October 11, 2010

REVIEW: 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.


HOLY COW! I have not read a book this good in a long time! It was so good, that as soon as I finished it, I was 1) sad that there was nothing left to read, and 2) ready to start that sucker all over again.

The novel follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a young girl growing up in Germany during the Nazi era. She can barely read in the beginning, but as she learns, she begins to have a sort-of addiction to stealing books.
The narrator of this book is Death – which in itself is so clever and creative, but the best part about this book are the characters. Each and every one of the characters have a significant story line that makes you feel for them and love them all. Their emotions are complex, and you begin to know them so well that you feel like you’re intruding on their lives.

I found the language, style and story-lines in this novel incredibly powerful and it made me physically cry on more than one occasion. You have GOT to read this book and let me know what you think – it’s AMAZING!!

6 out of 5 stars!

9 comments:

  1. I absolutely loved The Book Thief! It's definitely one of my favorites. :D

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  2. I LOVED this book! It sucked you right in!

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  3. I love The Book Thief! Guess you did too! 6 out of 5 stars!

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  4. One of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. I'm so glad you loved it too. :)

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  5. I loved this book, too, Maria. It took me a little time to figure out that Death was the narrator (I'm a bit obtuse at times) but I agree that it was quite clever. I loved Liesel and the supporting characters.

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  6. I'm so glad that people agree with me! I can't believe it took me this long to read it, but now i'm getting everyone I know to read it!! Thanks for commenting :)

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  7. This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time! Glad you enjoyed it too!

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