Helpful Score: 3
The author put so much work into being historically accurate and getting the details absolutely correct that at times it reads a little too much like a documentary. However, the subject matter is very interesting, both the history of Poland during WWII and the story of the zoo's many inhabitants, 4-legged and 2-legged. Those who love animal stories will find them from beginning to end, but will also be saddened by the many, many deaths in the book. Those who love stories of the Jewish underground and Polish resistance will love this book as well; of the 300-some Jews to pass through the zoo, only two did not survive the war. The featured zoo-keeping family also survives intact; it is their dairies and post-war interviews that supply the facts for this book.
If you liked this book because of the animals, I recommend Elephants in the Living Room, Bears in the Canoe. If you read it for the historical aspect, I recommend The Hiding Place, and also the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler. Irena gets a good mention in this book, and many of the scenes described in the book are seen in the movie.
If you liked this book because of the animals, I recommend Elephants in the Living Room, Bears in the Canoe. If you read it for the historical aspect, I recommend The Hiding Place, and also the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler. Irena gets a good mention in this book, and many of the scenes described in the book are seen in the movie.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
