City of Thieves by David Benioff

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Survival and Sacrifice: 

Exploring City of Thieves by David Benioff

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the themes, main characters, and historical context of City of Thieves by David Benioff.

What do you already know about the novel City of Thieves?

Introduction

City of Thieves is a novel by David Benioff set in Leningrad during World War II

Author David Benioff

David Benioff is the co-creator of the TV series Game of Thrones and a successful author known for his compelling storytelling.

Historical Context

The novel is set during the Siege of Leningrad, offering insights into the harrowing realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

Plot and Main Characters

City of Thieves by David Benioff is a historical novel set during World War II in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia. The story follows two young men, Lev Beniov, a Jewish teenager, and Kolya Vlasov, a deserter from the Soviet army, who are arrested by the Nazis and given a seemingly impossible task: find a dozen eggs for a Soviet colonel’s daughter’s wedding cake, or face execution.

Plot and Main Characters II

As Lev and Kolya embark on their quest, they navigate the harsh realities of the siege, encountering various characters and witnessing the brutal impact of war. Their journey through the war-torn city exposes them to both the horrors and the humanity of the time. The novel combines dark humor, suspense, and a deep exploration of friendship and survival, ultimately portraying the resilience and spirit of the human experience amidst conflict.

What are the main themes of the novel?

1. Survival
2. Friendship
3. Moral complexities of wartime decisions.
4. none of these

In the next lessons we will...

1. Analyze key excerpts from the novel to understand Benioff's writing style and the impact of specific literary techniques.

2. Have a look at the other characters of the book.

3. ?

What else would you like us to do during the lesson (related to the novel)?

Any questions (so far)?

Please continue...

- reading the novel.

- with the exercises in the reader.