I read it last January and it still haunts me. The characters. The prose. The story. City Of Thieves by David Benioff manages to be devastatingly tragic, powerfully hopeful and sharply funny. It's on the list of my life-time favourites.
Please forgive the hyperbole.
I just can't believe I forgot this book when I wrote up yesterday's list. Set during the first world war and the siege of Leningrad, City of Thieves tells the story of a young Jewish man who, in order to save himself, must find eggs - to be used to make a wedding cake for an officer's daughter - during a time of famine. His companion on this quest is a worldly Russian soldier and aspiring writer. The two men encounter the best and worst of human character and become the most unlikely of friends.
3 comments:
This is one of the reasons why I tend to avoid making lists -- I'll always forget something.
As I've reported, this was a great read for me, as well. When I don't want a book to end as the last page approaches, I know it's been powerful. That happened with City of Thieves. Thanks for the tip!!!
My partner is loving the book, also.
B in T
so glad you loved it, B. i fell in love with the characters in that book and despite it's bleak setting, found it beautiful.
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