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The Tattooist of Auschwitz #3
Three Sisters
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.
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. Their fight for survival takes them from the hell of Auschwitz, to a death march across war-torn Europe and eventually home to Slovakia, now under iron Communist rule. Determined to begin again, they embark on a voyage of renewal, to the new Jewish homeland, Israel.
Rich in vivid detail, and beautifully told, Three Sisters will break your heart, but leave you amazed and uplifted by the courage and fierce love of three sisters, whose promise to each other kept them alive. Two of the sisters are in Israel today, surrounded by family and friends. They have chosen Heather Morris to reimagine their story in her astonishing new novel, Three Sisters.
An unbreakable bond.
A fierce will to survive.
From international bestselling author Heather Morris comes the breathtaking conclusion to The Tattooist of Auschwitz trilogy.
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. Their fight for survival takes them from the hell of Auschwitz, to a death march across war-torn Europe and eventually home to Slovakia, now under iron Communist rule. Determined to begin again, they embark on a voyage of renewal, to the new Jewish homeland, Israel.
Rich in vivid detail, and beautifully told, Three Sisters will break your heart, but leave you amazed and uplifted by the courage and fierce love of three sisters, whose promise to each other kept them alive. Two of the sisters are in Israel today, surrounded by family and friends. They have chosen Heather Morris to reimagine their story in her astonishing new novel, Three Sisters.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2021
About the author
Heather Morris
23 books8,088 followersI am a Native of New Zealand now resident in Australia, working in a large public hospital in Melbourne. For several years I studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an academy award winning Screenwriter in the U.S. In 2003, I was introduced to an elderly gentleman "who might just have a story worth telling". The day I met Lale Sokolov changed my life, as our friendship grew and he embarked on a journey of self scrutiny, entrusting the inner most details of his life during the Holocaust. I originally wrote Lale's story as a screenplay - which ranked high in international competitions - before reshaping it into my debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,274 reviews
October 5, 2021
This story follows three Slovakian sisters, Livia, Magda, and Cibi. In 1929, when the girls were very young, their father made them promise to stay together, no matter what happened. In 1942, fifteen year old Livia and nineteen year old Cibi are rounded up and taken to Auschwitz while their seventeen year old sister, Magda, escapes the roundup because she is in the nearby hospital. Eventually Magda joins them during their last year at the camp, once she, their mother, and their grandfather are also rounded up.
There aren't many Auschwitz/Birkenau survivors left but Heather Morris was able to talk with Livia, Magda, and their families, in 2019/2020, about their experiences before, during and after their lives in the concentration camps. The story is made up of real events from their lives and then afterwards, when they are still reviled by many in their home country. Later all three sisters make their way to their new homeland of Israel. The stories of millions ended during the war and the concentration camps and it is inspiring to read that there are some survivors who were able to go on and have families and fulfilling lives after their near death experiences. The story makes clear the feelings of guilt all the survivors felt, in some way or another, for living through what so many did not. The story is told simply, from the point of view of the girls, while they try to hold true to their promises to their father, throughout their lives.
At this link, you can read about the author's visits with Livia, Magda and their families.
https://www.yourstoriesofhope.com/liv...
Publication: October 5, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
There aren't many Auschwitz/Birkenau survivors left but Heather Morris was able to talk with Livia, Magda, and their families, in 2019/2020, about their experiences before, during and after their lives in the concentration camps. The story is made up of real events from their lives and then afterwards, when they are still reviled by many in their home country. Later all three sisters make their way to their new homeland of Israel. The stories of millions ended during the war and the concentration camps and it is inspiring to read that there are some survivors who were able to go on and have families and fulfilling lives after their near death experiences. The story makes clear the feelings of guilt all the survivors felt, in some way or another, for living through what so many did not. The story is told simply, from the point of view of the girls, while they try to hold true to their promises to their father, throughout their lives.
At this link, you can read about the author's visits with Livia, Magda and their families.
https://www.yourstoriesofhope.com/liv...
Publication: October 5, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 5, 2021
A solid 4 stars for a book of courage in the face of incredible cruelty. This book is the story of 3 sisters, Cibi, Magda and Livi. They are living in Vranov, Slovakia, when the Germans invade. Prior to the invasion, their father calls them together in 1929 and makes them promise to always be there for one another. They are Jewish. Cibi and Livi are rounded up with other Jews and sent to Auschwitz in 1942. Magda has been hidden in the hospital by a friendly doctor. However, she too is found and sent to Auschwitz in 1944.
This story of how they survive is an inspiring story of resilience and sorrow. Some of their family are murdered by the N**is. I read this book because I previously read and enjoyed Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris. I read this book in 5 days.
Two quotes: "The sisters share a hug that is about so much more than physical comfort. It is a bond which crosses time and space, which hurdles their pain and dulls their suffering. They each implicitly understand that mere distance will not break their bond."
"Hell had escaped its moorings and risen to earth in the shape of Auschwitz and Birkenau and all the other camps, ..."
#ThreeSisters #NetGalley.
Thanks to Erica Martirano at St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
This story of how they survive is an inspiring story of resilience and sorrow. Some of their family are murdered by the N**is. I read this book because I previously read and enjoyed Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris. I read this book in 5 days.
Two quotes: "The sisters share a hug that is about so much more than physical comfort. It is a bond which crosses time and space, which hurdles their pain and dulls their suffering. They each implicitly understand that mere distance will not break their bond."
"Hell had escaped its moorings and risen to earth in the shape of Auschwitz and Birkenau and all the other camps, ..."
#ThreeSisters #NetGalley.
Thanks to Erica Martirano at St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
July 13, 2021
4.5 STARS
Three sisters- Cibi, Magda, and Livi
A promise to their father to always stay together. A will to survive.
The family has 3 daughters. One in the hospital, one young enough to escape the clutch of the Nazis
and one a part of the Zionist youth movement. In the end, none of it is enough to avoid capture.
"You have our orders--your daughter's name will be on the list of girls to be transported." The two Hlinka Guards bring the orders to the family's door. The rumors of guards beginning to round up young Jewish girls and boys to work for the Germans are starting to circulate the town.
The descriptions, the recounting of events and the horrors of the death camps made this an emotional journey and I felt their despair and heartache. They never forget the promise they made to stay together.
The Author's note at the end is very moving. She tells us what happened to each family member after the war ended. She also includes afterwords from the sister Livia, and other family. They supported Heather in telling their story even though it was such an emotional rollercoaster reliving the evil period that they endured.
This is the third in the series The Tattooist of Auschwitz. I've read all of them. Each book tells individual stories based on true survivors and events in history. The sisters courage and unwavering love for one another was so very inspiring. I'm truly thankful that I was able to hear their story through Heather's novel.
Recommend to fans of Historical Fiction, WWII survival and anyone who wants to learn about these amazing sisters.
Thanks To NG and the publisher for my early review copy. OUT October 5, 2021
Three sisters- Cibi, Magda, and Livi
A promise to their father to always stay together. A will to survive.
The family has 3 daughters. One in the hospital, one young enough to escape the clutch of the Nazis
and one a part of the Zionist youth movement. In the end, none of it is enough to avoid capture.
