Christine (luvmygem) - reviewed on 7/18/2009 + 86 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

A beautifully written story of a zookeeper and his wife, not only surviving war-torn Warsaw during World War II, but saving and sheltering about 300 Jews who otherwise would not have survived. I imagine the author's prose to be exactly how this main character would have wanted it written. It's astounding that the story of Antonina Zabinski is not already known the world over, blending a perfect balance of her and her family's personal challenges, the zoo and the war itself. We've all heard of "Schindler's List", but The Zookeeper's Wife not only tells another tale, but makes you realize that there are probably countless other heroes and heroines whose stories from that time might be lost forever.

My only complaint is I wish there was a little more information about Antonina and her life after the war - I don't even know how long she lived or what became of her, and she is far too interesting a person to be left with loose ends.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details