I was initially sceptical about this recommendation, a book set during the World War II siege of Leningrad didn’t strike me as a setting that was going to support a great adventure story. The backdrop, and the hardships it brings, are perfect as a vehicle to give the protagonists all the motivation they need for the decisions they make and the actions they lead to. It’s not a comfortable read at times, but the tone is always upbeat and optimistic, despite what the two young men are going through.

The story is told from the viewpoint of Lev, who at the start of the book we meet as an old man, reluctantly relaying his war time experiences to his grandson. Because of this we know Lev survives the trials and tribulations, but the journey is fraught with danger and with a companion who it is impossible not to fall in love with! Kolya and Lev, through a series of unfortunate circumstances, find themselves at the mercy of a Colonel who, in the middle of a siege and with the locals starving to death, finds himself with a wedding to prepare for and cake that needs to be baked. Naturally, eggs are hard to come by in a siege and Lev and Kolya are tasked with finding a dozen eggs for the colonels daughter’s wedding cake in order to buy their freedom.

The mission takes place behind enemy lines, the dual risks of being shot by the Germans or freezing to death in the Russia winter are constant threats. The two young men encounter others on their journey, some are friendly, many are not.

Despite its bleakness this is a beautiful book, the bond and friendship that forms between the two main characters is wonderful. This was probably the most “page turning” book I have read this year, I honestly couldn’t put it down and just wanted to keep coming back to Lev and Kolya to see what they were up to and where they would end up next.

I really loved this book, it was genuinely heart warming and I am glad I have read it.

City of Thieves