Member Reviews

Three sisters are sent to Auschwitz. They promised their father earlier in life that they would always stay together. At the notorious death camp, they make another promise.....to stay alive.

This book was hard to read at times, but beautiful, too. The sisters stay strong in the face of extreme hardship, buoyed up by their love for each other. So although this story was rough on me emotionally (I kept thinking of the stories passed down to me of relatives that died in the concentration camps), I'm so glad I read it!

Three Sisters is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz series. Every book has been outstanding!

I read part of this book in ebook ARC format....then listened to the audio book. Narrated by Finty Williams, the audio is just over 13 hours long. Williams does a great job of voice acting. Very moving audio performance!

Very thought provoking....emotional.....and beautiful! Glad I read/listened to this book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press (and Macmillan Audio). All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Was this review helpful?

If you loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's journey, you will love this one too, by the lovely and generous Heather Morris. Lale and Cilka both show up for cameos in this new book, which is (like those) based on a true story, this time about three Slovakian sisters who (I guess I can say this since it's the first line of the description) survive Auschwitz and go on to settle in Israel.

I don't think it will be giving away too much to say that a sword lily runs through the book. I looked it up so you don't have to: it's a gladiola -- and it represents hope. So yes, hope even in this very dark time.
I had to pace myself through the first half of this book; it is awfully intense. But Cibi at the end of chapter 23 ... wow. And the ending is quite lovely.

I posted a shout-out with cover and link to Heather's facebook page on mine (https://www.facebook.com/novelistmeg), as well as a review on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/megwaiteclayton)

Was this review helpful?

Heather Morris continues her historical fiction (based on real people) writing with this compelling story of the three Meller sisters. Born in Slovakia, the siblings make a promise to their father that they will always stick together and help each other.

Little did they all know that they would have to survive years at Auschwitz, Birkenau, and a death march. Livia and Cibi are ordered there first, both are teenagers. Magda has been hidden away, but eventually all the Jews from their town are sent to Auschwitz.

As with most historical fiction set in this time period, it is difficult to read about the horrible treatment that Jews faced and the incredible resiliency of the survivors. This story has a hopeful ending though as eventually the sisters make it to Israel after the war and start a new life there. It takes more than a new setting though to get through the survivor’s guilt that many have and each cope with it differently. Some chose to never speak of the past and others shared their stories with family and friends.

For those that have read the previous two books, there are brief appearances of Lale, Gita, and Cilka. I would say this can be read as a stand-alone though.

One of the best parts of the book are the notes at the end from family members and the author’s thoughts on visiting the sisters and their family. Don’t miss them!

Was this review helpful?

Heather Morris has proven to be a gifted writer with her prior historical fiction novels of WWII. Her characters are based on real people who suffered the horrors of the Natzis in the concentration camps. I especially enjoyed this book because it also focused on the post war years and the difficulties in trying to start over after experiencing such a devastating lost. Three sisters is the final book in the series, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. In my opinion, all three books were well written and enlightening. It is not necessary to have read the first three books to read this one. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to know more about the real people that this book is based on.

Was this review helpful?

Three Sisters is based on a true story.; It tells of Cibi, Magda and Livi and their promise to their father to always stay together. They are sent to Auschwitz where they manage to survive, against all odds. Afterwards, they stay together through the difficulties that await them after the "Death March."

The sisters see a great deal of horror in the camp and afterward. They are haunted by their experiences. Yet through it all, they manage to persevere and move forward to live their lives. I think what made the biggest impact on me was the realization that these three women went on to have their own individual families. If they hadn't survived, none of their children would have been born which would have negated entire branches of the family tree. It was quite fascinating to contemplate how much three lives could impact the future.

Three Sisters gives a little different look into the Holocaust and its aftermath. As in the past, Ms. Morris did a wonderful job at finding the right words to fully describe these characters and their story.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A poignant tale of family, strength and hope. Reading to the end and finding out how this book came about made it much more meaningful. The trauma endured and the bond that these sisters maintained through their lives is nothing short of miraculous. Heather Morris weaves the story together in a way that honors these individuals and their experiences.
I highly recommend this for fans of historical fiction.

Was this review helpful?

