The Zookeeper's Wife: 11/22/10

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman was on my wishlist. I can't remember why exactly it was on my list. Maybe I read a review or maybe one of my book group friends was reading it. Anyway, a copy appeared at a recent book club meeting and I had to snatch it up.

The book is the account of the Poland Zoo during WWII and the Zabinski family who ran the zoo. With the Nazis at their zoo they worked with the resistance and hid Jews in plain sight.

But the book is more than just their heroic efforts. It's the story of Warsaw, the zoo, the animals, the ghetto and how all those pieces come together.

Some readers complain about the book's tendency towards listing things. Maybe it's because I'm a library science student now. Or maybe it's because I'm a list maker. I liked the lists: bugs, animals, musicians, and so forth. I found that they enriched the book.

Comments (6)

Comment #1: Tuesday, November, 23, 2010 at 04:08:48

Ms Ulat Buku

I've had the zoo keeper's wife on my tbr pile for a while. Must pick it up soon.

Comment #2: Saturday: November 27, 2010 at 23:07:40

Pussreboots

You should move it towards the top of your pile.

Comment #3: Tuesday, November, 23, 2010 at 15:18:48

Man of La Book

I'm in the midst of writing a review, to be honest I couldn't finish it and that's too bad because it is a great story.

But the writing... and the lists....ouch.

Glad you liked it.

Comment #4: Saturday: November 27, 2010 at 23:11:51

Pussreboots

I enjoyed our conversation via Twitter about the book. You're not alone in your reaction to the book.

Comment #5: Wednesday, November, 24, 2010 at 08:34:30

Anna

I've wanted to read this book since the WWII challenge. I'll eventually get to it! ;) Glad to see you liked it. I'll get a link to your review on War Through the Generations soon.

Comment #6: Saturday: November 27, 2010 at 23:13:38

Pussreboots

Thank you for the link. I have a few more World War II books on my plate so you'll have more links to post in the near future.