Review: Cilka's Journey: The sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Cilka's Journey: The sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: As you know, this is a sequel to The tattooist of auschwitz, so it'd be more wise to read that one first. But since this novel acts more like a standalone than a sequel, it should be fine, I suppose.

So let's get on.

The cover - Yup the theme has been continuing with the hand holding, and it's so wonderful to see that again, so definitely I got a bit teary-eyed as you can imagine.

It's not easy to get me teary-eyed as you know. So yeah..

So definitely one reason why I loved this book loads. Points to that.

2. The summary doesn't have a lot of change from the first one, but this time, Cilka's situation is definitely more problematic than being simply Jewish and a prisoner, and getting out of it alive and well, is a task harder to do than Lale and Gita. Finding love along the way, makes things much more harder, as you can think, so keeping the guy she likes, alive, and herself, alive, is definitely a Mission Impossible like task. But definitely it's got my attention so I'm happy to give it a point.

3. The romance: Well that's where things started lagging, I have to admit. With the romance, the characters fell into love too quickly and no apparent reason either, they fell in love, either. So yeah, it felt flat there. Hence the one star taken off.

4. The characters: Cilka is definitely something of an enigma, having dealt with so many dangerous situations and all, and still coming out alive, regardless and well.

That is definitely something worth cheering. I have to admit.

Alexandr on the hand is not that developed, but I mostly say this, because of his short role and most of the time, they don't get much of a chance to hang out with, so yeah hence why I don't feel much towards Alexandr.

But the other characters, are definitely hardworking, strong, resilient and refuse to give up. Although some of them were bullies (you know who they are, if you've read the novel and if you haven't, it's amusing at best) who are often downright insulting and rude, but with Cilka's charm and friendliness, they all soon get together peacefully, and what a sight it is. So they're all truly something of a loveable bunch.

Plus Lale and Gita also have their own flashbacks hence why I added the star, regardless of Alexandr.

5. Overcoming of their situation -As I said, such a strong bunch will usually persevere well, so I was happy to see them get out, although some of them died (so darn sad at that point), but through some clever thinking, heavy wit, and standing up together, they all manage to get out successfully, without suffering too much. And I was ridiculously happy when Cilka and Alexandr got their happy ever after as well. It wasn't too bad, when they all came out happy and safe.

So this novel is a recommend. Not so strong, but still not so bad to give it a shot.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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