City of Thieves

by David Benioff
City of Thieves cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 11120
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9781848943971
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-10-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of the brutal siege of Leningrad during World War II, City of Thieves follows the unlikely friendship between Lev, a young man arrested for looting, and Kolya, a charismatic soldier arrested for desertion. Given an impossible mission to find a dozen eggs for a colonel's daughter's wedding cake, the two embark on a perilous journey through the starving city and its devastated surroundings. Their quest is not just about survival but also about discovering the depths of human resilience and the bonds that form in the face of adversity. The novel is praised for its captivating storytelling and cinematic quality, drawing readers into a world of desperation, courage, and unexpected camaraderie.

Reviews
Thomas H Brand · 2025-07-23
entertaining 4.50

The book is well-researched and offers a unique perspective on the Second World War. It is both entertaining and informative.

The reviewer highlights the book's thorough research and its ability to shed light on lesser-known aspects of the Second World War. They find the story entertaining and engaging, appreciating the unique perspective it offers. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-written and effectively balances different elements, making it a compelling read. They particularly enjoy the way the author weaves historical details into the narrative without making it feel like a history lesson.

Quick quotes

    What I found was a well-researched and entertaining story of a side of the Second World War that we don't hear a lot about in the West.

    The book is well-written and effectively balances different elements.

    The author weaves historical details into the narrative without making it feel like a history lesson.

Cannonball Read · 2024-03-02
excellent 4.00

The plot and characters are excellent, though the idea of finding eggs is a bit ludicrous. The book balances humor and tragedy well.

The reviewer praises the plot and characters, finding them excellent and well-crafted. They note that the idea of finding eggs is a bit ludicrous, but the book's balance of humor and tragedy is particularly noteworthy. The reviewer appreciates the dark humor and the way the book handles serious themes without becoming glib. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling read that effectively blends different tones and elements.

Quick quotes

    As with most good novels, the plot and the characters are excellent.

    The idea of going around finding eggs is a bit ludicrous, like a very bleak...

    The book balances humor and tragedy well.

The Guardian · 2013-11-01
gripping 4.25

The book is a gripping war novel with lots of humor, suspense, and tragedy. It effectively portrays the desperate lives of people caught between opposing forces.

The reviewer describes the book as a gripping war novel that effectively blends humor, suspense, and tragedy. They appreciate the way the author portrays the desperate lives of people caught between opposing forces, finding it both moving and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-written and engaging, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. They particularly enjoy the way the author balances different tones and elements, making the book a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    A gripping war novel.

    With lots of humour, suspense and tragedy he shows the desperate lives of the people who were caught between two opposing forces during...

    The book is well-written and engaging, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked.

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