The Book Thief

The Book Thief
By Markus Zusak
Knopf, March 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction, Action

During the Second World War death is very busy constantly ferrying souls. But death has a story to tell, that of Liesel Meminger; death dubs her “the Book Thief”. Liesel is taken to Himmel Street to live with Hans and Rosa Huberman after her mother abandons her. Hans plays the accordion down at the local pub for money in the evenings. It is the accordion that brings a young man to the Huberman’s doorstep. A man who had to leave his family, traveling in secret with false papers asking Hans for help.

I can’t even. I just can’t. This book made me ball my eyes out. I was reading and my husband was in another room. He came out looking totally bewildered and asked me what was wrong. I would tell you my response, but that would give too much away. This book was so heartbreaking and lovely at the same time. I can’t even say how much my heart wanted to explode for little Liesel, it’s not fair all she had to deal with. But her strength was amazing and we could all take a page from Liesel’s book (HAHAHA GET IT!) Except for the stealing thing, let’s not do that folks. Let’s purchase or borrow our books like good little people.   

I loved all the characters in this book, every single one of them spoke to me. I have to say that I really enjoy reading about characters that did their best in a time when it could get you killed. I would like to think that I would always do what I think is the right thing no matter what is happening. They were beautiful characters and they felt so real.

I have to discuss that the book is narrated by death. WHAT!? Who does that, it’s awesome. I loved it! It was so beautiful. Death was exhausted constantly looking at all these poor people who died so tragically. I can’t recall another novel that I have read that is similar in this way. This felt very original, and I loved it. Perhaps there are many books that are done this way, but I haven’t read them so it felt new to me. The writing style was lovely. The colours, and the descriptions it was all beautiful. I just loved it all. 

My Verdict: DEAR GOD READ IT! - but have the tissues ready

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What did you think of this book? Did you cry too? If not, what’s wrong with you? 

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If you liked this, try:

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

All the Light We Cannot See

Sarah's Key