Ranked #8 in War Fiction, Ranked #21 in Wars — see more rankings.
From the critically acclaimed author of The 25th Hour, a captivating novel about war, courage, survival — and a remarkable friendship that ripples across a lifetime.
During the Nazis’ brutal siege of Leningrad, Lev Beniov is arrested for looting and thrown into the same cell as a handsome deserter named Kolya. Instead of being executed, Lev and Kolya are given a shot at saving their own lives by complying with an outrageous directive: secure a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake. In a city cut off from all supplies and suffering... more
During the Nazis’ brutal siege of Leningrad, Lev Beniov is arrested for looting and thrown into the same cell as a handsome deserter named Kolya. Instead of being executed, Lev and Kolya are given a shot at saving their own lives by complying with an outrageous directive: secure a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake. In a city cut off from all supplies and suffering... more
Reviews and Recommendations
We've comprehensively compiled reviews of City of Thieves from the world's leading experts.

Leo Babauta Recommends this book

Brian Koppelman I’ve given it to 100 people. All of them thanked me and gave away a bunch themselves. (Source)

Nicholas Carlson Amazing recommendations. Thanks everyone. Just finished a book off this list: "City of Thieves." It was funny, moving, and thrilling. I also recommend it. https://t.co/mvmjjNpyHC (Source)

The CEO Library Community (through anonymous form) One of the best 3 books I've read in 2019 (Source)
Rankings by Category
City of Thieves is ranked in the following categories:
- #90 in Coming Of Age
- #48 in Historical Fiction
- #70 in Quest
- #38 in Russian
- #67 in Russian History
- #22 in War
- #80 in World
- #22 in World War II