58 pages • 1 hour read
Diane AckermanThe Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2007A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.