City of Thieves: A Novel by David Benioff
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Book Reviews of City of Thieves: A Novel
Book Review: Read. This. Book.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was required material for my ENG 102 class and is now a permanent member on my bookshelf. While the two protagonists are based on common archetypes, they remain entertaining and enjoyable throughout. While the book presents many historical aspects to add to the background and overall feel you do not need to be previously familiar with any of it to enjoy the story. Benioff masterfully blends comedy (mostly provided by the 'comic' Kolya playing off of the 'straight man' Lev) and tragedy (provided by the harsh reality of life in WWII Russia). This book left me with the two conflicting feelings that every good book, T.V. series, or movie should. Satisfaction from the end of a good story and a longing for more. In short, this is a VERY good book. Buy it, borrow it, check it out from your local library; just make sure you read this book.Book Review: City of Thieves is simply a great novel
Summary: 5 Stars
David Benioff has written a jewel of a story. His writing is endearing, his main characters we can relate to. The setting, Leningrad during World War II is awe inspiring and maybe in the hands of a lesser author, it could have managed to overshadow its characters; not in Mr.Benioff's. Kolya the deserter and Lev the complex adolescent which are thrown together during the horrors of Hitler and Stalin, never cease to connect with the reader. Mr. Bonioff's characters, although flawed, unconsciously irradiate goodness, not the kind filled with wisdom or virtuosity but simply stressing how acts of men can spread light even through the darkest periods of humanity. This is a page turner that never sacrifices anything of relevance. Are we in the presence of an American writer ready to make his mark? I truly enjoyed every page of City of Thieves.Book Review: An easy read, but definitely not LIGHT AND FLUFFY
Summary: 5 Stars
My book club was reading City of Thieves, which initially I thought I had left too late to read due to the nature of the subject - world war II in Russia. However, I was plesantly surprised to discover immediately that although an important and sometimes difficult subject to read it was extremely enjoyable. A good fast evenly paced text which was harrowing and funny simultaneously. The violent elements while difficult to comprehend from my cosy living room, were extremely important - no one should forget these times and no one should ever repeat these atrocities. All in all I highly recommend City of Thieves which makes me now want to read more about Russian History. Furthermore, the book also encourages to read more from David Benioff, which is always an excellent testament to the book.Book Review: Storytelling at its finest
Summary: 5 Stars
"City of Thieves" captured my interest and imagination from the very first page. A story within a story, "Thieves" traces the harrowing journey of two unlikely partners through a Leningrad under siege as told by a young man whose grandparents survived. Alternating scenes of incredible brutality alongside absurd humor, the author -- never allowing his characters to wallow in self-pity -- illuminates their struggle to keep a fragile humanity flickering in a savage darkness. In the end, it's all about making the best of the hand life deals you. Storytelling at its finest.
For a historical perspective, sample "The 900 Days: The Siege of Leningrad," by Harrison Salisbury which, through survivors' accounts, documents many of the same horrors depicted in "City of Thieves."
Book Review: Qualifies as literature
Summary: 5 Stars
I picked up this book at the airport to read while I was on vacation. I thought it was beautifully written, one of those books that you enjoy reading for the pleasure of language usage. It also had more depth to it than the usual vapid mystery novels I read. Other reviewers have covered the plot. I do not agree with those reviewers who thought the story too Hollywood. Every European I ever met who lived through WWII has a story that could be made into a movie. For example, the story of my brother-in-law's parents, who gave away a three-year old child in 1939, and after the war recovered the child and found each other in Bergen-Belsen when it was a dislocated person's camp, is too fantastic to be true, but it is true. I thought the story in the novel was embellished truth.