Auschwitz, 1943: As I held the tiny baby in my arms, my fingers traced the black tattoo etched across her little thigh. And I prayed that one day this set of numbers, identical to her mother’s, would have the power to reunite a family torn apart by war…

Inspired by an incredible true story, this poignant novel tells of one woman’s fight for love, life and hope during a time of unimaginable darkness.

Ana Kaminski is pushed through the iron gates of Auschwitz beside her frightened young friend Ester Pasternak. As they reach the front of the line, Ana steps forward and quietly declares herself a midwife – and Ester her assistant. Their arms are tattooed and they’re ordered to the maternity hut. Holding an innocent new-born baby, Ana knows the fate of so many are in her hands, and vows to do everything she can to save them.

When two guards in their chilling SS uniforms march in and snatch a blond-haired baby from its mother it’s almost too much for Ana to bear. Consoling the distraught woman, Ana realises amidst the terrible heartache there is a glimmer of hope. The guards are taking the healthiest babies and placing them with German families, so they will survive. And there are whispers the war is nearly over… Ana and Ester begin to secretly tattoo little ones with their mother’s numbers, praying one day they might be reunited.

Then, early one morning, Ana notices the small bump under Ester’s thin striped clothing…

My Thoughts:

This is a must read, one of books of this year for sure. It is such a heart breaking story to find out what went on in 1943 in Auschwitz. You will need plenty of tissues to get through this real life story. Anna the author has a way with her words that makes you feel as though you are pulled into the story and don’t want to stop reading. The emotions I went through reading this book were unbelievable, these poor women, I just wish I could do something for them. It was interesting to learn about being a midwife in that era too as I haven’t read anything about their job role and such forth. This is historical fiction done brilliantly well. I loved it.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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