City of Thieves: A Novel by David Benioff
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Book Reviews of City of Thieves: A Novel
Book Review: Two strangers on a hunt for eggs leads to an unbreakable bond of friendship
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is outstanding! The author did an amazing job with imagery and rich dialogue that connects the reader with the two main characters instantly and throughout their journey and quest for a dozen fresh eggs. The story takes place during the Germans' 900 day siege of Leningrad, a time when food and rations were scarce and fresh eggs were nowhere to be found. Their life depends on the successful acquisition of these eggs, but along the way the characters forge a bond of friendship that is unbreakable. The dialogue is a wonderful mix of lighthearted comic exchanges and gut wrenching, emotional passages. The author gives the reader a great peek into the lives of Russian citizens during WWII and the Leningrad siege. I truly didn't want this book to end. If you are interested in learning more about the this period in Russian history, I recommend "The Siege of Leningrad: 900 Days of Terror" by David M. Glantz.Book Review: "The War Had Changed Everyone. . ."
Summary: 5 Stars
How can a book about the siege of Stalingrad in World War II be funny? The scenes are filled with frozen corpses, starving people, cannibalism, and atrocities.
But the innocence of the 17-year old narrator, Lev, as he wanders the frozen land with his newly met friend, Koyla, offsets the misery with humor and philosophy. Their friendship is as classic as that of Huck and Jim, Romeo and Mecurtio, Lenny and George. . .the sweet, tender, rough, joking friendship of men.
As Lev and Koyla set off on their mission to find a dozen eggs for the local colonel (for the colonel's daughter's wedding cake), an impossible quest in the starving land, Lev learns to trust, laugh, fight, and love. He learns what it means to be a man.
We are led through this episode of heart-rending, true human history by two characters who will become classic additions to the archetype of Everyman's heroes.
Book Review: My son ate it up. Then I did too.
Summary: 5 Stars
I ordered this because the book won an Alex Award, which goes to books that might have special appeal for teenagers. My 14-year old son, who will read only if it's really worth it, begrudgingly started the book one morning over summer vacation. He finished it at the dinner table that evening. I wasn't able to read it as quickly, but I thought it was spectacular. Taut, exciting story. Twists and turns that surprise but don't seem forced. Great characterizations, particularly of the two main characters. Excellent introduction to a profound historical event (that I didn't know much about -- the Siege of Leningrad). Skillful, interesting writing. Before giving to a 14-year old, know that the book contains quite a bit of sex talk and has several gruesome scenes. Okay by me, but I can imagine other parents objecting. Overall, the best book I've read in a few years.Book Review: Incredible!
Summary: 5 Stars
Benioff has written something truly remarkable. It is an unusual portrayal of WWII that combines the gruesome horrors of war with an often lighthearted innocence. Circumstances pair seventeen-year-old Lev with deserter soldier Kolya and they are appropriated to find a dozen eggs in a famished country for a Colonel's daughter's wedding. It is a unique perspective of Russia during the Nazi siege of Leningrad, illustrating the depravity, starvation and brutal cold prevalent throughout the region. During their expedition into enemy territory Lev and Kolya witness unimaginable atrocities while forging an intense friendship. The character development is great and Kolya's mentoring of the naive Lev is often funny. The comedic elements interspersed with the macabre scenes are perfectly balanced. City of Thieves is a dynamic and compelling piece of historical fiction.Book Review: I Loved This Book
Summary: 5 Stars
City Of Thieves is the story a strange odd-couple pairing of two very different individuals thrown together in the middle of the siege of Leningrad. It is a novel of incredible conception and is written in a remarkable style that mixes humor with horrible scenes of war torn Russia. The basic outline is that two young men, a Russian soldier and a teenager living in the city are unlikely cell mates in a secret police prison and are given an almost ridiculous assignment by a secret police colonel that forces them on a trip through the German lines.
Scene after scene finds them in the most intense and ludicrous circumstances imaginable.
A novel that can tell such a compelling tale and also be peopled with characters that are so believable and sympathetic is a rare find. City Of Thieves is really a wonderful read and should not be overlooked.