Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
City of Thieves summary
David Benioff
Brief summary
City of Thieves by David Benioff is a captivating novel set during the Siege of Leningrad. It follows the unlikely friendship between two young men as they embark on a daring quest to find a dozen eggs in a city devastated by war.
Table of Contents
City of Thieves
Summary of key ideas
Survival in the Midst of War
In City of Thieves by David Benioff, we are transported to the city of Leningrad during the German siege of World War II. The story begins with the protagonist, Lev Beniov, being arrested for looting the body of a German paratrooper. He is thrown into a cell with a charismatic and enigmatic soldier named Kolya. Instead of being executed, they are given a chance to save their lives by finding a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel's daughter's wedding cake.
Lev and Kolya embark on a seemingly impossible mission in a city devastated by war, where food is scarce and survival is a daily struggle. They encounter various characters, each with their own story of survival, and witness the horrors of war. Despite the grim circumstances, Lev and Kolya form an unlikely friendship, finding solace in each other's company.
A Journey of Survival and Friendship
As they journey through the war-torn city, the duo faces numerous challenges, including encounters with cannibals, Russian deserters, and the German army. They also meet a young woman, Vika, who has been surviving on her own in the city. Vika joins them in their quest, and the three form a bond that helps them endure the harsh realities of their situation.
Throughout their journey, Lev, a shy and reserved boy, learns to be more assertive and brave, while Kolya, a charming ladies' man, reveals his deeper, more vulnerable side. Their friendship deepens as they share their fears, hopes, and dreams, providing each other with the emotional support needed to survive.
Love and Loss in Wartime
As they continue their search for the elusive eggs, Lev, Kolya, and Vika experience moments of joy and laughter amidst the chaos of war. They find brief respite in a small village, where they celebrate a wedding and experience a semblance of normalcy. However, their happiness is short-lived as they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their situation once again.
Tragedy strikes when Vika is captured by the Germans, and Kolya is killed while trying to save her. Lev is left devastated by the loss of his friend and the woman he had grown to love. Despite his grief, he continues his quest, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to honor Kolya's memory.
The Power of Human Resilience
In the end, Lev manages to find the eggs and return to Leningrad. However, the city he left behind is no longer the same. The siege has ended, but the devastation remains. Lev reflects on the horrors he has witnessed and the people he has lost, including Kolya and Vika. Despite the overwhelming despair, he finds a glimmer of hope in the resilience of the human spirit.
City of Thieves is a poignant tale of survival, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through Lev and Kolya's journey, we are reminded of the enduring power of friendship and the strength that can be found in the most unlikely of places.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is City of Thieves about?
City of Thieves by David Benioff is a gripping novel set during the siege of Leningrad in World War II. It follows the unlikely friendship between two young men, Lev and Kolya, as they embark on a dangerous quest to find a dozen eggs for a Soviet officer. Filled with humor, suspense, and poignant moments, this book explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.
City of Thieves Review
City of Thieves (2008) is a gripping tale set during the WWII siege of Leningrad. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its unforgettable characters and vivid storytelling, it immerses readers in the harsh realities of war, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
- The book seamlessly weaves historical events and personal narratives, providing a unique perspective on the war and its impact on individuals.
- Through its humor and wit, it manages to capture the absurdity of war, adding a compelling layer of depth to the narrative and ensuring that it is anything but boring.
Who should read City of Thieves?
- Readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories set during World War II
- Those with an interest in Russian history and culture
- People who appreciate vivid and engaging storytelling with a mix of humor and intensity
Categories with City of Thieves
Book summaries like City of Thieves
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
City of Thieves FAQs
What is the main message of City of Thieves?
The main message of City of Thieves is about the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.
How long does it take to read City of Thieves?
The reading time for City of Thieves varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is City of Thieves a good book? Is it worth reading?
City of Thieves is a captivating read that combines historical fiction, adventure, and coming-of-age. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of City of Thieves?
The author of City of Thieves is David Benioff.
What to read after City of Thieves?
If you're wondering what to read next after City of Thieves, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley