The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak-552 pages

Once you figure out that the narrator of the book is Death it makes a lot more sense!  It is actually a very cool and different angle.

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

Such beautiful, well developed characters.  I LOVE this book!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak-550 pages

One of my all time favorite books once I figured out that "Death" was the narrator.  WWII in Germany, everyone caught up in Hitler's propaganda, a young girl who was given to a couple on Heaven Street for a modest stipend when her mother could no longer care for her.  Her deep love and friendships that result from the trials that she endures.  A story of war and all its ugliness.  And even though she couldn't read in the beginning, she had a hunger for words.  Then when they hid a Jew named Max their basement, Liesel began to fully understand the power that words had.  The story starts with a train ride on the way to her new life.  An absolutely wonderful story that sticks with you for a long time.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak -- 550 pages

This is my second time listening to this book and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time.

During World War II, Liesel Meminger goes to live with people she's never met. On the train ride there, her only brother dies. With her new Papa's help, Liesel learns to read, and she learns the beauty and value of words.
Her best friend, Rudy, pesters her for a kiss. Her Papa plays an accordion. Her Mama uses her tongue worse than a sailor. A Jew shows up on the door step, nearly collapsing from exhaustion. And Liesel steals books.

Markus Zusak has mastered his words. Every word is deep and beautiful. His characters each have such a strong personality that you get to feel as if you know each one as well as you know yourself.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - 552 pages

Despite it's title, The Book Thief's focus is not stealing books.  Yes, that does occur, but the book is about the power of words.At one point the main character, Liesel Meminger observed that it is because of words that not only she became an avid reader, but that the German people believed in Hitler.  She realized that words, written or spoken have the power to change both individuals and the world.

To provide more of a storyline summary, Liesel is sent to live with the Hubermann family when her mother is presumably sent away due to her communist leanings.  She lived with the Hubermans for approximately four years during which time they become her parents, Hans Hubermann teaches Liesel to read, and they harbor a Jew.  She also befriends Rudy Steiner and attends school for the first time.  Liesel also has an odd relationship with the mayor's wife, but to say anymore will spoil the book for those who have yet to read it.  Overall, I did enjoy the book but I found the fact that it was narrated by "Death" to be odd.