The Zookeeper’s Wife
by Diane Ackerman
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman holds a mixed reviews rating of 3.44 out of 5, based on 20.1K reader ratings. First published in 2007. The book spans 368 pages.
About The Zookeeper's Wife
When Germany invaded Poland, Stuka bombers devastated Warsaw—and the city's zoo along with it. With most of their animals dead, zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski began smuggling Jews into empty cages. Another dozen "guests" hid inside the Zabinskis' villa, emerging after dark for dinner, socializing, and, during rare moments of calm, piano concerts. Jan, active in the Polish resistance, kept ammunition buried in the elephant enclosure and stashed explosives in the animal hospital. Meanwhile, Antonina kept her unusual household afloat, caring for both its human and its animal inhabitants—otters, a badger, hyena pups, lynxes.With her exuberant prose and exquisite sensitivity to the natural world, Diane Ackerman engages us viscerally in the lives of the zoo animals, their keepers, and their hidden visitors. She shows us how Antonina refused to give in to the penetrating fear of discovery, keeping alive an atmosphere of play and innocence even as Europe crumbled around her.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Diane Ackerman |
| Published | 2007 |
| Pages | 368 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, History, Biography & Memoir |
| Average Rating | 3.44 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 20,056 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Zookeeper's Wife?
The Zookeeper's Wife is categorized as Non-Fiction, History, Biography & Memoir. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is The Zookeeper's Wife worth reading?
Based on 20.1K reader ratings, The Zookeeper's Wife has an average score of 3.44 out of 5.00, which is considered "Mixed Reviews."
How many pages is The Zookeeper's Wife?
The Zookeeper's Wife has 368 pages.
Who wrote The Zookeeper's Wife?
The Zookeeper's Wife was written by Diane Ackerman. It was first published in 2007.
What is the ISBN for The Zookeeper's Wife?
The ISBN-13 for The Zookeeper's Wife is 9780393061730.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
