Brown Bag Books – “The Zookeeper’s Wife: a War Story” by Dianne Ackerman (NF)

The Zookeeper’s Wife is a true story in which the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo saved hundreds of people from Nazi hands.  After their zoo was bombed, Polish zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski managed to save over three hundred people from the Nazis by hiding refugees in the empty animal cages. With animal names for these “guests,” and human names for the animals, it’s no wonder that the zoo’s code name became “The House Under a Crazy Star.” Best-selling naturalist and acclaimed storyteller Diane Ackerman combines extensive research and an exuberant writing style to re-create this fascinating, true-life story―sharing Antonina’s life as “the zookeeper’s wife,” while examining the disturbing obsessions at the core of Nazism.”  (Amazon)  “She captures with breathtaking precision and discernment our kinship with animals, the barbarity of war, Antonina’s unbounded kindness … , Jan’s daring work with the Polish Underground, and (the) audacity of the the Zabinskis’ mission of mercy…(She) illuminates profound connection between humankind and nature, and celebrates life’s beauty, mystery and tenacity.” (Booklist)   Please join us on March at noon in the Fireside Room to discuss this illuminating and uplifting book.