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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
One of the best books I've ever read. Every word was a gem. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.
I cannot imagine this story being any better, or better written! It would be a mistake to read any articles about the book before finishing it.
City of Thieves," penned by David Benioff, is a captivating narrative set in Russia during the waning days of World War II. The story follows a teenage boy thrust into the chaos of war, tasked with an improbable mission alongside a charismatic soldier.
Benioff's storytelling is a delightful blend of humor and heart, with moments that had me audibly chuckling as I turned the pages. The dynamic between Lev and Koyla is a standout, their chemistry adding depth and charm to the narrative.
While thoroughly enjoying the book, my only lament is its brevity; however, this contributes to the story's overall satisfaction. "City of Thieves" stands as a testament to Benioff's mastery of storytelling, leaving readers enthralled from start to finish.
Benioff's storytelling is a delightful blend of humor and heart, with moments that had me audibly chuckling as I turned the pages. The dynamic between Lev and Koyla is a standout, their chemistry adding depth and charm to the narrative.
While thoroughly enjoying the book, my only lament is its brevity; however, this contributes to the story's overall satisfaction. "City of Thieves" stands as a testament to Benioff's mastery of storytelling, leaving readers enthralled from start to finish.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A perfectly formed, beautifully written, excellently plotted book. The protagonists both win you over fully very quickly. The story is simple enough, but captures the brutality of the Siege of Leningrad well, veering skilfully between tragedy and real humour. I loved this book, and read it in about 12 hours. Just brilliant!
Why isn't everyone talking about this beautiful little book? Sure, it is gory and has several crass threads wending their way across the tableau. But, Benioff's tale is captivating at every moment, simultaneously funny and scary, so well crafted. I want to write a book like this one.
This is the first book I've read this summer that you might categorize as "fun", despite the fact that "City of Thieves" is an extremely sad story. Benioff's writing shines here, in relaying an anecdotal journey based on the real life experience of his grandfather. The intrigue, however, lies not in the truth or fiction of the account, but rather in the way that the characters reflect genuine humanity.
Lev comes of age in a brutally swift transition between awkward teenage boy and cold blooded (ok, so not as hard core as it sounds) German-killer, all framed within the context of the Nazi siege of Leningrad during WWII. The concept of people surviving in what is essentially a ghost town of a major international city is terribly interesting to me, and Benioff has a gift for portraying the bleak and desolate in a way that invites more curiosity than disgust.
A page turner until the very end, definitely recommend it for a good summer read. Actually, I could see myself enjoying this immensely during the cold winter months as well.
Lev comes of age in a brutally swift transition between awkward teenage boy and cold blooded (ok, so not as hard core as it sounds) German-killer, all framed within the context of the Nazi siege of Leningrad during WWII. The concept of people surviving in what is essentially a ghost town of a major international city is terribly interesting to me, and Benioff has a gift for portraying the bleak and desolate in a way that invites more curiosity than disgust.
A page turner until the very end, definitely recommend it for a good summer read. Actually, I could see myself enjoying this immensely during the cold winter months as well.
Thanks, Linda. Really liked this story. Not sure how much of it is true - it certainly is amazing. Some very funny parts in the book for it being about the German occupation of Russia.
City of Thieves by David Benioff is no work of art or masterpiece of literature, but it is just a completely enthralling historical fiction novel. There are some mildly fantastical elements to the journey that Lev and Kolya go through to rid themselves of a death sentence by trying to find a dozen eggs for a Colonel in the middle of the siege of Stalingrad. Even with these fictional bits, the setting feels very grounded with a good sense of place. The prose has a familiarity to it that makes the streets of Stalingrad really pop in the imagination.
The relationship between the main three characters, Lev, Kolya, and Vika really brings together the whole novel. Kolya provides most of the entertainment as he is controlled by his hormones about 80% of the time and has a quick wit and tongue in an endearing way.
I'd recommend it for anyone looking for an entertaining read.
The relationship between the main three characters, Lev, Kolya, and Vika really brings together the whole novel. Kolya provides most of the entertainment as he is controlled by his hormones about 80% of the time and has a quick wit and tongue in an endearing way.
I'd recommend it for anyone looking for an entertaining read.