There are many books about the war, but this book stands out very well. City of Thieves is written by David Benioff, who can see the obvious things and then see beyond them. All the clichés, which are firmly settled in the brains and hearts of some people, do not concern the author. His fresh eyes and new vision of the situation shock at first, but one gradually understands and discover the history of World War II on the other side.
The book is written in a modern way, because the author is young. He has a lot of humor, but it is not a blasphemous banter. It is such a laugh, the laugh which makes you want to cry. Yeah, after all, people also laughed during the blockade. They also loved, because a living person, while alive, keeps at least a drop of optimism. This book is primarily for the young people, and it is great, because they do not want to read the old works about the war, and they will read this novel with pleasure. They will learn how tragically frightening it was in those years. Two guys, the main characters are such a terrific duet. Their dialogues sparkle with flashy jokes, they are so real.
This historical novel teaches the most important things - to appreciate life, to respect close people and friends and surely enjoy each day. No one knows what will happen tomorrow, so must love to live and thank God. War is a lesson for the whole humanity. The terrible consequences must make humanity love peace, not war. The author tells on behalf of his grandfather, who had to go through all this horror, fear and disappointment. In fact, the book is written very easily, positively (no matter how strange it sounds). The horrible moments in the book are diluted with the jokes of Kolya, who is an acquaintance, and later a friend, Lev, who is the main hero of the book "City of Thieves"
There is nothing incongruous in that this book is written by an American writer who addresses Russian life. It fully conveys the tragedy of the blockade and the patriotism of Russian people. Heroes are the most common guys, who, due to their age, constantly think about the opposite sex. War is heavy, cold, and hungry. The men from City of Thieves are not brave soldiers, who are molded from courage, force and valor. They have many unnecessary thoughts, fears and experiences. Even in the most difficult times, one can live it up as far as possible - joking, resenting, falling in love, dreaming, quarreling. The book has a soul, because it is written with love for the characters.
