From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Astrid Lim
Hoaaa... I didn't expect to like this book so much :) But turned out, it's amazing! The tragedy in World War II was not written in gloomy, gory way. The characters are so human, very likable, even the villain! And Russia in winter is not so cold after all - lots of warm humor inside the book.. ...more
Tiffany
Jul 21, 2015 rated it really liked it
I really enjoyed this book. I will read more by this author.
Katie
Mar 02, 2013 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
This book takes place during the siege of Leningrad. In times of massive food shortages, a Russian colonel sends two Russian prisoners on a mission to find a dozen eggs for his daughter's wedding cake. Their journey takes them through Leningrad, the countryside, and behind enemy lines. It is at once humorous, heartbreaking, and touching. Well written, engaging, and a quick read, I would recommend it to all. ...more
Erin (NY)
Dec 10, 2012 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
I liked this book. It is a coming of age story of Lev, who lives in Leningrad in 1942, and is on a mission to procure a dozen eggs. With a friend, Kolya, he escapes Leningrad and walks through the country side looking for eggs. It gives a great portrait into what life in Leningrad/Russia at the time was like. It is certainly not a light read, but it is very easy to read, and reads quickly.
Jen
May 30, 2010 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: popular-fiction
I loved this story, it was humorous and filled with tension all the same time with a sad and poignant ending. I think it's a great story that anyone would enjoy. Even though the prose isn't the most elegant I've ever read, I know this story will stick with me for a long time. ...more
Jana
May 15, 2016 rated it it was amazing
I'm not sure where I got the recommendation to read this book, but I am so glad I did. This was a very good story and I loved the writing style. ...more
Steph S
Sep 23, 2008 rated it liked it
Shelves: 2009, novels, audiobooks
Joerg
Jun 06, 2009 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: fiction-america
Isabel
Jun 14, 2009 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Ching-In
Jul 02, 2009 marked it as to-read
Scott
Jul 13, 2009 rated it really liked it
Shelves: bookclub
Barondestructo
Jan 09, 2011 rated it it was amazing
SarahC
Aug 08, 2011 marked it as to-read
Polly-Alida
Jun 16, 2012 rated it really liked it
Shelves: getrecs, wwii
Sam
Mar 21, 2014 marked it as to-read
Mansir
Aug 15, 2014 rated it really liked it
Jen
Oct 08, 2014 marked it as wishlist
Rosemary
Jul 16, 2015 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: audible
Patty
Dec 09, 2016 marked it as to-read
Jocelyn
Oct 02, 2018 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: kindle
Seulky
May 11, 2019 marked it as to-read
Brian
Jul 07, 2019 marked it as to-read
Gaelyn
Sep 09, 2019 marked it as to-read
Katy
Aug 17, 2020 rated it it was amazing
Tania
Mar 23, 2025 marked it as to-read
AGB
May 18, 2025 rated it liked it
« previous 1 3 4