Three sisters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When they are girls, Cibi, Magda and Livia make a promise to their father - that they will stay together, no matter what. Years later, at just 15 years old, Livia is ordered to Auschwitz by the Nazis. Cibi, only 19 herself, remembers their promise and follows Livia, determined to protect her sister, or die with her. In their hometown in Slovakia, 17-year-old Magda hides, desperate to evade the barbaric Nazi forces. But it is not long before she is captured and condemned to Auschwitz. In the horror of the death camp, these three beautiful sisters are reunited. Though traumatised by their experiences, they are together. They make another promise: that they will live.

*Thank you @stmartinspress & @netgalley for the #gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review.*

Heather Morris did it again. Her talent for reimagining true stories during the Holocaust leaves me breathless every single time. I sincerely hope this is not the last book like this from her about a story, or in this case three stories, during the Holocaust.

I felt for Cibi, Magda and Livi, and hurt when they hurt. Their stories and what they go through are heart wrenching, but heartwarming. Their stories and their journey back to find each other is incredible.

I liked that the book also didn’t end after the camp. They still had so much more of their journey to go on and I’m so glad the book continued. I had too many question by the second half that needed to be answered.

I truly can’t wait to see what Morris writes next, and I’m hoping it’s another voice and story that would have been lost without her.

This published Oct. 5, be sure to grab a copy!

Was this review helpful?

Three Sisters by Heather Morris (Auschwitz #3) is an excellent book. This is not my first book by this author. I thought she did an awesome job with Cilka’s Journey, but this book is even better. Also while it is billed as book #3 in a series these stories are easily stand alone. While there is one or two characters that have appeared in books one and two they are minor reprisals of these characters.

As the title implies, this is the true story of three Jewish sisters born in Slovakia.
The sisters, Cibi, Magda and Livi, make a promise to their father, at a very young age, that they will always protect one another. They survived against all odds. This promise will be tested over and over again.

Most of us have heard about stories of the holocaust and the horrific inhumanity that the Jewish people suffered during their imprisonment at the death camps like Auschwitz – Birkenau during WWII. The story of the three sisters takes place when they were children and follows them through the cruelty, heartbreak, illness and physical deterioration that occurred to the sisters during the Holocaust and eventually follows the women into their adulthoods. The sisters eventually return to Slovakia after their time in the camps. They find now it is under Communist rule. They find their familial home occupied by people who ‘stole’ their house during the war. Determined to make a new life they eventually settle in the new state of Israel. It is in Israel where they find their new home.

The story is wonderfully written and moves along at a good pace. It is a difficult book to review due to the subject matter. To say it was excellent sounds odd but correct. It is a powerful story of resilience, promise, commitment, courage, hope, family and love.

The Three Sisters is meticulously researched and is a beautiful and thought provoking story and I wholeheartedly urge you to read it. Heather Morris has a gift at bringing these stories to life.

I think that I was flabbergasted when I read the Epilogue, Author’s Note and the Afterwords. Blown away would also be a good description. To find out that while this story is listed as Historical Fiction, in truth it is a biography of the Meller Sisters. I have so much respect for Ms. Morris for bringing these stories into the light. She has become one of my favorite authors. I am always anxiously awaiting the release of her next book. Well done!

If you haven’t yet read The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey I urge you to make the time to do so. I would like to thank the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Three Sisters will affect you like no other book. Cibi, Magda, and Livi vowed to always stay together, no matter what. That vow is kept through separation and despair. I love that it’s based on a true story. One of the most heart wrenching scenes is with their mother and grandfather at Auschwitz. It’s a remarkable story and I was a puddle of emotions while reading it. I loved the afterwards where it’s explained about the real sisters. Sisterhood is an unbreakable bond with these three, no doubt about it.

Was this review helpful?

Three Sisters
Third (and final book) book in The Tattooist of Auschwitz Trilogy
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Three Sisters is the third book in the trilogy were we read about three sisters, Cibi, Madge and Livia. The book is divided into three parts in which we see them live their lives, before, during and after the war. The three of them fought their way through many obstacles and never forgot their promise to their father that they would always be together. This was something that I liked about the three of them. That no matter what they were going through they were always there for each other.
It was an okay read, and even though it's part of a trilogy, I feel that it can be read as a stand alone. I'm giving three stars because to be honest I was a little bored towards the end of the book. I feel that some parts were rushed.

