Wednesday, February 2, 2011

February Book Review: The Zookeeper's Wife

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
--George Santayana




On a winter's day with the wind howling outside and the weather forecast for more snow and possible icy conditions, there is nothing better than curling up with a good book.  Deciding to take a break from my usual diet of mysteries and thrillers, several weeks ago I picked up The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman on the recommendation of a friend, a school librarian.  I didn't realize at the time that it was non-fiction, so I've been reading it at a slower pace, but finished it just in time for this month's meeting of the Book Review Club.

The Zookeeper's Wife takes place during World War II and is the story of Antonina Zabinski, wife of the zookeeper of  the Warsaw Zoo, who, like a "horse whisperer," seems to have a mystical way of communicating with animals.  This ability to calm wild animals serves her well later in the war during a few dangerous confrontations with the Nazis and later with a band of marauding Russian soldiers. 


The Zoo in 1938.  (Image from Wikipedia)

Their peaceful existence, where it wasn't unusual to find a pet badger or lynx roaming the halls of the villa, is shattered when the Nazis invade Poland in 1939.  The Nazis were fond of big game hunting and were also obsessed with creating a "pure" Aryan environment, including re-creating some extinct species. Under their rule, the zoo soon loses most of its animals.  Over the course of the war, it is used for different purposes depending on the whim of its captors, including a vegetable farm and a fur farm.

Antonina's husband Jan becomes a member of the Polish Underground, and one of his main activities is spiriting Jews out of the Warsaw ghetto to safety.  Soon the zoo becomes a hiding place for many of them, who hide in the various cages and buildings once occupied by pheasants or peacocks or in the villa itself. It falls upon Antonina to provide enough food and warmth for all the "guests" while Jan is busy with the Underground's activities. To maintain secrecy, Antonina even refers to them by animal names so that eventually the code name for the zoo becomes "The House Under a Crazy Star."  Three hundred people lived for a time in the Warsaw Zoo during the course of the war, escaping certain death at the hands of the Nazis.


Historic district in Warsaw today.  The city was rebuilt after 80% of the buildings were destroyed in the war.
(Image from Wikipedia)
 A best-selling author and naturalist, Ackerman includes detailed descriptions of animal behavior and unusual species, such as the wild horses who run free through the primeval forest in northeastern Poland. Unlike dry scientific explanations, Ackerman's prose becomes almost poetic as she brings nature to life for the reader. The book is meticulously researched,  based on Antonina's own diaries as well as many other factual accounts of the time, as listed in a lengthy bibliography at the end of the book.


  While I believe it is very important to remember the Holocaust, I usually don't read books about this time in history because it tears at my heart to read of these atrocities.  However, Ackerman doesn't dwell on the horrors, but presents these events in the context of the everyday existence of the residents of Warsaw.  There is inspiration in some of the stories, and the Zoo's villa is at times filled with laughter and music as Antonina and the guests share some peaceful moments.  There is even a touch of humor in the picture of Antonina pounding on the piano a loud rendition of Offenbach's "Go, Go to Crete" as a signal to her guests that danger is imminent and they must retreat to underground tunnels or cages to hide.

The Zookeeper's Wife is not so much a story of the tragedies in Warsaw during WWII as it is a story of survival and the triumph of the human spirit over despair.   Antonina Zabinski was an ordinary housewife in her husband Jan's words, yet she was determined "to be true to herself, to follow her heart, even though it meant enduring a lot of sacrifice." Like her husband, she believed "if you can save somebody's life, it's your duty to try."  Though they faced countless dangers, the Zabinskis put on an air of outer calm and never questioned their purpose; they were true heroes.



True courage is not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve of virtue and reason.

~Alfred North Whitehead



 Click here to see more reviews @barrie summy.


Disclaimer: Once again, no compensation was received for this review, and I checked the book out from my local library.

33 comments:

  1. Fabulous review...what an incredible story that I will have to read....as a mystery lover I tend to not be fond of non-fiction but this true life incredible story seems a must read to honor these brave people...thx

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  2. Your book reviews are always so good! This sounds like a very inspirational story.

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  3. Like you, I don't normally read this type of book because of the overwhelming feelings for the victims of the atrocities that took place and my inability to cope with them. However this one seems to be an exception and I shall have to get hold of a copy.
    You wrote a very good review.
    Maggie X

    Nuts in May

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  4. Certain books have established the canon of nonfiction Holocaust/WWII lit (Diary of Anne Frank, Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place...), but it's never too late for others to join it. Rose, you've convinced me that this one may be a candidate.

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  5. This book sounds like one I might like. Thanks for the review.
    You sure picked a good time to go visit your daughter. You lucky dog.

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  6. Thanks everyone; I do think you will enjoy this book, despite the underlying history of this setting.