"You have our orders--your daughter's name will be on the list of girls to be transported." The two Hlinka Guards bring the orders to the family's door. The rumors of guards beginning to round up young Jewish girls and boys to work for the Germans are starting to circulate the town.
The descriptions, the recounting of events and the horrors of the death camps made this an emotional journey and I felt their despair and heartache. They never forget the promise they made to stay together.
The Author's note at the end is very moving. She tells us what happened to each family member after the war ended. She also includes afterwords from the sister Livia, and other family. They supported Heather in telling their story even though it was such an emotional rollercoaster reliving the evil period that they endured.
This is the third in the series The Tattooist of Auschwitz. I've read all of them. Each book tells individual stories based on true survivors and events in history. The sisters courage and unwavering love for one another was so very inspiring. I'm truly thankful that I was able to hear their story through Heather's novel.
Recommend to fans of Historical Fiction, WWII survival and anyone who wants to learn about these amazing sisters.
Thanks To NG and the publisher for my early review copy. OUT October 5, 2021
July 1, 2021
“Three Sisters”, ….Historical Holocaust- ‘based-on-a- true-story’, novel was written from love, warmth, and compassion….which any reader can see.
Heather Morris’s own heart is as big as they come.
Heather met with two of the sisters - 90ish- years old-
still alive - who spent hours with Heather sharing their story.
I could image the passion - power - and gratefulness the sisters and Heather felt being together, their communication exchanges and appreciation each of these ladies felt.
As for my personal experience of reading “Three Sisters” …. I bumped up against my resistance- my judgements- my ‘mind’.
The tone of the book (for me), felt elementary and the dialogue between the sisters felt too sugary-sappy, for my taste. Their was a fluffiness tone - that many readers might adore —
But… I’ve read dozens and dozens of Holocaust stories—
so for me—I was ‘Holocaust-spent’…. to be reading a fluffy-tone-tale.
I just didn’t feel I was learning anything new ‘about’ the horrors, struggles, hunger, work conditions- or escape …,
I found myself ‘not wanting’ to read every word of every page of this 400 page novel.
I admit - I started skimming- reading quickly…
just wanting to finish it and move on.
But…..
I ‘do’ appreciate Heather’s work and dedication—
and of course it’s moving to meet Holocaust survivors.
I enjoyed the Author’s Notes at the end. The straight history about the characters ‘was’ interesting to me…
but the storytelling itself ….left me feeling “been here - read this” too many times.
“Three Sisters” ‘would’ be a wonderful book to educate and put into the hands of young adults.
Cibi, Magda, and Livi are the names of the sisters from
whom this survival story is based.
The sisters grew up in Slovakia. In 1942, as teenagers, they left their home (a little family background at the start, along with the basic conditions and circumstances of the times)….
then off to work for the Germans.
The theme of the sisters was to ‘always protect’ each other - a ‘promise’ they made to their father. I felt this ‘promise’ was over- done - but ….at the same time, yes, I get it.
Cibi and Livi were sent to Auschwitz, while the middle sister, Magda, was hiding.
Two years later, in 1944, Magda was captured, and joined her sisters in the camp.
Eventually they find their way back home….make it to “The Promise Land”, in Israel.
Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Heather Morris.
Heather Morris’s own heart is as big as they come.
Heather met with two of the sisters - 90ish- years old-
still alive - who spent hours with Heather sharing their story.
I could image the passion - power - and gratefulness the sisters and Heather felt being together, their communication exchanges and appreciation each of these ladies felt.
As for my personal experience of reading “Three Sisters” …. I bumped up against my resistance- my judgements- my ‘mind’.
The tone of the book (for me), felt elementary and the dialogue between the sisters felt too sugary-sappy, for my taste. Their was a fluffiness tone - that many readers might adore —
But… I’ve read dozens and dozens of Holocaust stories—
so for me—I was ‘Holocaust-spent’…. to be reading a fluffy-tone-tale.
I just didn’t feel I was learning anything new ‘about’ the horrors, struggles, hunger, work conditions- or escape …,
I found myself ‘not wanting’ to read every word of every page of this 400 page novel.
I admit - I started skimming- reading quickly…
just wanting to finish it and move on.
But…..
I ‘do’ appreciate Heather’s work and dedication—
and of course it’s moving to meet Holocaust survivors.
I enjoyed the Author’s Notes at the end. The straight history about the characters ‘was’ interesting to me…
but the storytelling itself ….left me feeling “been here - read this” too many times.
“Three Sisters” ‘would’ be a wonderful book to educate and put into the hands of young adults.
Cibi, Magda, and Livi are the names of the sisters from
whom this survival story is based.
The sisters grew up in Slovakia. In 1942, as teenagers, they left their home (a little family background at the start, along with the basic conditions and circumstances of the times)….
then off to work for the Germans.
The theme of the sisters was to ‘always protect’ each other - a ‘promise’ they made to their father. I felt this ‘promise’ was over- done - but ….at the same time, yes, I get it.
Cibi and Livi were sent to Auschwitz, while the middle sister, Magda, was hiding.
Two years later, in 1944, Magda was captured, and joined her sisters in the camp.
Eventually they find their way back home….make it to “The Promise Land”, in Israel.
Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Heather Morris.
January 3, 2022
2.5 stars
A wartime novel focused on the love and bond between sisters.
Based on true events, sisters Cibi, Magda and Livi share a promise to their father that they will always look out for one another. This promise carries them through several harrowing years living as Jewish prisoners at Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.
One theme that stuck with me throughout this novel was how people suffered with ‘survivors guilt’. Feeling guilty if they survived the concentration camps, feeling guilty if they didn’t suffer as much as the next survivor, feeling guilty for witnessing things they didn’t try to stop, etc. The author did an excellent job pushing this topic forward and showing the reader how endless and life consuming this guilt can be.
This was one of my most highly anticipated novels of the year as I loved Books 1 and 2 in this series. Unfortunately this lacklustre ending to the series didn’t live up to my hopes and expectations.
My main issue was the main characters — the three sisters were extremely childish and “cutesy”. They didn’t feel real. I couldn’t take their conversations seriously as their immaturity and babyish behaviour and dialogue took away from the harrowing storyline, the true grit and the heaviness of the times. For this reason, this entire story lacked the emotional pull that I have come to expect from this series. I simply wasn’t invested in the characters so my heart wasn’t in it. I can understand how wonderful it would have been for the author to be interviewing these sisters and putting their story to paper, but this simply didn’t resonate with me in any way.
Another issue for me was that this book lacked anything new. I love reading historical fiction so that I can learn about pieces of our history through fictional, entertaining characters. While the author did a good job telling the true story of these sisters, it failed to offer a fresh perspective on this time in our history. These characters brought nothing new to the over-saturated genre and the repetitive feel made the book drag.
Overall, this was barely an “ok” read for me. Many readers will love this for being a heartwarming, lighter wartime read. I feel that readers who have followed along in this trilogy will find this last book less intense and impactful. It was more of a cute, feel-good story than a powerful, emotional one. It failed to offer anything new and felt drawn out and repetitive. I strongly recommend reading Book 1 & 2 in this series and then adjusting your expectations for this one as it’s a completely different kind of read.
Thank you to St Martins Press for my review copy!
