Summary
David Benioff's City of Thieves is a gripping historical novel set against the backdrop of the Nazi siege of Leningrad during World War II. Published in 2008, this New York Times bestseller masterfully blends elements of adventure, coming-of-age, and dark humor, offering readers a unique perspective on one of history's most harrowing periods.
The story follows two unlikely companions—a young Russian man named Lev and a charismatic army deserter called Kolya—as they embark on a seemingly impossible mission to find a dozen eggs in a city ravaged by war and famine. Benioff's vivid prose brings to life the brutal realities of wartime Leningrad while exploring themes of friendship, survival, and the human capacity for courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
While City of Thieves has not been adapted for the screen, it has left a significant mark on popular culture. The novel served as a major inspiration for the critically acclaimed video game The Last of Us, with the book itself making an appearance in its sequel. Benioff, who later gained fame as the co-creator of HBO's Game of Thrones, showcases his storytelling prowess in this compelling tale that continues to resonate with readers and creators alike.
Plot
Set during the Nazi siege of Leningrad in World War II, City of Thieves follows the journey of Lev Beniov, a 17-year-old boy arrested for looting. Instead of execution, Lev is thrown into a cell with Kolya, a charismatic deserter. The unlikely pair are given a chance at freedom if they can complete an seemingly impossible task: find a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel's daughter's wedding cake in a city ravaged by starvation.
Lev and Kolya's quest takes them through the dangerous streets of Leningrad and beyond enemy lines. They encounter various perils, including cannibals and Nazi death squads. Along the way, they form an unlikely friendship, sharing stories and discussing literature, particularly a book called The Courtyard Hound, which Kolya claims to be writing.
Their journey leads them to join a group of Russian partisan fighters, where Lev becomes infatuated with Vika, a young Jewish sniper. The group's mission shifts to hunting down a sadistic Nazi officer named Abendroth. Lev, Kolya, and Vika devise a plan to infiltrate the German camp and challenge Abendroth to a chess match, with a dozen eggs as the wager.
In a tense confrontation, Lev manages to kill Abendroth, and the trio escapes with the eggs. As they near Leningrad, Vika parts ways with them. Tragedy strikes when Kolya is shot and dies just as they reach the city. Lev delivers the eggs to the colonel, only to find that they were no longer needed. The story concludes with Vika arriving at Lev's apartment after the war, hinting at a future together.
Themes
Survival in extreme circumstances
Coming of age during wartime
Unlikely friendship and loyalty
Moral ambiguity in times of crisis
Courage and resilience in the face of adversity
The power of humor and storytelling
Loss of innocence and the brutality of war
Setting
Set against the backdrop of World War II, City of Thieves unfolds during the brutal Nazi siege of Leningrad in the winter of 1941-1942. This historical period was marked by extreme hardship for the city's inhabitants, who faced starvation, freezing temperatures, and constant bombardment. The novel vividly portrays the desperate conditions of a city cut off from supplies and struggling to survive.
The story primarily takes place within Leningrad (modern-day St. Petersburg) and its surrounding areas. The city, under siege, becomes a character in itself - its streets lawless, its buildings crumbling, and its people pushed to the brink of survival. As the protagonists' journey progresses, the setting expands to include the countryside beyond Leningrad, venturing into territory controlled by German forces.
Specific locations within the novel include the Crosses prison, where Lev is initially held, and the NKVD mansion where he and Kolya receive their unusual assignment. Their quest takes them through the city's black markets, abandoned buildings, and eventually into the war-torn landscape outside Leningrad. This expansion of setting allows Benioff to explore not only the besieged city but also the broader impact of the war on the Russian people and landscape.
Characters
Lev Beniov: A 17-year-old Jewish boy living in Leningrad during the Nazi siege. Lev is the main protagonist and narrator of the story. He is arrested for looting and paired with Kolya on a dangerous mission to find eggs. Lev is initially timid and inexperienced but grows braver and more mature throughout their journey.
Kolya Vlasov: A charismatic, handsome young Russian army deserter. Kolya becomes Lev's partner in the search for eggs. He is confident, talkative, and well-read, often quoting from Russian literature. Kolya's bravado masks a sensitive and loyal nature, and he becomes a close friend and mentor to Lev.
Vika: A teenage Jewish girl and skilled sniper with the partisan fighters. Vika is tough and resourceful, impressing Lev with her marksmanship and bravery. She becomes a romantic interest for Lev and plays a crucial role in their mission.
Colonel Grechko: The NKVD officer who tasks Lev and Kolya with finding eggs for his daughter's wedding cake. He is a stern and intimidating figure who holds the power of life and death over the protagonists.
Abendroth: A sadistic Nazi officer and chess enthusiast. He is the main antagonist during the latter part of the novel, known for his cruelty towards prisoners and local girls.
David: Lev's grandson and the initial narrator of the story. He frames the narrative by interviewing his grandfather about his wartime experiences.
Sonya: A young doctor who provides shelter to Lev and Kolya. She has a brief romantic encounter with Kolya.
Markov: The leader of the partisan group that Lev and Kolya encounter. He is eventually killed by the Germans.
Quick facts
David Benioff, the author, is also known for co-creating the HBO series Game of Thrones.
The audiobook version is narrated by Ron Perlman, famous for his role in Hellboy.
The novel was inspired by Benioff's grandfather's experiences during the Siege of Leningrad.
The book's plot revolves around the seemingly impossible task of finding a dozen eggs in a starving city.
City of Thieves was a major artistic inspiration for the video game The Last of Us.
The novel features a mix of historical fiction and coming-of-age storytelling.
Benioff wrote the book in just six weeks, drawing from extensive research and family stories.
The character Kolya is writing his own novel within the story, titled The Courtyard Hound.
The book makes an appearance in the video game The Last of Us Part II, being read by a character named Abby.
Despite its dark setting, the novel is known for its moments of humor and wit.
About the Author
David Benioff is an accomplished American writer and producer best known for co-creating the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Born in 1970 in New York City, Benioff studied English literature at Dartmouth College before pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at the University of California, Irvine. He began his career as a novelist, publishing his first book The 25th Hour in 2001, which he later adapted into a film directed by Spike Lee.
Benioff's writing talents soon brought him success in Hollywood. He penned screenplays for major films including Troy, The Kite Runner, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. In 2011, Benioff and his collaborator D.B. Weiss launched Game of Thrones on HBO, adapting George R.R. Martin's fantasy novel series. The show became a global phenomenon, earning Benioff multiple Emmy Awards for his work as writer and executive producer over its eight-season run.
Beyond his television success, Benioff has continued to write novels and short stories. His 2008 book City of Thieves received critical acclaim, and his short story collection When the Nines Roll Over showcased his range as an author. Benioff's versatility as a writer across different mediums has cemented his reputation as one of the most talented storytellers of his generation.
Benioff's personal life has also garnered attention. He married actress Amanda Peet in 2006, and the couple has three children together. They split their time between homes in Manhattan and Beverly Hills. Following the conclusion of Game of Thrones, Benioff and Weiss signed a major deal with Netflix to produce new content, signaling an exciting new chapter in his already illustrious career.
