58 pages 1 hour read

Diane Ackerman

The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2007

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman is a non-fiction narrative detailing how Antonina Żabińska and her husband, Jan Żabiński, director of the Warsaw Zoo, sheltered over 300 Jewish escapees during WWII after the zoo was bombed and partly looted by Nazis. Amid the war's destruction and personal sacrifices, they orchestrated daring rescues from the Warsaw Ghetto, using the zoo as a covert sanctuary. The book includes frequent depictions of wartime violence, Nazi atrocities, and severe peril.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Diane Ackerman's The Zookeeper's Wife captivates readers with its well-researched narrative and vivid prose, bringing to life the story of a Warsaw zookeeper's wife who saved many during WWII. Some critiques note the book's meandering pace and extensive detail that can detract from the plot's momentum. Overall, it's praised for its historical significance and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Zookeeper's Wife?

A reader who would enjoy The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman is likely captivated by historical narratives and true stories of heroism during World War II. Fans of The Diary of Anne Frank and Schindler's List will appreciate its poignant storytelling and detailed recounting of the lives saved through extraordinary courage.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Period

WWII / World War II

Holocaust

Topics

History: European

Animals

Military / War

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Emotions/Behavior: Hope

Society: War

Genre

Biography