Was this review helpful?

Three Sisters
by Heather Morris
Pub Date: October 5, 2021
St.Martin's Press

READ this book! You will not be sorry, but first, read the other two books in this trilogy. One of the best and touching books I've read this year.
A promise to stay together.
An unbreakable bond.
A fierce will to survive.

From international bestselling author Heather Morris comes the breathtaking conclusion to The Tattooist of Auschwitz trilogy.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC. I will be recommending it! 5stars

Was this review helpful?

It was an honor to read this book. It is a time in history that we must never forget. The stories were very descriptive, made it emotionally difficult at times, but that just makes it more important to discuss. It is heart warming to know that even through the most disturbing events in history, there is still room in the heart for love and hope.

Was this review helpful?

Cibi and Livia are taken from their village in Slovakia and sent into the Nazi camps- first Auschwitz then Birkenau-and survive only by keeping their promise to their father to always stick together. Their other sister, Magda, manages to avoid the camps for a while but then she, their mother, and their grandfather are rounded up. It is only by chance that someone spots Magda on her arrival and that the sisters are reunited. It's a harrowing account of survival. The three young women manage to get jobs which at least keep them, for the most part, inside and are, oddly, watched over to a certain extent by a female Nazi. The larger portion of the book- set in the camps- is admittedly more compelling (if familiar) than what comes after. The sisters find themselves in Communust Czechoslavakia, fall in love (well, two of them do) and begin the process of expatriation to Israel. Things feel compressed once they arrive, although once again, they've got a bit of luck. This is based on the lives of a real family so don't miss the afterword. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Know that while this is posted as the third in a series of sorts, it's not really- the Tattooist makes a cameo and this is really the story of three resilient women.

Was this review helpful?

Heather Morris is my new auto buy author! I loved loved loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz and when I got approved for the advance galley and ALC from StMartinsPress and NetGalley for Three Sisters, I was very super delighted!

Three Sisters by Heather Morris is a story of Cibi, Magda and Livi bound by love, promise and courage. Living their horrific days in concentration camps during the Holocaust, leaving behind so many people, so many memories and moving on to building new ones in new country.

This story is a masterfully crafted work of wonders and heart wrenching pain. Heather Morris’s story telling feels so real, as if you are part of the plot and you can feel your heart hurt.

This book releases on Oct 5, 2021and I highly recommend you all literary, historical fiction lover to pick up this book for your fall read.

Was this review helpful?

By the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's Journey this author has written another heartfelt, painful, soul touching story of how the Jews were treated. What they endured and how some survived. Another book based on hundred percent on facts. Make sure you read everything at the end. All the things, posts, Afterwards from each person. The one from Livia Ravek really touched me. This author did a great job capturing the essence of these three sister's journey through hell and back.

Three sisters who made a promise to their father to always be there for each other. No matter what. To always look out for each other. That is exactly what they did too. Even though only the youngest girl, Livi, was made to report to the Germans to be sent away her older sister, Cibi, went with her. They both ended up in Auschwitz and together. Together they did what they had to to survive. They worked hard. Had very little to eat and the clothes they wore were the very basics. Their other sister, Magda, was in the hospital being taken care of and protected from this very thing by a kind caring doctor. But eventually she along with her mother and grandfather were sent away also. The odds of the sisters being at the same camp had to be very high. At least I think. But they were reunited.

This book goes into some detail about what these girls, the Jewish people, endured at Auschwitz. What horrors they saw. From seeing people shot for just being human. From losing their own relatives, mother and grandfather, to the gas chamber. But they held their heads high and marched on. They worked hard. They helped each other and many other girls/women in the camp. It's beyond belief what happened in these camps. It's heartbreaking. It's the most horrible things I have ever read. It will rip your heart out. Make you wonder how anyone can be so cruel. How can any human being harbor so much hate for someone. How someone you know and who has known you for years can turn against you so easy. How one race can think they are so superior. How they can think one is less than human. The horrors are so real. We never need to forget this happened. We need to make sure it never happens again. No matter what.