A wartime novel focused on the love and bond between sisters.
Based on true events, sisters Cibi, Magda and Livi share a promise to their father that they will always look out for one another. This promise carries them through several harrowing years living as Jewish prisoners at Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.
One theme that stuck with me throughout this novel was how people suffered with ‘survivors guilt’. Feeling guilty if they survived the concentration camps, feeling guilty if they didn’t suffer as much as the next survivor, feeling guilty for witnessing things they didn’t try to stop, etc. The author did an excellent job pushing this topic forward and showing the reader how endless and life consuming this guilt can be.
This was one of my most highly anticipated novels of the year as I loved Books 1 and 2 in this series. Unfortunately this lacklustre ending to the series didn’t live up to my hopes and expectations.
My main issue was the main characters — the three sisters were extremely childish and “cutesy”. They didn’t feel real. I couldn’t take their conversations seriously as their immaturity and babyish behaviour and dialogue took away from the harrowing storyline, the true grit and the heaviness of the times. For this reason, this entire story lacked the emotional pull that I have come to expect from this series. I simply wasn’t invested in the characters so my heart wasn’t in it. I can understand how wonderful it would have been for the author to be interviewing these sisters and putting their story to paper, but this simply didn’t resonate with me in any way.
Another issue for me was that this book lacked anything new. I love reading historical fiction so that I can learn about pieces of our history through fictional, entertaining characters. While the author did a good job telling the true story of these sisters, it failed to offer a fresh perspective on this time in our history. These characters brought nothing new to the over-saturated genre and the repetitive feel made the book drag.
Overall, this was barely an “ok” read for me. Many readers will love this for being a heartwarming, lighter wartime read. I feel that readers who have followed along in this trilogy will find this last book less intense and impactful. It was more of a cute, feel-good story than a powerful, emotional one. It failed to offer anything new and felt drawn out and repetitive. I strongly recommend reading Book 1 & 2 in this series and then adjusting your expectations for this one as it’s a completely different kind of read.
Thank you to St Martins Press for my review copy!
September 24, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up
Warning - there is a major disconnect between the synopsis of this book and what it actually covers. My rating is based on what I hoped to get out of the book, not the quality of the book itself. The book itself was well written and expressive.
Three Sisters is the third book in The Tattooist of Auschwitz series. I will admit I’m looking to take a break from WWII fiction and only picked this up because it purports to be about what happens to the sisters after the war has ended when they arrive in Israel. But that’s not entirely true. The first 60% of the book covers their experience in the concentration camps and their escape at the end of the war. This first part of the book is a rehash of every other book about the concentration camps. Sad, depressing and horrible, but I felt like I’d heard it many times before.
I wanted to appreciate this more than I did. The story is based on real women, and my heart went out to these women. Their strength was amazing, especially their ability to put the needs of their sisters ahead of their own needs. As is said in the Afterword, the story is a testament to the power of love and devotion. But for me, I want to learn something new from historical fiction. This is why I blame the synopsis of the book. I expected a book about the influx of Jews to Israel after the war. It’s what I wanted to learn about. The synopsis literally says “ And this is where the story begins. From there, the three sisters travel to Israel, to their new home.” But it’s not where the story begins. The last 40% of the book describes their return to Slovakia and their attempt to reach Israel. I was much more interested in this part of the book, as it was all new to me. I wish the book had focused more on this time in their lives. I also wished that Morris had found a way to give us more details about the formation of the new country.
So, I recommend this to those who are still looking to learn about the concentration camps. For those who have already read other books on the subject, including the author’s first two, I can only give a more cautious recommendation.
I both read and listened to this. I found the narrator, Finty Williams, did a less than stellar job. The voices of the young sisters often came across as whiny.
My thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
Warning - there is a major disconnect between the synopsis of this book and what it actually covers. My rating is based on what I hoped to get out of the book, not the quality of the book itself. The book itself was well written and expressive.
Three Sisters is the third book in The Tattooist of Auschwitz series. I will admit I’m looking to take a break from WWII fiction and only picked this up because it purports to be about what happens to the sisters after the war has ended when they arrive in Israel. But that’s not entirely true. The first 60% of the book covers their experience in the concentration camps and their escape at the end of the war. This first part of the book is a rehash of every other book about the concentration camps. Sad, depressing and horrible, but I felt like I’d heard it many times before.
I wanted to appreciate this more than I did. The story is based on real women, and my heart went out to these women. Their strength was amazing, especially their ability to put the needs of their sisters ahead of their own needs. As is said in the Afterword, the story is a testament to the power of love and devotion. But for me, I want to learn something new from historical fiction. This is why I blame the synopsis of the book. I expected a book about the influx of Jews to Israel after the war. It’s what I wanted to learn about. The synopsis literally says “ And this is where the story begins. From there, the three sisters travel to Israel, to their new home.” But it’s not where the story begins. The last 40% of the book describes their return to Slovakia and their attempt to reach Israel. I was much more interested in this part of the book, as it was all new to me. I wish the book had focused more on this time in their lives. I also wished that Morris had found a way to give us more details about the formation of the new country.
So, I recommend this to those who are still looking to learn about the concentration camps. For those who have already read other books on the subject, including the author’s first two, I can only give a more cautious recommendation.
I both read and listened to this. I found the narrator, Finty Williams, did a less than stellar job. The voices of the young sisters often came across as whiny.
My thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
October 7, 2021
4.25 stars
Heather Morris has done it again!
A promise to stay together.
An unbreakable bond.
A fierce will to survive.
The day before a dangerous operation, their father asked his three daughters, Cibi, Magda and Livia to make a promise that they will look after each other and stay together no matter what. That's a hard promise to make as people are different, have different personalities and life takes us in all different directions. But a promise is a promise....
Years later one by one the sisters find themselves in Auschwitz where the sister are reunited. Not the place one wants to meet a loved one, but still, they were happy at least to be there for each other. Plus, they are determined to live. They survive the horrors and eventually make their way to Israel to begin their lives.
Heather Morris tells the three sister's stories of hardship, love, courage, determination, and strength. In her Author's note, she tells not only their story but the story of their beloved parents, and grandfather. She shares how their lives changed once living in Israel and included notes in the form of "Afterward" with family members. It left me gutted. I know what it is like to love a survivor and I can relate to how their families felt about their stories being told.
Heather Morris can do no wrong in my book and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Powerful and moving.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Heather Morris has done it again!
A promise to stay together.
An unbreakable bond.
A fierce will to survive.
The day before a dangerous operation, their father asked his three daughters, Cibi, Magda and Livia to make a promise that they will look after each other and stay together no matter what. That's a hard promise to make as people are different, have different personalities and life takes us in all different directions. But a promise is a promise....
Years later one by one the sisters find themselves in Auschwitz where the sister are reunited. Not the place one wants to meet a loved one, but still, they were happy at least to be there for each other. Plus, they are determined to live. They survive the horrors and eventually make their way to Israel to begin their lives.
Heather Morris tells the three sister's stories of hardship, love, courage, determination, and strength. In her Author's note, she tells not only their story but the story of their beloved parents, and grandfather. She shares how their lives changed once living in Israel and included notes in the form of "Afterward" with family members. It left me gutted. I know what it is like to love a survivor and I can relate to how their families felt about their stories being told.
