I've been busy lately and have done less reading (and have been procrastinating on reviews), but The Zookeeper's Wife is keeping me interested. Ever since reading Mila 18 years ago, anything to do with the Warsaw Ghetto has fascinated me. More images and information here. The Nazis planned to eliminate not only the Jews, but the Poles as well, and the living conditions were terrible and terrifying. Jan Zabinski was a member of Zegota, the Council for Aid to the Jews and part of the underground resistance. Jan was recognized as one of The Righteous Among Nations for the efforts he and Antonina made in hiding Jews in their home and the cages of the zoo during the occupation of Poland. More about The Righteous Among Nations. Ackerman's book, however, focuses more on Antonina and her lower key, but just as necessary, efforts in hiding and caring for the Jews who were Guests in her home and the zoo grounds.
On a lighter, note: As I mentioned in an earlier post, I don't care for oysters...and yet, have enjoyed some of the chapters in M.F.K. Fisher's Consider the Oyster. "Soup of the Evening, Beautiful Soup" is a chapter devoted almost entirely to recipes for oyster soup/bisque and to Fisher's opinion of said recipes. The first recipe is from a newspaper, and Fisher calls it, "almost actively abhorrent." Without mincing words, Fisher says of that particular essay, "It represents with its efficiency, its lack of imagination, its very practicability, everything that Brillat-Savarin, in his forthright manner would have belched at gastronomically." She does go on to say, however, "And yet it can be a good soup" because it allows for individual variations which she lists and concludes with "this sterile recipe can do small harm." From this "abhorrent" version of oyster soup, the author proceeds to the ones she finds interesting or especially tasty.
Oh, the attraction this volunteer lantana has had for butterflies this year! It has been covered this month with Monarchs, Viceroys, Swallowtails, and various smaller butterflies.
And, I finally caught up reading your blog posts since I've been away. ha.ha.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your review of A Great Terrible Beauty. That's also one of R.I.P. reads. I thought it was really well done. I can imagine that this would have been my most favorite book ever if I'd read it when I was younger :)
So how are you coming along with Carl's challenge?
iliana - Glad your are back and imagine you've been quite busy catching up, but your vacation sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI've really completed the challenge. I've read 8 R.I.P. books (from my original list + alternates that sounded good), but I'm not ready yet to stop. There are still some books in my current stack and even more I want to read in the R.I.P. category!
Hi, Jenclair
ReplyDeleteI haven't started on the Ackerman book yet but I listened to an interview the author gave WHYY and I was completely fascinated! I am sure there are lots of stories about Poles that rescued Jews but what made this one special is the venue (the zoo)...and the fact that it was downtown not too far from the German barracks. It was a risky venue but at the same time, what a clever hiding place! I cannot wait to sink my teeth fully into the book! Did you know that Ackerman got to meet and interview the son of Jan and Antonina Jabinski? I cannot wait for your final thoughts on the book, Jenclair!
What Lotus said...I'm eagerly awaiting your review of the Zookeeper's Wife.
ReplyDeleteI tagged you for a book-related meme. Enjoy.
I thought the Ackerman book sounded interesting, too. I'm in line for it at the library.
ReplyDeleteYes, the butterflies are so beautiful right now, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteBybee -- I should be finished, but have not read any in the last few days. Very strange.
ReplyDeleteDanielle -- It IS interesting, Danielle. I bet you are at the top of a long list for this one!
Sue - This has been a banner butterfly year!