The Home Quotes in The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

When Jews had been ordered into the Ghetto, Gross refused, by no means an easier fate, because those who lived on the surface had to disguise themselves as Aryans and keep up the masquerade at all times, cultivating Polish street language and a plausible accent. (18.26)

Magdalena attempts to stay in her home and not give in to the Germans, but that kind of resistance only makes the Germans more forceful in removing Jews from their homes. No one has ever hung a sign that says "Ghetto Sweet Ghetto," and it would seem kind of impossible to make that kind of place into a good home.

Quote #8

Of all the Guests to leave the villa, "high-spirited Magdalena, full of energy and laughter," was the one Antonina said she missed the most. (28.13)

Speaking of cross-stitched signs, Antonina would have to take down her "Zoo Sweet Zoo" sign if she had one, and then she'd need to chuck her "Home Sweet Home" sign in the trash, too. Just as a zoo isn't a zoo without animals, the villa isn't a home without Antonina's friends inside it.

Quote #9

Because pheasants were delicacies, a Pheasant House sounded quite grand to the boys, and one teased: "We'll pretend we're a rare species, right, Mr. Lieutenant?" (29.7)

Many refugees in the zoo make a temporary home in one of the animal enclosures. Exotic animals make it seem like these people staying in an exotic hotel, and that does make things more interesting. Where would you rather stay, Chateau Peacock or Skunk Motel?