The Zookeeper's Wife: An unforgettable true story, now a major film

Description

When Germany invades Poland, Luftwaffe bombers devastate Warsaw and the city's zoo along with it. With most of their animals killed, or stolen away to Berlin, zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski begin smuggling Jews into the empty cages. As the war escalates Jan becomes increasingly involved in the anti-Nazi resistance. Ammunition is buried in the elephant enclosure and explosives stored in the animal hospital. Plans are prepared for what will become the Warsaw uprising. Through the ever-present fear of discovery, Antonina must keep her unusual household afloat, caring for both its human and animal inhabitants - otters, a badger, hyena pups, lynxes - as Europe crumbles around them. Written with the narrative drive and emotional punch of a novel, THE ZOOKEPER'S WIFE is a remarkable true story. It shows us the human and personal impact of war - of life in the Warsaw Ghetto, of fighting in the anti-Nazi resistance. But more than anything it is a story of decency and sacrifice triumphing over terror and oppression. Jan and Antonina saved over 300 people from the death camps of the Holocaust.

Diane Ackerman is the acclaimed and bestselling writer of a number of non-fiction books about the natural world.

I can't imagine a better story or storyteller. The Zookeeper's Wife will touch every nerve you have - Jonathan Safran Foer, author of Everything is Illuminated Alternatingly funny, moving and terrifying. This powerful thriller would be a great novel - except that it happens to be true. - Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs and Steel