'City of Thieves' is Captivating

City of Thieves by David Benioff
Published by Viking Adult on May 15, 2008
Genres/Lists: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Pages: 258
Read synopsis on Goodreads
Buy the book: Amazon/Audible (this post includes affiliate links)

Some time ago, I picked up City of Thieves by David Benioff at the urging of my sister, who loved it. What I didn’t know until I wrote this post is that Benioff is the co-creater of the blockbuster show Game of Thrones, which I don’t watch – but I might now that I know he’s involved! Anyway, back to the review – I wasn’t in the mood for a serious read at the time, though, so I put it down after a few pages. But then I was picked to be a World Book Giver, and my book to give away is City of Thieves, so I knew I had to read it before I started handing it out.

This book follows the story of two young men who are arrested in Leningrad during WWII and are given the option to avoid death by procuring a dozen eggs for an NKVD officer within a week. Despite the virtual non-existence of eggs in the city under siege, the boys take off on an adventure that tests their will to survive, friendship, and loyalties.

I really enjoyed this book. Some of it was hard to read because, even though this book is fictional, the events within it were real for many people during WWII and it broke my heart and turned my stomach. But the mark of a great book is that it leaves a lasting impression, and this is one of them. At times darkly humorous, City of Thieves is a classic example of the word “page-turner.” I understand now why it was chosen as one of the choices for World Book Night.

Becca
I have had this book for years but it is still unread. Need to change that.
- The Book Wheel
  Yes, you do!
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Melinda
Sounds great! I love historical fiction and some of the ones I’ve read really left an impression and sometimes tears, because I know that what are being described really happened. Sad…
- The Book Wheel
  Yep – that pretty much sums it up. Sometimes it’s hard to read about these things, but it’s important to understand the dark spots in our history.
Anonymous
I could not put this book down – finished it in record time. It is a haunting tale, but you’re right – unfortunately too much truth to the story.
Jennifer, I, too, am fascinated by this period and read stories from different perspectives to find out what motivated otherwise normal people to do what they did (or failed to do). Those Who Save Us was a similarly sad tale, sometimes a little hard to take, but so good!
- The Book Wheel
  I have Those Who Save Us on my TBR list and am fascinated by the whole group think theory, too. Thanks for stopping by – I’m glad you enjoyed the book, too!
Jennifer
This sounds like something I would really like. I’m a bit fascinated with that time in history.
Tah dah! I just requested it from my library. Now, I hope I haven’t read it before. I’m notorious for that 😉
- The Book Wheel
  Haha – with the amount of books you read that is not surprising. I think you would remember this one, though, because the story is SO unique. It is not anywhere near what I have read before!
  I can’t wait to read your thoughts!
MARY M.
After reading your review I want to read this book.
- The Book Wheel
  You should! I was hesitant but loved it – which is how so many great books are for me. Thanks for stopping by

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