Heather Morris can do no wrong in my book and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Powerful and moving.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 4, 2022
Three Sisters is the final book in The Tattooist of Auschwitz trilogy. I read the first and second and have been looking forward to where the story would go next.
Three Sisters is the story of Cibi, Magda, and Livia, young sisters living in Slovakia. Their father makes them promise they will stick together. When the Nazis invade, Livia is sent to Auschwitz, and Cibi follows her. Magda hides in their hometown, but she is also eventually captured and sent to Auschwitz. There the three sisters are reunited.
Their next promise to each other is that they will live. Through the years they travel from Auschwitz, a death march, and back home to Slovakia, which is now under Communist rule. They have one last trek together to Israel.
There’s a small disconnect for me in how Heather Morris tells these stories, and I think it’s because she’s a screenwriter. The intimacy isn’t quite there. That said, the content of the books could not be more exceptional, and I’m grateful these stories have been told.
Heather Morris was chosen by the sisters to tell their story. Two of them live in Israel today. I’ve been inspired by all three stories in this trilogy, and this one is exceptionally inspiring. The writing has a straightforward tone, and the author’s note brought it all together for me. I enjoyed learning more about the sisters’ other family members as well.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Three Sisters is the story of Cibi, Magda, and Livia, young sisters living in Slovakia. Their father makes them promise they will stick together. When the Nazis invade, Livia is sent to Auschwitz, and Cibi follows her. Magda hides in their hometown, but she is also eventually captured and sent to Auschwitz. There the three sisters are reunited.
Their next promise to each other is that they will live. Through the years they travel from Auschwitz, a death march, and back home to Slovakia, which is now under Communist rule. They have one last trek together to Israel.
There’s a small disconnect for me in how Heather Morris tells these stories, and I think it’s because she’s a screenwriter. The intimacy isn’t quite there. That said, the content of the books could not be more exceptional, and I’m grateful these stories have been told.
Heather Morris was chosen by the sisters to tell their story. Two of them live in Israel today. I’ve been inspired by all three stories in this trilogy, and this one is exceptionally inspiring. The writing has a straightforward tone, and the author’s note brought it all together for me. I enjoyed learning more about the sisters’ other family members as well.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 11, 2022
I had extremely high hopes- maybe unrealistic expectations-😬- that this book would hit all the feels for me. I absolutely adored the first two heart wrenching books in this series. ❤️ I had trouble staying connected with this one. Still a good book- worth the read- for sure. But the first two were better, in my opinion. 😉
October 18, 2021
I devoured this wonderful book!
August 15, 2022
For me this was probably the most emotional of the series so far as the three sisters struggled to uphold the promise they made to their father as little children to always stay together. The Slovakian Hlinka Guards had other ideas and soon the family found themselves torn apart by the Nazi collaborators. Again this was another well researched novel with Heather Morris talking to Livia, Magda, and their families about their experiences before, during and after World War II. Therefore the story contains real events in their lives and how they survived the death camps and found freedom and a home in Israel. It is another rough reading experience as the women had to watch some of their family march to the gas chambers. It was interesting that we also got to see their lives after they were freed because the discrimination in Germany and Slovakia continued long after the Nazis regime ended. I thoroughly recommend this series.
October 1, 2021
Three Sisters was the third book by Heather Morris that I had the opportunity to read. It was not my favorite of her books but I appreciated that Heather Morris was able to share the sister’s story with her readers. These stories must continue to be handed down and talked about through future generations so that a Holocaust can never happen again. As in her two previous novels, Heather Morris was able to convey and portray through dialogue and acts the love, anguish, terror, regrets, bravery, courage, determination and resilience all three sisters experienced during the Nazi occupation and their time in Auschwitz/Birkenau. I listened to the audiobook that was brilliantly narrated by Finty Williams. She was able to give distinction between the various characters.
Cibi, Magda and Livia grew up in a loving home in Vranov, Slovakia. The three sisters lived with their mother, father and grandfather. All was well with the girls until the Nazis arrived. Their father asked all three of his daughters when they were still young girls to promise him that they would always stay together and look out for one another. The sisters never allowed themselves to forget that promise they made to their father. When the Nazis ordered Livia, the youngest of the three sisters, to report to the synagogue to work for the Germans, Cibi, the eldest of the three sisters, would not allow Livia to go by herself. It was ten years since the sisters made that promise to their father, but not one of them forgot about it. Cibi was 19 years old in 1942. She would not let Livia go by herself. Cibi insisted that she would accompany Livia and watch out for her. Neither sister could have ever imagined what the German’s intentions were on that fateful day. It was Livia’s and Cibi’s fate that they were brought to Auschwitz by cattle car. Their middle sister, Magda would be spared that fate for now. Magda had been sick and was in the hospital recuperating when the Nazis were making their selections for deportation. For two years after Cibi and Livia were taken to Auschwitz, Magda remained at home but felt remorse and guilt that she was at home and her sisters had been taken away. In 1944, two years after Cibi and Livia had been taken to Auschwitz, Magda, her mother and grandfather were transported to Auschwitz as well. The sisters faced starvation. They were forced to perform strenuous and senseless hard labor each and every day no matter how hot or cold it was outside. The daily brutalities that the evil and hateful guards showed the prisoners were more than anyone should be made to endure. They saw death all around them each day. The sisters helped each other to survive.Then as the war started to go in favor of the Allies, the Nazis made the prisoners of Auschwitz/Birkenau go on a death march. The sisters were lucky enough to escape and hide in the forest for many days until they were finally rescued. When the three sisters made their way back to their childhood home they were disillusioned and disgusted to find someone else living in their home. They discovered that the attitudes of the Slovs toward Jews had not changed much since the end of the war. Even though the war was over and the sisters had suffered unmercifully in the camp, beyond anyone’s comprehension, anti Semitic feelings about the Jews were still present. Cibi, Magda and Livia decided that Israel would become their new home. Once in Israel, it was still hard to lose the memories of what they had endured in Auschwitz. All three sisters found it impossible to eradicate all that they had witnessed and lived through from their thoughts, dreams and daily lives. The ghosts of their past were always present along with some secrets. Could the sisters ever find that carefree and happy life they each sought?
Three Sisters by Heather Morris was inspired by real events. Cibi’s son contacted Heather Morris after reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz to ask her if she would tell her mother’s and aunt’s stories. Heather Morris interviewed and spent quality time with many members of the sister’s family and with each sister so that their story could be told in its entirety. Within the pages of Three Sisters, there were also references to Lale, Gita and Cilka. This powerful and insightful novel was the last in the trilogy. It was commendable that Heather Morris was able to relate all these stories in her three novels. Three Sisters was an exploration of courage, a reminder of how important family is and the continued efforts to keep a most important promise made so long ago.I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen this advanced audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Three Sisters will be available on October 5th.
