilka’s Journey. This is a beautifully written, very readable account of Cilka Klein’s story after Auschwitz. Yes, all books from this horrific part of human history are about loss and survival, but this one is also about relationships and the human condition.
The characters came alive and were consistently written all the way through. The story flowed like water and I couldn’t put it down. I really appreciated the additional history included at the end. This is why I read historical fiction.

***I received this book as an ARC on Netgalley from the publisher***

This is Heather Morris' follow up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz (which I recommend you read first). 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...which she didn't. This is a story of survival, friendship, and the ability to love others in horrible circumstances. This was such a good book I read it in less than 12 hours and still wish there was more.