[simpleazon-link asin=”039333306X” locale=”us”]The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story[/simpleazon-link]
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A well-researched and fascinating story that is philosophical and courageous. The people are ingenious and audacious to the degree that the reader cheers for them. The animals provide comic relief and a sense of comfort during a very frightening and disturbing time. The story is heroic and heartbreaking, but ultimately inspiring. Highly recommended for fans of historical non-fiction.

Quotes:

“How do you retain a spirit of affection and humor in a crazed, homicidal, unpredictable society?” (p.101)

“One of the mos remarkable things about Antonina was her determination to include play, animals, wonder, curiosity, marvel, and a wide blaze of innocence in a household where all dodged the ambient dangers, horrors, and uncertainties. That takes a special stripe of bravery rarely valued in wartime” (p. 166).