Cibi, Magda and Livia grew up in a loving home in Vranov, Slovakia. The three sisters lived with their mother, father and grandfather. All was well with the girls until the Nazis arrived. Their father asked all three of his daughters when they were still young girls to promise him that they would always stay together and look out for one another. The sisters never allowed themselves to forget that promise they made to their father. When the Nazis ordered Livia, the youngest of the three sisters, to report to the synagogue to work for the Germans, Cibi, the eldest of the three sisters, would not allow Livia to go by herself. It was ten years since the sisters made that promise to their father, but not one of them forgot about it. Cibi was 19 years old in 1942. She would not let Livia go by herself. Cibi insisted that she would accompany Livia and watch out for her. Neither sister could have ever imagined what the German’s intentions were on that fateful day. It was Livia’s and Cibi’s fate that they were brought to Auschwitz by cattle car. Their middle sister, Magda would be spared that fate for now. Magda had been sick and was in the hospital recuperating when the Nazis were making their selections for deportation. For two years after Cibi and Livia were taken to Auschwitz, Magda remained at home but felt remorse and guilt that she was at home and her sisters had been taken away. In 1944, two years after Cibi and Livia had been taken to Auschwitz, Magda, her mother and grandfather were transported to Auschwitz as well. The sisters faced starvation. They were forced to perform strenuous and senseless hard labor each and every day no matter how hot or cold it was outside. The daily brutalities that the evil and hateful guards showed the prisoners were more than anyone should be made to endure. They saw death all around them each day. The sisters helped each other to survive.Then as the war started to go in favor of the Allies, the Nazis made the prisoners of Auschwitz/Birkenau go on a death march. The sisters were lucky enough to escape and hide in the forest for many days until they were finally rescued. When the three sisters made their way back to their childhood home they were disillusioned and disgusted to find someone else living in their home. They discovered that the attitudes of the Slovs toward Jews had not changed much since the end of the war. Even though the war was over and the sisters had suffered unmercifully in the camp, beyond anyone’s comprehension, anti Semitic feelings about the Jews were still present. Cibi, Magda and Livia decided that Israel would become their new home. Once in Israel, it was still hard to lose the memories of what they had endured in Auschwitz. All three sisters found it impossible to eradicate all that they had witnessed and lived through from their thoughts, dreams and daily lives. The ghosts of their past were always present along with some secrets. Could the sisters ever find that carefree and happy life they each sought?
Three Sisters by Heather Morris was inspired by real events. Cibi’s son contacted Heather Morris after reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz to ask her if she would tell her mother’s and aunt’s stories. Heather Morris interviewed and spent quality time with many members of the sister’s family and with each sister so that their story could be told in its entirety. Within the pages of Three Sisters, there were also references to Lale, Gita and Cilka. This powerful and insightful novel was the last in the trilogy. It was commendable that Heather Morris was able to relate all these stories in her three novels. Three Sisters was an exploration of courage, a reminder of how important family is and the continued efforts to keep a most important promise made so long ago.I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen this advanced audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Three Sisters will be available on October 5th.
October 4, 2021
In Slovakia, years before World War II, the three young Meller sisters made a promise to their ill father that they would always stay together. Their promise would be tested in 1942 when the Nazis started to round up all the Jewish teenagers. Middle sister Magda, age 17, was sent to the local hospital for protection while Cibi, the oldest at 19 and young Livi, age 15, were rounded up and told they were being sent to do work for the Germans. They were transported and sent to a compound of barbed wired buildings with an entry sign reading Arbeit Macht Frei. They were sent to Auschwitz.
Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey, has again adapted a true-life story in her new historical novel. As with the first two books, which I was very moved by, 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 that 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.
Note that while Morris’ three novels are presented as a trilogy, they are essentially standalone books. Each one is worth reading in any order you choose.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this powerful book in advance of its October 5, 2021 release date.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey, has again adapted a true-life story in her new historical novel. As with the first two books, which I was very moved by, 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 that 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.
Note that while Morris’ three novels are presented as a trilogy, they are essentially standalone books. Each one is worth reading in any order you choose.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this powerful book in advance of its October 5, 2021 release date.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
October 26, 2021
2 – 1/2*
This book has a very superficial feel to it in spite of the subject matter.
Slovakian sisters Cibi, Livia and Magda make a solemn promise to their dying father to always stay together and to take care of each other.
Cibi and Livi are the first to be carted off to Auschwitz-Birkenau even before the camp buildings are completed so much so the sisters get 4-digit tattoos which in some cases keeps them out of the gas chambers.
Magda is saved by a doctor in their home town who keeps her in hospital for safety as long as he can before she has to be released.
It is two years before Magda is captured and ends up with her sisters in the camp.
Cibi and Livi were extremely fortunate to find themselves with two different kapos who were sympathetic to them and got them easier jobs in the camp.
They survive to the end of the war and manage to escape from the ‘death march’ of 1945.
They live to have families and decent lives in Israel.
Between the three Holocaust books by this author “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and “Cilka's Journey” this one is the weakest.
This book has a very superficial feel to it in spite of the subject matter.
Slovakian sisters Cibi, Livia and Magda make a solemn promise to their dying father to always stay together and to take care of each other.
Cibi and Livi are the first to be carted off to Auschwitz-Birkenau even before the camp buildings are completed so much so the sisters get 4-digit tattoos which in some cases keeps them out of the gas chambers.
Magda is saved by a doctor in their home town who keeps her in hospital for safety as long as he can before she has to be released.
It is two years before Magda is captured and ends up with her sisters in the camp.
Cibi and Livi were extremely fortunate to find themselves with two different kapos who were sympathetic to them and got them easier jobs in the camp.
They survive to the end of the war and manage to escape from the ‘death march’ of 1945.
They live to have families and decent lives in Israel.
Between the three Holocaust books by this author “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and “Cilka's Journey” this one is the weakest.
October 2, 2021
4 Birkenau stars
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!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for the early copy of this one.
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!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for the early copy of this one.
October 14, 2021
3.5 stars
In her third novel, Heather Morris once again brings us a tale of tragedy, heartbreak, and survival through the story of Slovakian sisters Cibi, Magda, and Livi Meller. When they were only a few years old, the three sisters made a promise to their father that they ended up keeping for the rest of their lives: that the three of them would always take care of each other and watch out for one another no matter what happens in their lives. Several years later, their beloved father is dead, but the promise they made to him continues to live on. When Livi, the youngest of the sisters at 15 years old, is ordered to Auschwitz, 19 year old Cibi decides to go with her. Though Magda is spared due to being away while the Nazis make their rounds, she is captured a few years later and also sent to Auschwitz. Together again, the sisters not only fulfill the promise to watch after each other, they also make another promise — the fierce will to live and survive the horrors of the camp, no matter what. During the death march, the sisters are able to find a way to escape, but after they return home, they realize that their lives will never be the same.
While I like the story and appreciate Morris’s efforts in relaying the Meller sisters’ experiences through each of their perspectives, I felt that the writing was bit too simplistic and oftentimes felt detached from the narrative. I found it difficult to engage with the story on the emotional level that I was expecting to, primarily because the writing lacked depth and so the emotional scenes felt like they had less impact. I don’t know if what I’m conveying makes sense, but after having read both of Morris’s previous novels (both of which had moved me deeply), I unfortunately didn’t feel the same connection to this one, despite how much I wanted to. The way some parts were written I felt bogged the story down, to the point that I actually ended up skimming some sections instead of actually reading each word like I normally would.