    To everyone, I hope you are staying safe and warm--I managed to escaped the blizzard hitting the Midwest just in time, as I left on Monday to visit my daughter in Oregon. But Hubby, the rest of the family, and Sophie are dealing with it at home.

    Lisa, it's supposed to get in the 50's here in Portland today.

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  7. Pretty opening photo and I love the elephant and the glimpse of Warsaw. It’s snowing in Maine too. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book and your terrific review remind me why I wanted to read it.

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  8. Thank you for the review. It is one I think I should read. :-)

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  9. This sounds like an inspiring story, with a touch of the fantastic even though it's nonfiction. I'll watch for it---thanks!

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  10. I need to get my hands on that book! :)

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  11. I'm a little more than halfway through this book which my Book Club is reading. The story is almost unbelievable - but so inspiring.

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  12. That sounds a great book. Like you I avoid reading about the holocaust and for the same reasons. I like your review. Thanks :-)

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  13. Hello Rose,

    Winter was just made for reading a good book, don't you think? We have been super cold (for us) and it was in the 20's this morning. Thanks to you, I now have a new book to add to my list :-)

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  14. This book sounds amazing. I think my sister would like it. As would I.

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  15. Sounds like a great book! I agree that the WWII time period is sad to read about, but an inspiring story like this is a welcome reminder of goodness even in the worst of times.

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  16. Rose this is not a book I would read as it hits too close to my heart as my mother and father were survivors of the Nazi camps and horrors...anyhow I loved your previous post with the now and then photos of your garden!!
    I'm sure your daughter has told you about the COLD temps. here in AZ! Record breaking freezing temps today and tomorrow.Brrrr.

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  17. Sounds like a wonderful book Rose!

    Hope you're staying warm and cozy - today's a great day to curl up in a favorite chair with a good read!

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  18. Rose, I adored this book and my book club read it. Some of them didn't like the author's voice and her way of telling the story. I was the opposite.

    As for our weather, yes we got socked. Now, we're digging out as is your part of the country. Spring will come soon though. I know it will.~~Dee

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  19. Hi Rose, so nice to be back visiting with friends.

    So sad that zoos are often the victims of civil unrest. The book sounds like a wonderful tribute to the zoo keeper and his wife. I often wonder if I would have the courage to offer my help and my home to people fleeing persecution and death.
    Marnie

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  20. Hey Rose,

    This sounds like a great book. I love non-fiction. Maybe I'll have to check it out.

    Hope you are doing good with all this bad weather that has been going on.

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  21. This sounds like a wonderful book and what a fascinating true story. I'd never heard of the Zabinskis before, so thanks for reviewing the book. Like you, I tend to shy away from Holocaust stories because it's so heart-wrenching, but this does sound uplifting. Great review.

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  22. Rose, What a wonderful review~Like you, this isn't a book I would normally jump into but, your review is very compelling...I'll check to see if it's on the available list at the library...Keep warm, gail

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  23. An excellent review Rose! I had never heard of the Zabinskis but what wonderful work they did. I read The Diary of Anne Frank at school and it left a lasting impression on me, as long as I live I will never, ever, understand how man can inflict such unbelievable cruelty on others. I remember too, some years ago, watching the film or TV drama called Holocaust with Meryl Streep, again it had a deep and lasting impact on me, I think it should be required viewing in all schools.

    Well done Rose, a very thought provoking post!

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  24. Dear Rose,
    I have heard of this book and always enjoy Diane Ackerman's writings.
    So happy you are in Portland! I miss my daughter.
    I am slowly getting over pneumonia.
    Spring is only 6 weeks away!
    Enjoy being in Portland, fine weather and Daughter time is the best!
    Sherry

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  25. The Zabinskis were indeed true heroes. Lovely review.

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  26. Thanks Rose ... am jotting it down in my journal. Happy Snowy February ... heavy here today :)

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  27. I have to read this book! The premise sounds wonderful, and your review is excellent!

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  28. What a wonderful stories. It's encouraging to know that so many people in different ways did their bit against the Nazi atrocities. I like to think i would be as brave as them but i doubt it.

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  29. I don't read these stories either, but the way you've described this book makes me want to pick it up! I love stories about the human spirit, relationships and facing challenges with courage.

    I hope it's warm in Portland!

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  30. What a lovely review! Now I wish I'd read this one instead of Water for Elephants last month.

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  31. Thanks for this review which inspires me to read the book. I do like the author and have one of her other books.

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  32. Ooops, ha ha, I don't find your "follow me" button, and I left a comment saying I am your newest follower. I will come back and see if I find that button :)

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  33. Great review of one of my favorite cities. Cannot wait to tell my niece how warm Portland is):-

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