City of Thieves by David Benioff follows Lev Beniov, a young Russian Jew, and Kolya, a Cossack soldier, during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, as they embark on a perilous quest to find a dozen eggs for an officer's daughter's wedding to secure their freedom. The novel explores friendship, survival, and the brutality of war. The novel includes depictions of violence, torture, and sexual exploitation.

City of Thieves by David Benioff is widely praised for its engaging storytelling and vivid depiction of war-torn Leningrad. Readers commend the blend of dark humor and poignant moments, as well as the authentic character development. Some criticisms include occasional predictability and simplistic language. Overall, it's a compelling, character-driven historical novel.

City of Thieves by David Benioff is suited for readers who enjoy historical fiction with dark humor, compelling characters, and adventure. Fans of All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find its blend of wartime struggles and personal growth particularly captivating.

Dark / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Challenging / Bittersweet

David Benioff

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

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City of Thieves Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

City of Thieves Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

City of Thieves Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-10

City of Thieves Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-14

City of Thieves Chapters 11-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-16

City of Thieves Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-18

City of Thieves Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

City of Thieves Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

City of Thieves Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

City of Thieves Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

City of Thieves Character Analysis

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Themes

City of Thieves Themes

Symbols & Motifs

City of Thieves Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

City of Thieves Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

City of Thieves Essay Topics

City of Thieves Teaching Unit

Introduction

City of Thieves Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

City of Thieves Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

City of Thieves Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

City of Thieves Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

City of Thieves Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

City of Thieves Activities

Essay Questions

City of Thieves Essay Questions

Exam Questions

City of Thieves Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

City of Thieves Exam Answer Key

City of Thieves

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read City of Thieves?

Reading Age

Book Details