Having said all that, I do appreciate what Morris tried to do here, which was to relay the sisters’ courage and resilience in surviving the camps and rising above the tragedies they experienced to ultimately live full and flourishing lives. This third book definitely has a more hopeful and uplifting tone than the previous two, which I also appreciated. The sisters’ story is amazing on its own merit and absolutely a must read, especially given how few Holocaust survivors remain who are willing to share their stories. Despite the issues I had with the writing, I’m glad I got the chance to be introduced to the Meller sisters and no doubt I’ll be seeking out more of their story on my own.
Received ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley
October 5, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is a work of fiction, as it states clearly, but many of the characters included in this story were real people whose stories are shared through the creativity of Heather Morris.
As this story begins, it is June of 1929 and the setting is Vranov nad Topl’ou in Slovakia where three sisters, Cibi, Magda and Livi are sitting in their backyard with their father. Livi is only three years old - the wild one, Cibi is the oldest at seven and has a fiery temper, and Magda is five, the beautiful and gentle one. He knows he will be having a surgery the next day, and wants them to promise him one thing, a promise that they will always take care of each other, no matter what happens. It is a promise that they will never forget, and perhaps be the thing that both unites them, and ultimately saves them.
Years pass, and Livi is now 15, and has been ordered to Auschwitz, Cibi will follow her. Magda hides, but is eventually discovered, and the three sisters will be reunited in a place where death and horrifying conditions are all around. Though traumatized by their experiences, they are together. When one begins to falter, the others are there to protect her, to nurse her back to health, or to remind her of their promise. They must find a way to endure the nightmare, the horrifying conditions, the sickness, watching others being forced to walk to their death.
We all know that the stories of the holocaust are horrifying. This story does include some moments sharing a brief glimpse of the horrors to come, but this is mainly the story of those who survived, based on the real stories that were shared with the author. What gave them the incentive, the courage to have hope, to believe that there was reason for hope even when the circumstances offered them no obvious reasons to continue to believe - in this case, it was the promise they made to their father.
Hope is the promise of tomorrow.
Published: 05 Oct 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press
#ThreeSisters #NetGalley
November 9, 2021
This is a strong story but the author failed to give it the emotion and realism it deserved. I am rating the author’s writing here-not the incredible bravery and strength of the three sisters.
January 24, 2022
Review Posted to Blog: books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com
A harrowing tale of Three Sisters and the promise they made to each other.
The year is 1942, the place is Slovakia.
Cibi, Magda, and Livia are teenagers living when the Nazis come. Though they made a promise to their father to stay together, the Nazis have their orders. Cibi and Livia are taken to Auschwitz. Magda however, escapes the order by being hidden away in an institution.
It is through Cibi’s strength and sheer will that she and Livia make it through both Auschwitz and Birkenau day after day. As the years go by, Cibi finds new ways to survive. Then one day, Magda arrives, and Cibi keeps her alive too.
These three sisters somehow survive and escape the death camps, moving across Europe, to Slovakia, and to Israel with astounding force and determination. Their love for each other and their unique bond knew no bounds.
Based on a true story, this is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz series by Heather Morris. While I didn’t love this book as much as the first two books in this series, the author’s note was quite vivid and really got to me.
3.75 Stars
Thank you to Erica Martirano at St. Martin’s Press for the arc via NetGalley.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
A harrowing tale of Three Sisters and the promise they made to each other.
The year is 1942, the place is Slovakia.
Cibi, Magda, and Livia are teenagers living when the Nazis come. Though they made a promise to their father to stay together, the Nazis have their orders. Cibi and Livia are taken to Auschwitz. Magda however, escapes the order by being hidden away in an institution.
It is through Cibi’s strength and sheer will that she and Livia make it through both Auschwitz and Birkenau day after day. As the years go by, Cibi finds new ways to survive. Then one day, Magda arrives, and Cibi keeps her alive too.
These three sisters somehow survive and escape the death camps, moving across Europe, to Slovakia, and to Israel with astounding force and determination. Their love for each other and their unique bond knew no bounds.
Based on a true story, this is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz series by Heather Morris. While I didn’t love this book as much as the first two books in this series, the author’s note was quite vivid and really got to me.
3.75 Stars
Thank you to Erica Martirano at St. Martin’s Press for the arc via NetGalley.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
October 5, 2021
This is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz Series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Three Sisters by Heather Morris is a beautifully written heartbreaking story based on true events. Morris is an auto-buy author for me because I love WWII Fiction and she has a way of bringing life lessons to the forefront in such a positive way.
In Three Sisters, Morris shares the story of Cibi, Magda and Livia. As families were being torn apart during WWII, these children promised their father that they would stay together, no matter what happened!! Throughout the pages, we follow the three sister’s journey as they struggle to survive the horrors of the death camps and share their joy when they start a new beginning in Israel. The three sisters stuck together, against all odds, just like they promised their father years before.
At the end of the book, Morris shares with us actual accounts from the sisters and their descendants which was done beautifully and truly makes you feel connected to each person in the book.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Finty Williams and she did a fantastic job and kept me captivated the entire time.
I recommend this to any historical fiction lover!!
Three Sisters by Heather Morris is a beautifully written heartbreaking story based on true events. Morris is an auto-buy author for me because I love WWII Fiction and she has a way of bringing life lessons to the forefront in such a positive way.
In Three Sisters, Morris shares the story of Cibi, Magda and Livia. As families were being torn apart during WWII, these children promised their father that they would stay together, no matter what happened!! Throughout the pages, we follow the three sister’s journey as they struggle to survive the horrors of the death camps and share their joy when they start a new beginning in Israel. The three sisters stuck together, against all odds, just like they promised their father years before.
At the end of the book, Morris shares with us actual accounts from the sisters and their descendants which was done beautifully and truly makes you feel connected to each person in the book.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Finty Williams and she did a fantastic job and kept me captivated the entire time.
I recommend this to any historical fiction lover!!
May 23, 2022
Impresionantă!
January 15, 2022
Like the other books in this series, Heather Morris has brought the lives of real people to life in Three Sisters.
Stories of survival in WWII and the Holocaust are heartbreaking and inspiring and Three Sisters is no different. Livia, Cibi, and Magda suffered but remained hopeful and resourceful in the concentration camps much like Lale and Cilka in the first books in this series.
Stories of survival in WWII and the Holocaust are heartbreaking and inspiring and Three Sisters is no different. Livia, Cibi, and Magda suffered but remained hopeful and resourceful in the concentration camps much like Lale and Cilka in the first books in this series.
October 22, 2021
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Wow Three Sisters by Heather Morris is an utterly incredible story! This is a difficult and overwhelming book to review, it was a remarkably enjoyable read but that doesn’t sound right considering the theme of the story. It’s a powerful and inspiring story of hope, resilience, commitment and courage.
It’s so difficult to imagine that in this world we live in less than one hundred years ago genocide, a horrible abomination to kill Jews was orchestrated, it’s beyond belief!
What I can say is that this book is wonderfully written and is the true life story of Cibi, Magda and Livia Meller, three young Slovakian Jewish sisters who lived and survived against all odds the horror of the death camps in Auschwitz Germany during World War II.
