On January 27, 1962, a concert at the Maly Theatre in Leningrad is interrupted by a gunshot and an ex-state prisoner is arrested. At the police station, the mysterious gunman recalls the early summer of 1941... When the German army begins its invasion of Soviet Russia, four children are evacuated to the countryside: Maxim, the son of a senior Communist Party official; Pyotr, the son of writers; Anka, the daughter of a concert violinist; and Grigory, the son of a pilot that was executed for insubordination. The farm where they are staying is attacked and the train that is supposed to take them to safety is blown to bits by German planes. The four children must fight through enemy lines to get back to their families in Leningrad. But all that awaits them is the beginning of one of the most prolonged and destructive sieges in history. Two and half desperate years that will push their friendship -- and their lives--to the limit.
Reviews

"If you are looking for a graphic novel that provides an overview of the siege of Leningrad, The Lions of Leningrad fits the bill. In addition to the military assaults dealt by German forces, the narrative incorporates the oppression of the NKVD and the terrible intensity of the Russian winter. The four main characters and their relationships leave much to be desired, but the illustrations and narrative effectively convey numerous aspects of the horror endured by the residents of that city." - The Fandom Post

"The Lions of Leningrad is an engaging read with all the leads being likable and readers really start to care about these teens as they struggle with the general challenges of growing up along with simply trying to survive in a war-torn city where everything including food is a scarce commodity. Caju's artwork is fantastic, with scenes of fiery explosions igniting the page and the period-era cars, clothes, and vehicles looking like true-to-life replicas. Between the intriguing story and superb artwork, this is a great book. Recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, great comic-book art, or who just wants to read a great story!" - The Newest Rant

"It is both a coming-of-age story and a vivid - and sometimes chilling - account of the 872-day blockade of the Soviet Union's second largest city and the costliest, most gruesome siege in history.... It's an interesting story of friendship, loss, betrayal, and the human will to survive." - A Certain Point of View, Too

Book Information
ISBN 9781682477922
Author Thomas Du Caju
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Naval Institute Press
Publisher Naval Institute Press
Weight(grams) 308g