I find when I read a book about this, the Nazis and how they treated the Jews, that I question how a god could have allowed it to happen. How can this ever be ok with anyone. Or with any race. Any group. Anyone. There is a lot of racism in the world today but I have to believe that no one could be this cruel again. Of course there are people who have that much hate. Who think they are so much better and deserve so much more but still... Could they really do things like this? I'm afraid I think they probably could. Hate is a powerful feeling. But so is love. I think there are enough good people to outdo the evil. I certainly hope so.

This is a very sad book but it's about three girls, sisters, who survived. It's about what all they did and how they survived afterwards. Even after when there was still so much prejudice against the Jewish people. But there were also some very good and decent people who helped them. You will shed a lot of tears reading this book. No doubt about it. It's sad and real. It happened.

The research put into this book is so good. The parts at the end where the children of these women tell a story, each of them, is proof the author knew what she was writing about. She did an excellent job. I know it had to be so heartbreaking for her to hear the stories of these women. I'm sure she wept quite a bit. Thank you for keeping these stories alive. Never ever forget!

Thank you #NetGalley, #HeatherMorris, #StMartinsPress for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

5/5 huge stars for a heartfelt book. Well done.

Was this review helpful?

Three Sisters details the harrowing experiences of a family during wartime and beyond. From a loving, peaceful existence in Vranov to a horrendous period that continues to defy reason. And later in Israel, where survivors worked to rebuild their lives with the mental and visible scars serving as constant reminders of all what they had experienced and those they had lost.

The author brings us into the day-to-day horrors of Auschwitz and Birkenau while showing how the love of family and the will to survive can bring about remarkable resiliency. This is a not a new theme and other books have heartbreakingly taken readers into the depths of the concentration camps. But knowing this is a true story (with some fictional elements) makes it all the more impactful. And as hard it is to read of the suffering, it is also uplifting to learn of life after the war filled with children and grandchildren. It is painful, however, to think of all the children and grandchildren who were never born because so many did not survive. Books like Three Sisters keep us remembering this.

Was this review helpful?

This is not just another Holocaust story. This is based on three sisters who were survive and thrive after the brutalities they endured. This inspirational story of family love and loyalty will stay with me for a long time to come. The back matter includes letters from family members of multiple generations. I will certainly be recommending this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Three Slovakian sisters promise their father that they will be there for each other, no matter what. Heather Morris’ book, Three Sisters, details the stories of theses Jewish sisters during WWII and into the future.

The youngest and oldest sisters, Livi and Cibi, are rounded up to “work for the Germans.” Part 2 of the book is aptly titled ‘The Gates of Hell.’ The girls are tattooed with numbers, shaved, starved and forced to labor in Auschwitz and Birkenau. “There is no let-up in their treatment: despite the raging heat, the daily abuse of their bodies and minds continues.” Winter was even worse. The brutality and hopelessness of their situation seems to go on forever. The sisters (and a few other kind souls) help each other survive.

Meanwhile, Magda, the middle sister hides at a neighbors’ or in the forest, as the roundups of Jews grows. I’ll not give away spoilers, but the siblings are reunited. The second half of the book is more hopeful, with the sisters beginning new lives in Israel.

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

Was this review helpful?

This is a tough one to write. How do you say you love a book that breaks your heart with every page you turn. The story of the three sisters, Cibi, Magda, and Livi will stay with you long after you're done. We heard Lale and Gita's story and then we heard Cilka. It was interesting how they were intertwined in this story. What was also interesting to me were the men's perspectives and the guilt they felt because they believed they didn't suffer the way the sisters had. Even Magda carrying the weight of that guilt. I pray we never have to find out what these women endured. But books like this help us to remember. As Elie Wiesel once said "to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time".

Was this review helpful?

Three Sisters by Heather Morris is a Historical Novel Nazi prison camps in World War II. This book is based on the true survival story of three sisters in Nazi Germany.
Heather Morris' characters come alive as she weaves the story of their lives. I especially enjoyed that each sister’s life was told from youth to old age. A true story isn’t complete without knowing the entire story. Heather Morris tells their heartbreaking but inspiring memoir with feeling.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

Was this review helpful?