Three Sisters is the final book in Heather Morris’ trilogy about survivors of Auschwitz/Birkenau. It is not necessary to read the first two (The Tattooist of Auschwitz or Cilka’s Journey) since this is a stand-alone novel. As with the other books, this is a story of endurance and bravery in the midst of horrific conditions.

In 1929, Cibi, Magda, and Livi Meller were small girls when their dying father made them promise to always be there for one another and that they would not allow anything to take them away from each other. He told them that they were much stronger together and to never forget that. This promise guided them throughout their lives including their time at Auschwitz and Birkenau prison camps and when all three migrated to Israel after the war. It also helped all three of them deal with the terrible survivor’s guilt they felt.

“Vows and pacts and bonds and pledges, they all amount to the same thing, really: a declaration to fulfill a dream.”

In an Afterword, Livi’s son, Oded Ravek, sums up the novel perfectly:

“The story of my mother, Cibi, and Magda is a testament to the power of love and devotion. Against all the odds, the three sisters survived the most heinous, systematic genocide that the world has ever known. And yet they went on to live and work in a new country, learning a new language and culture. They lived lives full of laughter, fulfillment and joy, always surrounded by love…”.

4.5-Stars rounded up to 5. Book club recommended. Thank you to Erica M. at St. Martin’s for my Advanced Reader Copy of this wonderful novel. The expected publication date is October 5, 2021.