Based on the true story of Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov, Heather Morris's novel is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love to blossom even in the darkest places. And it's hard to imagine a darker place than the Auschwitz/Birkenau concentration camp. In 1942, Lale, like other Slovakian Jews, is sent to Auschwitz. Once there, thanks to his multilingualism, he gets a job as a tattoo artist, tattooing numbers on new prisoners at a terrifying rate. In return, he receives certain privileges: a separate room, slightly better food, and relative freedom of movement throughout the camp. One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, tattoos the number 34902 on the arm of a trembling young woman. Her name is Gita. Despite their dire circumstances, despite the fact that every day could be their last, they fall in love and, against all odds, believe they can survive these inhumane conditions. Although Lale's position as a tattoo artist is relatively better than that of the other prisoners, it doesn't protect him from the SS's brutality. Again and again, he risks his life to help his fellow prisoners, especially Gita and her friends. Despite the constant threat of death, Lale and Gita never stop believing in the future. And in that future, they will surely live happily ever after...