The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A True Story, A Controversial Memory

Jonah Hauer-King at Auschwitz

M6 offers this Wednesday, January 22, a moving mini-series, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. This historical fiction, adapted from the eponymous novel by Heather Morris, explores a love story born in the hell of Auschwitz-Birkenau. But between the duty of remembrance and fiction, the series raises questions about the representation of the Holocaust.

Buy now The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

A love story in the horror of the camps

In 1942, Lale Sokolov, a 26-year-old Slovak Jew, is deported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. There, he is forced by his captors to take on the role of tattooist. Every day, he engraves identification numbers on the arms of his fellow prisoners, turning human beings into anonymous numbers.

It is in this context of unspeakable suffering that he meets the gaze of Gita Furman, another prisoner. When he inscribes her number, an unexpected connection is born. Their love story, as improbable as it is moving, offers them a glimmer of hope in a world of despair. Together, they fight to survive and imagine a future beyond the barbed wire.

An adaptation inspired by real testimonies

The series, directed by Tali Shalom-Ezer, is based on the confidences of Lale Sokolov, collected over three years by Heather Morris. These interviews, conducted in Melbourne in the 2000s, gave birth to a novel sold in more than 14 million copies worldwide.

Heather Morris chose to tell this story from the angle of love and humanity rather than adopting an exclusively historical perspective. However, this romantic approach has often been criticized for its approximations. Some historians denounce inaccuracies about the reality of the camps and the tattooing process. Heather Morris assumes these liberties: “These are Lale’s memories. They belong to him.”

A representation that divides critics

The series elicits contrasting reactions. Harvey Keitel, in the role of the older Lale, and Jonah Hauer-King, portraying his younger version, deliver praised performances. However, some media, like The Guardian, question the legitimacy of dramatizing the Holocaust. Reducing the horror of the camps to a backdrop for a love story can seem inappropriate, even indecent.

Harvey Keitel, here with Jane Fonda, is a star of independent cinema who made a name for himself in Taxi Driver and Reservoir Dogs. In The Tattooist of Auschwitz, he plays Lale Sokolov, a poignant role inspired by a true story. Before his film career, he served in the Marines, an experience that shaped his character
Harvey Keitel, here with Jane Fonda, is a star of independent cinema who made a name for himself in Taxi Driver and Reservoir Dogs. In The Tattooist of Auschwitz, he plays Lale Sokolov, a poignant role inspired by a true story. Before his film career, he served in the Marines, an experience that shaped his character

Conversely, other critics, notably CNN, praise the series’ ability to capture the complexity of the human experience. The Tattooist of Auschwitz reminds us that even in the worst conditions, hope and love can emerge. For Ouest-France, the series contributes to the duty of remembrance despite its limitations.

A tension between memory and entertainment

The production highlights the moral dilemmas imposed by the instinct to survive. Lale, by becoming a tattooist, collaborated with his oppressors to escape death. This choice, which he assumes with pain, reflects the complexity of survivors. It is not about heroism but a visceral need to survive.

The format of the series, which alternates flashbacks and contemporary narration, allows connecting Lale’s memories to his dialogue with Heather Morris. These scenes pay tribute to the victims while exploring the flaws of its protagonist, a man haunted by guilt.

Melanie Lynskey, who gained recognition in Heavenly Creatures in 1994, shines in both comedic and dramatic roles, notably in Yellowjackets. In The Tattooist of Auschwitz, she portrays Cilka Klein, a strong character marked by the trials of the camp. Passionate about baking, she once considered opening her own bakery
Melanie Lynskey, who gained recognition in Heavenly Creatures in 1994, shines in both comedic and dramatic roles, notably in Yellowjackets. In The Tattooist of Auschwitz, she portrays Cilka Klein, a strong character marked by the trials of the camp. Passionate about baking, she once considered opening her own bakery

An essential memory, despite the controversy

Lale and Gita Sokolov survived Auschwitz, marrying after the war. Their love story is a powerful testimony of resilience in the face of inhumanity. The Tattooist of Auschwitz reminds us that behind the numbers, there are lives, faces, and unique stories.

Despite the criticisms, this mini-series offers an opportunity for dialogue on the representation of the Holocaust on screen. Can the unspeakable truly be conveyed through fiction? And how far can one go without betraying the memory of the victims? These questions, as uncomfortable as they may be, are necessary to pass on History to future generations.


Jonah Hauer-King, a rising British star, charmed audiences as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. In The Tattooist of Auschwitz, he portrays Gita Furman, Lale’s love interest. The son of a producer and a chef, he initially hesitated between music and acting before making his breakthrough in Little Women and World on Fire

Discover the first two episodes of The Tattooist of Auschwitz this Wednesday, January 22 on M6, followed by an exclusive documentary. A work that, between emotion and controversy, will leave no one indifferent.

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