R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this read even though it is a sad and tragic story. Ackerman enlightens readers about life in Poland under Nazi invasion and occupation. Jan and Antonina Zabinski are in charge of Warsaw's large, innovative and much loved zoo. The horrific invasion crushes the city and the zoo. Horror changes from fear of being bombed to fear for life when Germans occupy the city and the country. Many surviving animals are stolen while others shot for sport, but what about people? The zoo's purpose changes again and again but one primary goal continues - to save as many people as possible.
I am amazed with the Polish resistance to Nazi rule. It is so inspiring. They were so innovative that they found dozens of ways to thwart Nazi rule and according to the author had the best organized resistance in Europe. From underground work in which Jan played a role that put him in danger almost daily to the paratroopers arriving with thousands of dollars, medical supplies and plans to make weapons.
While the author related dozens of tales about helping persecuted people escape death the novel never stopped being interesting. She folded all into her story so flawlessly that I marveled again and again at her talent with the telling of such a fascinating story. Thousands were saved by the Polish people, over 300 through Jan and Antonina's direct interventions. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands perished in gas chambers, by execution, through bombing, and other cruel methods. Hitler was determined to destroy Warsaw and the Polish people. Imagine burning the sick and injured in hospitals. It's so hard to understand Nazi cruelty. I quail when I think about their atrocities. How can anyone do such things to human beings?
This amazing story told by a talented author brings hope to all mankind. And, Ackerman proves that historical novels can be outstanding reading even when it covers a topic as tragic as this one. An inspiring read!
I am amazed with the Polish resistance to Nazi rule. It is so inspiring. They were so innovative that they found dozens of ways to thwart Nazi rule and according to the author had the best organized resistance in Europe. From underground work in which Jan played a role that put him in danger almost daily to the paratroopers arriving with thousands of dollars, medical supplies and plans to make weapons.
While the author related dozens of tales about helping persecuted people escape death the novel never stopped being interesting. She folded all into her story so flawlessly that I marveled again and again at her talent with the telling of such a fascinating story. Thousands were saved by the Polish people, over 300 through Jan and Antonina's direct interventions. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands perished in gas chambers, by execution, through bombing, and other cruel methods. Hitler was determined to destroy Warsaw and the Polish people. Imagine burning the sick and injured in hospitals. It's so hard to understand Nazi cruelty. I quail when I think about their atrocities. How can anyone do such things to human beings?
This amazing story told by a talented author brings hope to all mankind. And, Ackerman proves that historical novels can be outstanding reading even when it covers a topic as tragic as this one. An inspiring read!
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