As children, the sisters made a promise to their sick father and to each other before he died to always be there for one another, no matter what! The sisters are determined to protect each other through life or die together!
Most of us have heard about stories of the holocaust and the horrific cruelty dealt to the people imprisoned at camps like Auschwitz - Birkenau, this story takes place before, during and after the holocaust.
At the end of the war the three sisters escape and return home to Slovakia now under communist rule but their home has been taken by another family. Determined to begin a new life they eventually settle in Israel. It’s here in their new home as survivors of the holocaust although emotionally wounded they find peace.
The Three Sisters is meticulously researched and is a beautiful and thought provoking read not to be missed! Heather Morris is an absolute legend bringing these stories to life and out into the world and she’s an author that has fast become one of my favourites. Check out The Tattooist of Auschwitz & Cilka's Journey also if you haven’t yet.
Publication date 28 September 2021
Thank you to the wonderful team at Echo Publishing for an early copy of the book to read and review.
Wow Three Sisters by Heather Morris is an utterly incredible story! This is a difficult and overwhelming book to review, it was a remarkably enjoyable read but that doesn’t sound right considering the theme of the story. It’s a powerful and inspiring story of hope, resilience, commitment and courage.
It’s so difficult to imagine that in this world we live in less than one hundred years ago genocide, a horrible abomination to kill Jews was orchestrated, it’s beyond belief!
What I can say is that this book is wonderfully written and is the true life story of Cibi, Magda and Livia Meller, three young Slovakian Jewish sisters who lived and survived against all odds the horror of the death camps in Auschwitz Germany during World War II.
As children, the sisters made a promise to their sick father and to each other before he died to always be there for one another, no matter what! The sisters are determined to protect each other through life or die together!
Most of us have heard about stories of the holocaust and the horrific cruelty dealt to the people imprisoned at camps like Auschwitz - Birkenau, this story takes place before, during and after the holocaust.
At the end of the war the three sisters escape and return home to Slovakia now under communist rule but their home has been taken by another family. Determined to begin a new life they eventually settle in Israel. It’s here in their new home as survivors of the holocaust although emotionally wounded they find peace.
The Three Sisters is meticulously researched and is a beautiful and thought provoking read not to be missed! Heather Morris is an absolute legend bringing these stories to life and out into the world and she’s an author that has fast become one of my favourites. Check out The Tattooist of Auschwitz & Cilka's Journey also if you haven’t yet.
Publication date 28 September 2021
Thank you to the wonderful team at Echo Publishing for an early copy of the book to read and review.
October 5, 2021
The third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is equally as good as the previous two. The Three Sisters is, as the name suggests, about three sisters and the ties that bind a family. What sets this book apart is that roughly 40% is set after Cibi, Magda and Livi escape the camp and one-third of the story tells of their lives in the Promised Land. As with Morris’ other two books, the story is true and was created with the help of many interviews. At the end of the book are several afterwords — one from Livi and the others from descendants. These end notes provide a sense of closure and validate that the story is about three real sisters and their time in Auschwitz and thereafter.
When I’ve read books about the Holocaust, I find myself reading in disbelief because it is still so hard to believe that these atrocities happened and did so in the recent past, yet there is no doubt they did. This story is filled with courage and hope as these girls struggle and succeed at staying alive. It’s truly an amazing and inspiring story. Morris, through one of the characters, raises the question on many readers’ minds — How could God let this happen? I have no answers but appreciate that one of the sisters has such reservations and doubts about religion and spirituality. I am sure that many who suffered in concentration camps also lost such faith.
“There will be no more praying, little sister. No one is listening to us.”
“… we needed God in those camps, and where was he?’ Cibi says, firmly.”
Another major issue that survivors faced is how to heal and how to put these fears behind them. These experiences led to severe PTSD, feelings that did not have a name back then and no way to deal with them.
“Is this her reality now? Must she carry this crippling fear into her new life? She may no longer be a prisoner, but will she ever be truly free?”
“Cibi understands now: some things are just too awful to accept. Maybe it’s a good thing—who knows what they may yet have to endure? Maybe it’s a skill she too will have to learn to cultivate.”
“Like Cibi, she has no idea if, when or how they will begin to heal.”
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
When I’ve read books about the Holocaust, I find myself reading in disbelief because it is still so hard to believe that these atrocities happened and did so in the recent past, yet there is no doubt they did. This story is filled with courage and hope as these girls struggle and succeed at staying alive. It’s truly an amazing and inspiring story. Morris, through one of the characters, raises the question on many readers’ minds — How could God let this happen? I have no answers but appreciate that one of the sisters has such reservations and doubts about religion and spirituality. I am sure that many who suffered in concentration camps also lost such faith.
“There will be no more praying, little sister. No one is listening to us.”
“… we needed God in those camps, and where was he?’ Cibi says, firmly.”
Another major issue that survivors faced is how to heal and how to put these fears behind them. These experiences led to severe PTSD, feelings that did not have a name back then and no way to deal with them.
“Is this her reality now? Must she carry this crippling fear into her new life? She may no longer be a prisoner, but will she ever be truly free?”
“Cibi understands now: some things are just too awful to accept. Maybe it’s a good thing—who knows what they may yet have to endure? Maybe it’s a skill she too will have to learn to cultivate.”
“Like Cibi, she has no idea if, when or how they will begin to heal.”
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 21, 2021
In this third book in "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" trilogy author Heather Morris (based on an incredible true story) tells the story of three Slovakian sisters Cibi, Magda and Livia. They make a promise to their father that they will always stay together, no matter what.
The story follows the sister's before, during and after they were sent to Auschwitz and Birkenau. They struggle to survive illness, starvation and are forced to go on a death march.
Author Heather Morris captures the beauty and the horror in the three sisters lives.
She writes a testament to the power of love and devotion.
Narrator Finty Williams does an amazing job telling this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows the sister's before, during and after they were sent to Auschwitz and Birkenau. They struggle to survive illness, starvation and are forced to go on a death march.
Author Heather Morris captures the beauty and the horror in the three sisters lives.
She writes a testament to the power of love and devotion.
Narrator Finty Williams does an amazing job telling this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2022
Juraram Sobreviver…
“Ouve, Livi — sussurra Cibi, com urgência na voz. — Nem que tenhamos de comer pedras, pregos e o que mais conseguirmos arranjar, sobreviveremos a este lugar, entendido?
Em choque, incapaz de falar. Livi apenas anui. Sim.”
Ao pai prometeram jamais separar-se. Em Auschwitz juraram sobreviver…
Quando aliadas à esperança, a coragem e determinação detêm um poder ilimitado!
“Todas somos sobreviventes — diz ela às irmãs. — Sofremos maus-tratos, passámos fome e fomos torturadas, mas olhem para nós: cá estamos, de pé, vivas”
Três Irmãs é mais uma história onde se revive a crueldade do Holocausto. É mais uma, mas é única. São 5 estrelas 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Ouve, Livi — sussurra Cibi, com urgência na voz. — Nem que tenhamos de comer pedras, pregos e o que mais conseguirmos arranjar, sobreviveremos a este lugar, entendido?
Em choque, incapaz de falar. Livi apenas anui. Sim.”
