This novel had something happening in each and every chapter. There was never a dull moment! A real page turner packed with adventure, frienship, and love; all set in a very fascinating period in history.

With an impressive economy of words, Benioff creates an adventure set during the German siege of Leningrad. The story vividly portrays the horrors of the time, but is lightened by marvelous characters who infuse some hope and even humor into a seemingly hopeless quest. This obviously well-researched book was enjoyable to read and generated excellent book club discussion.

It was funny at times, it was shocking at times,
rereading clues in the book which lead to a great book club discussion. We all had a lot to say about the book.

Fun to read - some how it is funny and disturbing at the same time.

overall hopeful book, but very hard to read at times due to the graphic descriptions of horrors that occured during the time period described.

I had trouble remembering that this was a novel and not a screenplay. It felt as if I was watching a movie and that's not altogether bad but I had trouble feeling very engaged with the characters. They were almost cartoonish in their portrayals of "bad Nazi" and " fearless handsome Russian" and "young, virginal Jew." It didn't feel serious. Amid the horrors of WWII the young men were salivating over women while starving to death. There were also some historic inaccuracies. Still, it was a quick, easy read and if you don't want a terribly serious novel, this may be it.

Wonderful writing, interesting story, great discussion. We're now going to read another of his books. I'm partial to historical fiction, anyway and this was a part of history I needed to learn about. All around great read.

During the Siege of Leningrad, two young men – strangers at the outset – are sent on a mission to procure the impossible. Lev is only 17, an orphan who is the proud leader of his neighborhood fire watch team. When they spot a German paratrooper slowly descending on their street, the group runs to check the body. In their excitement they don’t hear the state police vehicle until it’s almost too late. The penalty for looting and being out after curfew is execution, but Lev is put in a holding cell. Shortly another man is put there with him. Kolya is a Russian soldier, in his twenties; he is handsome (with the “perfect” Aryan features – blonde and blue-eyed) and charming. He’s been caught without any leave papers and is presumed to be a deserter. In the morning, instead of going to their death they are taken to the colonel’s office. He has a proposition for them. His daughter’s wedding is in five days and she wants a wedding cake, for which he needs a dozen eggs. There hasn’t been an egg in Leningrad for months. But if the two can return with the eggs by Thursday, he will spare their lives.

This is a novel about the horrors of war, definitely. But more, it is a novel about friendship and loyalty; about learning to trust when nothing and no one is trustworthy; about finding hope and joy in the most awful of circumstances; about finding depths of courage you never knew you had; and about facing death with dignity. None of WW II was pleasant, but the residents of Leningrad suffered more than most during the siege. The conditions depicted are nothing short of horrific, but the author manages to not dwell there for long. He uses Kolya to keep the partisans, the Germans, and the readers charmed and looking forward. I was completely drawn into the story and found myself rooting for these two unlikely companions on their impossible quest. I loved the ending, too.

Benioff is a screenwriter, and it shows; most scenes are very visual. I have no idea if a movie is planned, but if it is, I can guess who will write the screen play.

Great book. I loved the development of the characters. The descriptions of the country and relationships were very real. I couldn't wait to get back to the story to read what happened! Ending is sooo good.

What an adventure! I liked the characters and enjoyed this book very much!

I just couldn't get into this book. Because of the great reviews on this page, I really tried to like it, but just thought it silly. I understand that it is a coming of age book, but I never connected with the characters. Obviously, I am a minority in this opinion. I read 135 pages --about half- and gave it up.

Our book club liked the book but found the graphic detail of the horrible circumstances very difficult to understand.

Raw and shocking but sprinkled with light humor as the two men progress towards the end of their journey.

wonderful pirtrayal of comoassion during times of unimaginable cruelty

Well written dark comedy about a friendship developed in a week of shared tragic events. A different view of a World War II event.