Book Review | The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
By Mrs S • Jan 27th, 2008 • Category: 5 stars, 50 book challenge
The Book Thief - Buy this book
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
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Mrs S is is a lover of books! These are my thoughts on the books I've read. Have a different view? Leave me a comment below :)
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from Amazon in time for the August 2 release date
This book made me mad but was wonderful! I agree totally with your opinion of Death…
[...] The Book Thief My book review [...]
My link is below:
http://historicaltapestry.blogspot.com/2007/09/book-thief-by-markus-zusak.html
Mr Linky didn’t appear to be working properly on this post.
Marg’s last blog post..Weekly Geeks #2
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Sorry, I couldn’t get Mr. Linky to work on this one either. Here’s a link to my review:
The Book Thief
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