Germany

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.

My Thoughts:

When I heard that this book was written from the perspective of Death as the narrator, I thought it would be too strange for me to enjoy.  Throughout this book I didn't feel like it was Death talking, but occasionally Death speaks as if it were a person.  Sounds creepy, but during this time of war, holocaust, and suffering, creepy seems appropriate.  

This book consumed me as I consumed it.  At the end, I was mad that so many people told me that they loved this book.  It is too tragic to love, but too moving not to read.  Thinking back on this book, a year later, I have to admit that I liked it, since I have gotten over the sadness of it.

The Book Thief is a different take on the holocaust.  The author says that he wrote this book based on stories he heard from older family members growing up.  It is a true historical fiction.

My Ratings:

Well written:  Yes

Easy to follow:  Yes

Held my attention:  Yes

Would I recommend this to a friend:  Yes
Did it represent the country: Yes

Content:

Explicit Language:  Yes

Sexual Content: Mild

Violence: Yes

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 552