|
|
|
The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story
by Diane Ackerman
|
|
|
Large Photo
|
Edition: Hardcover
Publication Date: September 04, 2007
Publisher: W. W. Norton
ISBN: 0393061728
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 8774
Average Customer Rating: 
List price: $23.95
|
|
|
Showing page 1 of 18
|
|
|
|
Reviews
|
|
 The Zookeeper's Daughter - Why You Should Not Fear Reading Non-Fiction, November 26, 2008
|
|
|
The Zookeeper's Daughter is non-fiction. Most of what I read is non-fiction because oftentimes, true stories are more compelling than fiction. The Zookeeper's Daughter, well-researched, and wonderfully written, is one of the many true stories out there that should be recommended reading. Its author has woven a beautiful story out of what could have been a mundane chronological review of the subject's diaries. A page-turner, The Zookeeper's Daughter contains beautiful descriptions, believable characterizations, and a thorough understanding of what it meant to be caught in Poland during the Hitler Era. I learned a great deal about life in wartime Warsaw, and in particular, about the Polish Resistance, from reading this book. The main subjects of The Zookeeper's Daughters are compelling examples of humanity in the midst of chaos and madness, of courage in a time of darkness and despair. We often times think solely of the plight of people during war; this book will open many eyes to the perils of war for all of God's creatures. It describes the exceptional love and care that true stewards of God's creation show to animals and people alike, and their willingness to place their own lives at risk because of that love. A story that ranks up there with Schindler's List, The Zookeeper's Wife is definitely on my top five books for 2008.
|
|
 An uplifting story, November 3, 2008
|
|
|
The Zookeeper's Wife by Ackerman
This is a true story based on the husband and wife caretakers of the Warsaw Zoo during WWII. It tells a great deal about the animals in the zoo and the caretakers; there is also the story of the Underground movement and the help given to remove Jews from the Warsaw ghetto by the zoo caretakers. These escapees became the guests at the main house at the zoo and were often placed in the animal houses, to hide them from the German soldiers.
|
|
Profoundly moving, October 23, 2008
|
|
|
This book is an emotional roller coaster. Ackerman starts out displaying her marvelous descriptive skills, setting the stage.
"...on warm days, when the linden trees' creamy yellow tassels drugged the air with the numbing scent of honey and the rhumba of bees."
The linden trees are mentioned throughout the book as a bit of respite and a oasis of normality.
Ackerman's telling of the atrocities that happened in the Warsaw ghetto is strong and powerful and numbing. She counters that with the crux of the book which is the story of the bravery and creativity and survival skills of Antonina, the zoo keeper's wife, and the underground activities of Jan, her husband. Their story is surrounded by the amazing stories of the people of Poland who risked everything to save those at risk. The bravery and ingenuity and humanity wouldn't be believed if this was a book of fiction.
I feel enriched in having read this book and having my eyes opened to their story.
|
|
A fantastic read!, October 21, 2008
|
|
|
Whether you like animals or not, this is an amazing true story about WWII in the Warsaw Zoo. Couldn't put it down--fantastic character descriptions and events in living detail. What amazing people--very inspirational!
|
|
 The Zookeeper's textbook, October 14, 2008
|
|
|
The Zookeeper's Wife was an interesting piece of work. A lovely story that read like investigative or textbook writing.
|
|
|
|
Reviews
