I picked up this book because it was recommended as a good fictional book for someone that's traveling to Russia that's interested in some of its history. The book was small so I figured I'd take the plunge. The author is actually on of the producers for the HBO series Game of Thrones. 
 David Benoit actually wrote this based on the experiences of his grandfather in Russia during World War II. The graphic details with which Benoit describes the suffering of the Russian people during the war, the hunger, the cruelty, the absolute loss of humanity, is difficult to read. Benoit manages to balance the details with the witty and often humorous banter between the two leads of the story. 
 Lev and Kolya set out in search of a dozen eggs, something that is the equivalent of lost treasure in food deprived Leningrad, in order for their lives to be spared. As they travel the country side in search of this treasure they come across many gruesome sites, including dogs with bombs and cannibals that eat children. 
 I found the story entertaining, despite the dark environment it was set in, it was very informational and Benoit created likable characters that eased the walk through the horrors of Russia's experience with the war.