Susanne's Reviews > Cilka's Journey

5 Incredible, Heart-Wrenching, Tear-filled Stars.

When I started “Cilka’s Journey” I didn't think it possible for me to like it as much as its predecessor, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz.” In truth, like doesn’t begin to describe my feelings for this book. I loved the story of Lale and Gita and yet, I adored “Cilka’s Journey” - such that I loved it with every cell in my body and every emotion I can possibly muster. If I had to give you one reason why I loved this novel more than Lale and Gita’s, I’d have to say that I loved Cilka’s story perhaps because it wasn’t a love story, unlike that of Lale and Gita.

“Cilka’s Journey” broke me. This is Cilka’s story of survival during the absolute worst of times. Any other person would not have survived and yet she did. First, she survived Auschwitz-Birkenau, only to be liberated and then sentenced by the Soviets to 15 years in Vorkuta gulag in Siberia. It is unthinkable and yet, for Cilka, it was her penance, for doing what she had to do, sleep with the enemy to make it through.

Cilka always put everyone else first, including the girls in her hut and her closest friend Josie, even during times of adversity. I have no words for how selfless Cilka was and for what she went through. Her relationship with Josie was such a blessing and yet it tore at my heart. Tears fell many a time while reading this novel, but none more during her time with Josie. I love how the story is told in the present day and through flashbacks while Cilka was at Auschwitz-Birkenau, it brought such realism to the story and really helped me feel Cilka’s strength.

What more can I say except that I love Cilka Klein. Her strength of character, her determination, her kindness and her selflessness. Your story will stay with me for a long time.

Heather Morris - your ability to weave this story from research, from interviews and from facts and use some artistic license, it is a work of art. The author’s note at the end of this novel captivated me. Thank you for bringing “Cilka’s Journey” to life. This is a haunting portrayal of a young girl’s ability to not only survive but thrive during what was the most horrific of times and to do what must be done.

A huge thank you goes out to St. Martin’s Press for sending me a galley of this novel to cherish always.

Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 12.8.19.