SOLVED. Adult Fiction: Two on the run from the Russians or the Nazis, disappointing ending. [s]

[Emmy]

So, I read this book between 2005-2009. It was recommended by Nancy Pearl. The story (as far as I can remember) was about two men (or a man and a teen) on the run across a snowy landscape, trying to escape the Nazis (or the Russians, again, it's a bit foggy). The older of the two was sarcastic and wisecracking, and the story itself was a little bleak. What stood out the most for me was the ending: (view spoiler)[the protagonists have almost made it to freedom when the older of the two is shot in the butt, and it becomes infected and he dies. (hide spoiler)] I always remember thinking that was an incredibly disappointing way to end a book.

I've been wanting to figure out what this was for two reasons. 1.) I wanted to see if it was as bad as I remember it being, and 2.) I sometimes reference this disappointing ending and wanted to know what the book was actually called.

Thanks for your help!

[Barbara]

City of Thieves by David Benioff

[Emmy]

Barbara wrote: "City of Thieves by David Benioff"

Wow! That was fast! Thank you--this is exactly what I was looking for :)

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Emmy. Here's the link - City of Thieves by David Benioff.

[Emmy]

Kris wrote: "Glad you found your book, Emmy. Here's the link - City of Thieves by David Benioff."

Yes! I've added it back to my "To Read" list :)