The Zookeeper's Wife follows the life of Jan and Antonina Zabinski, the zookeepers of the Warsaw Zoo. The two fall in love, take over the zoo, and build it with great success. Then, the zoo was bombed and many of the animals lost. The Germans came to "save" some of the remaining animals, to preserve the pure breeds, leaving the Zabinskis with a home in shambles. Yet, they stay to care for those that remain. In truth, the zoo is a cover for Jan's secret activities and becomes a home for their ever-expanding family, both their own children as well as their "guests" that come to visit and those that hide in the cages with secret animal names.
The Zookeeper's Wife was an absolutely fascinating read that made me ponder so much and created great discussion in my online book group. I marked a number of pages in this story, noting certain passages that I needed to revisit. My only downside is that it initially took me a while to get accustomed to the writing. The author is known for her poetry and her writing reflects that even in this nonfiction. Her descriptions of some items were extensive and seemed to be unimportant (though not always the case). In the end, it is a book that I would recommend, especially if you are looking to expand your list of reads pertaining to World War II. You need to know the Zabinski's.
Are you familiar with the Zabinski's story? What are your thoughts on The Zookeeper's Wife?
I've had several Diane Ackerman titles in my TBR but have never gotten around to reading any of them yet! This one looks good.
ReplyDeleteBelle Wong ... I did enjoy this one, but the writing is different for a nonfiction book. I am curious about her other work though.
DeleteI read this book, too. It's a great story that IS fascinating, but this book didn't show it as fascinating for the very reason that you note. Ackerman goes on and on and on with BORING descriptions, making me want to skip paragraphs and get back to this wonderful story. In my opinion, she spoiled it.
ReplyDeletetecheditor ... I really did have a hard time with the writing to begin with, though towards the end, I didn't notice it as much because I think I just got used to it. I'm glad I read it though because the story is quite fascinating. It's a great reminder that there are so many good people in the world, even during the horrific times.
DeleteI've had this on my shelves for a few years now (think I picked it up at a library sale without knowing much about it). You've made me both want to pull it off the shelf more (because the story sounds so interesting) and less (because I have a feeling those descriptions would drive me a little batty too). :P
ReplyDeleteDebi ... The descriptions may drive you a little batty, but I think it is worth it to know the story behind the Zabinski's. They are very courageous souls.
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