A review by danicapage
The Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy Adlington

informative inspiring medium-paced

Lucy Adlington portrays much more than just the moments in the concentration camp. She details the women’s lives from the beginning to the end. She also paints in great detail the conditions of the concentration camp and the life in it, along with the “fashion salon” at Auschwitz. This is needed and important work and research. Lucy’s research is extensive and vast. She drew on a variety of sources, including interviewing some of the last survivors is of critical importance. As a research endeavor, her work and efforts cannot be overstated. This is such important work and these stories need to be told. And yet, the vastness of her research and her desire to convey it all is also perhaps the weakness of this book.

Because the research she conveys is so vast, the narrative thread is not as vibrant or strong as in other books about the period. The book seemed to jump around and was a bit disorganized, which made it a bit hard to follow. Understandably, she seemed to want to include everything she learned in her research. Important from a record-keeping perspective; but difficult from a reader’s perspective. I think this would have been strengthened by a more narrow and focused view for this book. And then perhaps additional books on other topics. However, it’s an important look at what happened and is written in an accessible way. I applaud the author for her work to document this though.