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The book thief

by Markus Zusak

It's just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . . Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist-books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul. "From the Hardcover edition."

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COMMENTS

E.J.Posted March 19, 2009

This is probably my all-time favorite book. The book tells about the WWII experience from a German perspective, illuminating how many Germans fought against the Nazis. Although the book is historical fiction, the style is uniquely modern (the narrator is The Grim Reaper). The Book Thief is a sensitive, imaginative and engrossing masterpiece.

BWPosted January 11, 2011

I am not one for historical fiction and when I started The Book Thief, I was afraid I wasn't going to like it. However, the story draws you in and you become so engorssed in the lives of these characters--I didn't want it to end. Very well-written and moving.