Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Format: Paperback     

Pages: 550

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother’s graveside, Liesel’s life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger’s Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel’s foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel’s world is both opened up, and closed down.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

Review:

It was so great to finally read the book after loving the movie.

Having the book narrated by death was definitely a different perspective. I really liked it in some places, and other places it kinda annoyed me (unfortunately). But one thing the book did an amazing job of is the portrayal of Nazi Germany and how many of the citizens were suffering. I liked that it showed that not all Germans agreed with Hitler.

The main character, Leisel, is such a loving character. Any reader would love her just because she loves to read. The fact that she has to steal books to read made me so sad and my heart reached out to her. But another reason I loved her is because she showed resilience. She had so many terrible things happen to her, and while they made her sad, she didn’t let them get her down. A nice little life lesson!

Happy reading!