The Tattooist of Auschwitz

More and more prisoners arrive at Auschwitz. A hierarchy forms in their ranks; Lale realizes “[t]he higher the number on a person’s arm, the less respect they receive from everyone else” (195). Turf wars between nationalities erupt. In the women’s compound, conflict arises between the Slovaks and the newly-arrived Hungarians.

Gita becomes the target of jealousy due to her relatively safe administration job, her relationship with Lale, and her friendship with Cilka. Lale’s position renders him “largely immune to camp disputes” (196). The SS do not bother him, and the Romany he shares the block with like and respect him.

One night, the SS raid the Romany camp. All men, women, and children are rounded up. Lale and Nadya exchange a final goodbye, which is cut short by the SS. She tells Lale, “‘I go where my people go,’” and then is gone (197).

The next day, Mengele comes to taunt Lale and Leon, but does nothing beyond this. Ash from the crematorium lands on them and Lale cannot help but scream: “‘You bastards! You fucking bastards!’” (118). Thinking of Nadya, he cannot contain his rage. Mengele returns. He threatens to take him away, or to shoot him on the spot.