Book Review | The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Rating

5 stars – outstanding – a truly beautiful tale

Description

1939 – Nazi Germany – The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier. Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall. Some important information – this novel is narrated by death. It’s a small story, about: a girl; an accordionist; some fanatical Germans; a Jewish fist fighter; and quite a lot of thievery. Another thing you should know – death will visit the book thief three times.

Review

I’ll admit that I picked this book up and was put off by the description… Nazi Germany… and narrated by Death?? Hmm not my idea of a fun read – and so it went back on the shelf.

Then someone recommended it so I thought why not give it a go.

I am so glad I changed my mind – this isn’t Death as the Grim Reaper – he comes across as a much friendlier soul who tells the tale of Liesel and her *family* as they live their lives under Hitler’s reign. It’s hard to describe this without giving anything away – although Death gives you a taste of what will happen before you get there!

This book is beautiful – from the story to the prose – and I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like it. Zusak’s at times disjointed writing style took some getting used to – but by the end of the first chapter it feels second nature.

I must admit to feeling a little lost now the experience is all over – I will definitely be reading this one again – and probably more than once – which is probably the best praise I can give it – so do yourself a favour and buy a copy – but be sure to have some tissues handy.

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Tags: TheBook Thief, fiction, Markus Zusak