Bonnier Books UK and Sky held an exclusive screening of the first episode of The Tattooist of Auschwitz television series last night (Wednesday 10th) at The Soho Hotel.
Heather Morris, author of the bestselling book on which the series is based, and story consultant for the series, was in attendance, alongside series Lead Writer and Executive Producer Jacquelin Perske, as well as journalists, bloggers, booksellers and staff.
Guests were shown the first episode of the limited series, followed by a Q&A with Heather Morris and Jacquelin Perske, hosted by author and broadcaster Rob Rinder.
Zaffre, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, publish a new edition of the book today to coincide with the release of the mini-series, set to air on 2nd May on Sky Atlantic across the UK & Ireland.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is currently published in 52 territories worldwide, with many of these, including the US and Canada, set to publish the TV tie-in edition. Publishers around the world have been very excited about the series and Zaffre is closely coordinating with them on their publishing plans and marketing strategies.
One of the bestselling books of the 21st century, it is inspired by the real-life story of Lale and Gita Sokolov, who met while prisoners in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during the Holocaust and fell in love.
Morris met Sokolov in 2003 and wrote Tattooist based upon the hours of conversation they shared together. Their friendship will be dramatized in the TV adaptation with Academy Award-nominee Harvey Keitel (The Irishman, Youth) and Critics Choice Awards winner Melanie Lynskey (The Last of Us, Yellowjackets), respectively starring as modern-day Lale and Heather. Actors Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid, World on Fire) and Anna Próchniak (Baptiste, Warsaw 44) will be taking the lead roles of (young) Lale Sokolov and Gita Furman and Jonas Nay will play Stefan Baretzki.
Heather Morris said: ‘I’m delighted to be in London to celebrate this momentous occasion with the Bonnier Books team, readers and supporters. I’m still constantly astonished at all that has happened over the past six years since The Tattooist of Auschwitz was first published, and now the TV series is an exciting new chapter on this journey. The book and series are based on a real life story which is incredibly close to my heart. It’s a story that must never be forgotten, and I am forever grateful to have been trusted to tell it. I was honoured to be a story consultant on the series, and it was a joy to work with the incredible production team, cast and crew. It’s so special to have the opportunity to share this inspiring tale of love and hope with even more people across the world. I can’t wait for readers and viewers to see the story brought to life.’
Sarah Benton, MD, Zaffre Publishing Group, said: ‘It’s been an incredible experience for the whole team working with Sky and Heather to take Lale and Gita’s unforgettable story out to even more readers alongside the TV series. Our teams have put together an incredible campaign across the whole market guaranteeing The Tattooist of Auschwitz will be absolutely unmissable this summer.’
The Tattooist of Auschwitz TV tie-in edition is published today (11th April) in paperback and is also available in audio and ebook.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz TV series will debut globally on Thursday 2nd May and will be available on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in 2024 in the UK and Ireland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
