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"The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story" by Diane Ackerman (W.W. Norton, ISBN 9780393061727, $24.95)
 
"The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story" takes us on an intimate real-life journey with Jan and Antonina Zabinski, owners of the Warsaw Zoo during World War II. Beginning with the Zabinskis' pre-war life, we gain an understanding of the depth of their love for animals and their respect for the natural world. They lived on the zoo grounds, surrounded by an animal utopia inextricably linked with their livelihood, one that was quickly stolen away from them by Hitler's invasion of Warsaw. Though much of their zoo was damaged and many animals either killed or shipped away to other zoos, the Zabinskis were fortunate to be able to remain in their home for much of the war, while the Nazis used the grounds as a pig and fur farm.
 
During a time of extreme heartache and terror, the Zabinskis (with the help of their adolescent son, Rys) hid refugee Jews in their home and in vacant animal cages, providing a safe haven while false documents were created and escape plans were put into place. It was interesting to read the intimate details of how these victims dealt with the horrific violence of the war. Going far beyond textbook facts, Diane Ackerman tells us of the different kind of pets the family had, the stories behind many guests who came to stay at the zoo, and how they bonded together in a struggle to cope with anxiety and despair. Especially personal and moving are Antonina's journal entries. I was drawn instantly to the zookeeper's wife and her gentle nature, her innate understanding of animals, and her unwavering strength while trying to be a good mother and maintain a secret household.
 
"The Zookeeper's Wife" details the brutality of WWII, including Jews' confinement to the Warsaw Ghetto, victims deportation on trains headed for concentration camps or gas chambers, and the ruthless killing of men, women, and children. However, beyond these horrific details, Ackerman relays moments of hopefulness and even pure joy. In the midst of war, the Zabinskis and their guests maintained sanity through piano concerts at night in the house and a random assortment of pets. There were also success stories, with many guests surviving the war and Antonina giving birth to a daughter, which offered a hopeful sign for the future. It's a beautiful story, providing readers with a close-up look at the zookeepers and how they turned their paradise into a haven.
 
Review by Joni Lee, November 8, 2007
 
 

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