Ao pai prometeram jamais separar-se. Em Auschwitz juraram sobreviver…
Quando aliadas à esperança, a coragem e determinação detêm um poder ilimitado!
“Todas somos sobreviventes — diz ela às irmãs. — Sofremos maus-tratos, passámos fome e fomos torturadas, mas olhem para nós: cá estamos, de pé, vivas”
Três Irmãs é mais uma história onde se revive a crueldade do Holocausto. É mais uma, mas é única. São 5 estrelas 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 18, 2022
Rounded up to 3 stars.
I was planning on just rating this book and not say anything .
The first book was a 3.5 stars for me and the second barely received 2 stars.
The story is for sure compelling and heartbreaking, but unfortunately, in my opinion, the writing does not deliver.
A reader was mad at me and almost gave me a lecture when I simply posted “I hope that this one is better than the previous books”. That reader’s defence was that the author is a social worker, not a creative writing major, and that the book is based on real life and that I should read it as it is.
To me it does not matter the subject matter, fiction or non fiction, but how you tell the story, major or not major.
I was planning on just rating this book and not say anything .
The first book was a 3.5 stars for me and the second barely received 2 stars.
The story is for sure compelling and heartbreaking, but unfortunately, in my opinion, the writing does not deliver.
A reader was mad at me and almost gave me a lecture when I simply posted “I hope that this one is better than the previous books”. That reader’s defence was that the author is a social worker, not a creative writing major, and that the book is based on real life and that I should read it as it is.
To me it does not matter the subject matter, fiction or non fiction, but how you tell the story, major or not major.
July 31, 2023
4,5
Tras leer el Tatuador de Auschwitz y el Viaje de Cilka, tenia ganas de leer este tercer libro, que aunque son libros independientes, tienen personajes que están relacionados.
Una historia REAL que narra la vida de tres hermanas que viven en Eslovaquia. La historia comienza cuando su padre, aun siendo unas niñas, les hace prometer que pase lo que pase van a permanecer juntas.
Cuando los nazis invaden Eslovaquia, Livia es enviada al campo de concentración y su hermana Cibi la sigue para no dejarla sola, al cabo del tiempo, Magda, se unirá a ellas.
La novela nos contará su estancia en el campo concentración, lo que tenían que hacer para sobrevivir, y como es la vida después, esas marchas de la muerte que sufrieron los que lograron superar los campos de concentración, el regreso a Eslovaquia, y un último viaje…
Sobretodo este libro es una historia de supervivencia, donde veremos como el ser humano es capaz de seguir adelante, aunque siempre tengas en la cabeza el horror de lo que has vivido, una novela donde se valor el amor de la familia, el sentimiento de culpabilidad que tienen muchos prisioneros…
Añado, que la autora fue elegida por las hermanas y su familia para escribir esta historia, después de que algunos familiares leyeran el tatuador de Auschwitz, todo esta explicado en las notas finales de la autora. Además la autora es guionista, que no ESCRITORA, y lo que hace es contar la vida tal cual se la contaron, NO SOLO ESTE, SINO LOS TRES LIBROS, por lo que no son historias que describan al detalle las atrocidades que sufrieron (a veces no son necesarias), y no por ello dejan de ser libros duros.
Un libro para conocer mas todo lo que se vivió en esa época, con un estilo directo, al grano y bien escrito, la autora remata esta historia con un epilogo magnifico, con unas imágenes que se te ponen los pelos de punta.
Como siempre que leo algo de esto, ya sean mejores o peores, son historias reales, son historias que tienen que conocerse, y sin son reales pocas pegas se les puede poner.
Tras leer el Tatuador de Auschwitz y el Viaje de Cilka, tenia ganas de leer este tercer libro, que aunque son libros independientes, tienen personajes que están relacionados.
Una historia REAL que narra la vida de tres hermanas que viven en Eslovaquia. La historia comienza cuando su padre, aun siendo unas niñas, les hace prometer que pase lo que pase van a permanecer juntas.
Cuando los nazis invaden Eslovaquia, Livia es enviada al campo de concentración y su hermana Cibi la sigue para no dejarla sola, al cabo del tiempo, Magda, se unirá a ellas.
La novela nos contará su estancia en el campo concentración, lo que tenían que hacer para sobrevivir, y como es la vida después, esas marchas de la muerte que sufrieron los que lograron superar los campos de concentración, el regreso a Eslovaquia, y un último viaje…
Sobretodo este libro es una historia de supervivencia, donde veremos como el ser humano es capaz de seguir adelante, aunque siempre tengas en la cabeza el horror de lo que has vivido, una novela donde se valor el amor de la familia, el sentimiento de culpabilidad que tienen muchos prisioneros…
Añado, que la autora fue elegida por las hermanas y su familia para escribir esta historia, después de que algunos familiares leyeran el tatuador de Auschwitz, todo esta explicado en las notas finales de la autora. Además la autora es guionista, que no ESCRITORA, y lo que hace es contar la vida tal cual se la contaron, NO SOLO ESTE, SINO LOS TRES LIBROS, por lo que no son historias que describan al detalle las atrocidades que sufrieron (a veces no son necesarias), y no por ello dejan de ser libros duros.
Un libro para conocer mas todo lo que se vivió en esa época, con un estilo directo, al grano y bien escrito, la autora remata esta historia con un epilogo magnifico, con unas imágenes que se te ponen los pelos de punta.
Como siempre que leo algo de esto, ya sean mejores o peores, son historias reales, son historias que tienen que conocerse, y sin son reales pocas pegas se les puede poner.
July 22, 2023
Tai širdį verianti, įkvepianti ir pakylėjanti istorija. Nors ji kiek kitokia knyga, nei prieš tai skaitytos autorės knygos. Bet smagu buvo skaityti ir kaip seserims sekėsi gyventi ir kurti savo ateitį. Aš labai džiaugiuosi, kad išgyvenę žmonės pasakoja savo istorijas, kad jos keliauja iš lūpų į lūpas ir pasiekia mūsų visu širdis. ❤️
July 21, 2021
This book is wonderful! This is the true story of 3 sisters, Cibi, Magda and Livi, who made a promise to their father before he died that they will always protect one another. Years later, when all three were reunited in Auschwitz, this promise would be put to the test again and again. Will they be able to survive the cruelty, heartbreak, near starvation and so damn much more!?
Three Sisters moves along at a good pace and then you get to the end of the story to the Epilogue, Author's Note and the Afterword. I am gutted! God bless the author's that can tell these stories and more importantly, God bless those that were not able to survive and those that did.
EDIT to add: This could be a stand alone and I would not say that it is book 3 of a 3 book set. The two previous book characters were only mentioned once throughout the course of this book and it really didn't need to be there for this story.
Many thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book is scheduled to release on October 5, 2021.
Three Sisters moves along at a good pace and then you get to the end of the story to the Epilogue, Author's Note and the Afterword. I am gutted! God bless the author's that can tell these stories and more importantly, God bless those that were not able to survive and those that did.
EDIT to add: This could be a stand alone and I would not say that it is book 3 of a 3 book set. The two previous book characters were only mentioned once throughout the course of this book and it really didn't need to be there for this story.
Many thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book is scheduled to release on October 5, 2021.
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