Book Review – THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief Synopsis
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Liesel Meminger and her younger brother are being taken by their mother to live with a foster family outside Munich. Liesel’s father was taken away on the breath of a single, unfamiliar word – Kommunist – and Liesel sees the fear of a similar fate in her mother’s eyes. On the journey, Death visits the young boy, and notices Liesel. It will be the first of many near encounters. 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 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 accordion-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 Jewish fist-fighter in their basement, Liesel’s world is both opened up, and closed down. (TheNile)
BOOK REVIEW
I had this widely acclaimed novel The Book Thief by Australian author Markus Zusak on my to-be-read list on my Kindle for an embarrassingly long time. Why? Probably because it’s almost 600 pages long and classified as ‘young adult’ fiction, a genre I am not normally drawn to. I had also read so many rave reviews that I must admit I was a little sceptical – could a book about The War really be that original?
The answer is – it certainly can.
Markus Zusak’s decision to cast Death as the narrator was an absolute master-stroke. Zusak’s Death is not the one-dimensional character we are used to either. This Death has a heart and an ironic sense of humour. In my humble opinion, an author that can make his audience feel empathy for Death has a special talent.
‘Where are my manners? I could introduce myself properly, but it’s not really necessary. You will know me well enough and soon enough, depending on a diverse range of variables. It suffices to say that at some point in time, I will be standing over you, as genially as possible. Your soul will be in my arms. A colour will be perched on my shoulder. I will carry you gently away.’
In The Book Thief Markus Zusak presents the very human side of war, the strength of individuals and the many complex reasons for their actions.
‘I guess humans like to watch a little destruction. Sandcastles, houses of cards, that’s where they begin. Their great skill is their capacity to escalate.’
This important message is conveyed in a format, that anyone, the young or the old of any culture cannot help but identify with and feel empathy for – the plight of a child. That child is Leisel Meminger – a damaged but strong-willed and immensely likeable young girl that displays wisdom beyond her years. She does not judge a book, nor people, by their covers.
The true gifts in this novel that make it so difficult to put down are the special relationships Leisel develops with the wonderful ensemble cast of characters from all walks of life. Particularly charming and compelling is her close friendship with neighbour Rudy Steiner and the various acts of mischief they get up to while the threat of war and societal discord builds around them.
With this tale Markus Zusak reminds us of the extraordinary power of the written word – that books of themselves are so much more than paper and glue. The Book Thief should be required reading in schools.
I certainly wish I had read it sooner. The Book Thief will become, if it is not already, a modern day classic.
BOOK RATING: The Story 5 / 5 ; The Writing 5 / 5
BOOK DETAILS: The Book Thief (TheNile – Australia); The Book Thief (Audible); The Book Thief (Amazon); The Book Thief (Kobobooks – epub)
* Although I read this title on my Kindle, I recommend reading it in hard copy. Key elements of the story are presented in pictures which would be easier to read in that format.
Genre: Literature, Historical, Drama, Action-Adventure, Humour
Author Information: Markus Zusak (born 23 June 1975) is an Australian author specialising in the young adult genre. His number one international best selling novel The Book Thief has been translated into more than 30 languages. (Wikipedia)
- Filming of THE BOOK THIEF movie began in February 2013
- Read The Guardian’s interview with Markus Zusak discussing why he writes;
- Check out Markus Zusak’s author page at Random House
- Checkout out my comparison of the various covers The Book Thief has been published with
Other reviews of The Book Thief : Novel Thoughts ; The Guardian ; At Home With Books ; Words and Flavours
Other titles by Markus Zusak : The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, I Am The Messenger, When Dogs Cry
This review forms part of my participation in the Aussie Author Challenge 2011. Check out the Aussie Author Challenge 2012 sign up page.
Wanted to stop by to wish you a wonderful Holiday; hope it means special time with family and friends.
It’s bittersweet when you read books that people have raved about. It’s fantastic that they live up to the hype, but you do wish you had read them earlier!
This has been in my book stack for an embarrassingly long time. I need to make the time to read it.
Kathy, it’s a deceptively quick read despite it’s size because it is so hard to put down, you won’t regret it!
I love this book I’ve read it many times,I first read it in two days (it really is hard to put down) it was borrowed to me and I reluctantly gave it back I recently purchased to copies and gave one to my place of work, it’s really refreshing to hear the kids take about there perception and expectations of the book
i find it hard to look for this book in bookstores. always out of stock
I cried and cried when I read this, its a great Australian book, not as good as Cloud Street but still pretty darn good.
Great! I was a bit sceptical, but should definetely start reading it… Never available in libraries tough…
Angelique – I must admit I was curious yet sceptical on how death as a narrator would work too. It was either going to be a huge failure or a triumph – thankfully in this case it was the latter.
I need to pick this one up already, because it’s been on my TBR list for a while!
Oh yes, you really do! Make sure you read it before the movie is released.