More than a story about the Zookeeper's Wife (although her journal obviously informed a large part of Ackerman's basic narrative) this book was a detailed snapshot of the landscape, philosophy, science, and daily life in Warsaw during WWII. It is not emotional and narrates the happenings from the distance and safety of a 21st century researcher's chair. I would say, however, that this helped me get a more balanced perspective of what life might have felt like to many people involved. Even the "side quests" on animal breeding and beetle collections (which I have seen berated in other reviews) were helpful for understanding the obsession with genetic purity and the "shimmering veil" that separates animals from humans according to convenience throughout history.

For a more personal account of people saving Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, I think that "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom is an inspirational read.