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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
Gritty account of trying to survive behind enemy lines, WWII, Russia.
This is one of those books that clearly reads "novel" on the cover then the first page insists that it is indeed nonfiction. David Benioff (brilliant show-runner of Game of Thrones) turns a series of story-telling sessions with his grandfather into this pretty fantastical reinterpretation of the siege of Leningrad. The astonishing details of the street level citizens during this abysmal time is the only thing that drove me through the journey of the two stock buddy-cop-movie protagonists. The narrator is Lev Beniov, the author's supposed grandfather, who is thrown in jail only to be reprieved by a high-ranking general in order to retrieve a dozen eggs intended for his daughter's wedding cake in a country that has consumed all of its chickens long ago. It's a nice premise, but a little too perfect (especially when nearly every scene ends with a near Indiana Jones caliber hat-swiping escape sequence). David Benioff is a pretty established screenwriter, and this would've made a much more fitting movie than a "novel."
pulled me in and I wanted to keep reading. It's a book about men at war so yup, crass and violent.
A war story that I think would appeal to both women and men. It offers an interesting view of the siege of Leningrad with enjoyable and interesting characters and compelling stories.
Liked:
The characters and their relationship.I love these two idiots dearly despite their inappropriate fantasies
The grim atmosphere during war captured greatly.
The balance of light tone/humor with dark brutalities of war .
The writing style
Dislike(for me atleast)
Again the inappropriate fantasies about the opposite gender .Although it's clear that it's intentional not a writing flaw.But i don't like it in the books I read.
I would think twice before recommending this one because there are many morbid scenes.
The characters and their relationship.I love these two idiots dearly despite their inappropriate fantasies
The grim atmosphere during war captured greatly.
The balance of light tone/humor with dark brutalities of war .
The writing style
Dislike(for me atleast)
Again the inappropriate fantasies about the opposite gender .Although it's clear that it's intentional not a writing flaw.But i don't like it in the books I read.
I would think twice before recommending this one because there are many morbid scenes.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
I absolutely loved this book. Books on WW2 always interest me, and this is one of the best I’ve read. Horrific, historically fascinating, funny, unlikely friends, love and great characters. A beautiful coming of age story during an awful time. I just happened to come across this book at my Starbucks’ free books/book exchange shelf. I’m keeping it!
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I've heard stories from a woman who had lived in Leningrad at that time, but this book really told the story of a city under siege. So amazing what people can do to survive.