The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a compelling story set in Nazi Germany during War World II. The narrator is--surprisingly--Death himself.The main character, Liesel Meminger, is a nine-year-old girl whose mother, a communist, is forced to flee and leave her children to a foster family. Liesel's little brother dies during the journey, so Liesel is completely alone when she goes to stay with her new parents, Rosa and Hans Hubermann, near Munich. Hans teaches Liesel how to read, and this makes the girl happy. She goes on trying to scavenge books when she can, and thus she is named by Death "the book thief". Things start to change in Liesel's life when her family decide to hide a Jew named Max, in their basement.
I found this book a bit hard to get into, mostly due to its sheer size (500+ pages). Its most original trait is having Death as the narrator. But he is not the Grim Reaper: he often shows a dark, twisted sense of humour, and sometimes even pity for the fates of humans. He also likes to give glimpses of the events before they happen, which gives the story another touch of originality.
See, for example, the incipit of the book (Death's voice here):
First the colors. Then the humans. That's usually how I see things. Or at least, how I try. Here is a small fact: you are going to die. I am in all truthfulness attempting to be cheerful about this whole topic, though most people find themselves hindered in believing me, no matter my protestations. Please, trust me. I most definitely can be cheerful. I can be amiable. Agreeable. Affable. And that's only the A's. Just don't ask me to be nice. Nice has nothing to do with me.
This is also a book about the power of words. During the bombings, Liesel reads to her companions in the anti-raids basement and thus manages to calm them, to make time pass before it is safe ot go out. Words, the author shows us, have a healing power.
An engaging story I would certainly recommend.
Other blog reviews:
An engaging story I would certainly recommend.
Other blog reviews:
- Nymeth @ Things Mean a Lot
- Mrs S @ Blue Archipelago
- Natasha @ Maw Books Blog
- Valentina
- Rebecca Reads
- Stefanie @ So Many Books
- Dewey
9 Comments:
I reviewed it here on Rebecca Reads, focusing more on the feelings I got as I read it. I enjoyed your review of the themes involved!
Rebecca: I added the link to your review to my post. I enjoyed your review, too!
I had a little trouble getting into it at first too, but once I did I couldn't put it down. Such a powerful book.
I love that video...I am going to read this one really soon. Now I can barely wait!!! Great review!
@Bethany: thank you!
This is a fantastic book and I'm looking forward to reading it again one day :)
I can't wait to read this book too! :)
Also, I notice that you're reading Looking for Alibrandi. I love this book! My sis introduced me to it and I read it two years ago.
How do you find it anyway?
Here's my review of Looking for Alibrandi if you'd like to take a look at it! Thanks!
@Josette: thank you for the visit!
I like Looking for ALibrandi so far.
Thank you for the link to your review! I'll link to it in my post when I get to reviewing the book.
Oh, so Liesel's mom was a Communist? I've always wondered why she was captured by the Nazis! Guess that answers my question. Glad I found your review. :)
I just finished this book too. I cried when it was nearing the ending...it was just too sad. It's definitely one of the best books around. Simply beautiful story. I'm looking forward to reading Zusak's other book, the Messenger one.
I reviewed the Book Thief here.
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