Markus Zusak, The Book Thief Reviews

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I really enjoyed reading Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. A chance find at a railway station branch of WHS whilst browsing for a good read for a long train journey that proved to be a great choice.

The story is subtle and wonderfuly delightful. The narration by death gives it a different twist as the story of the book thief, Liesel unfolds in wartime Germany. With a backdrop of the Third Reich you could be mistaken in thinking the book is a little morbid but not so, the story is told in a magical way that has you laughing as well as trying not to cry (esp on a train!). A lovely little book that I would recommend to anyone who wishes to introduce a little history and some of life's unhappy lessons to a child growing up whilst still keeping them happy.

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I love the alternative narrative voice, which resulted in the novel being a 'breath of fresh air' to read. As cliche as that phrase may be, it truly does describe this simple, yet poignant tale of a young girl. I would definitely reccommend the book to everyone as I feel it is a story that we could all relate to with empathy.

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When 'The Book Thief' gets interesting it's ok but it takes about 200 pages out of about a 500 page book to do so. I don't recommend this book at all.

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I was deeply moved by this, mostly because of the innocence of the children as they struggle to understand the barbaric cruelty and intolerance of adults. Fortunately this cruelty is more than balanced by the wonderful humanity of Papa Huberman, who gives the reader faith that people can do the right thing in such oppressive conditions. The narration from Death is an excellent device as it often warns of future events and then tricks at the last moment. However, nothing can prepare for the heart ...

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The book starts with a 9 year old girl callen Liesel Meminger who loses her brother and at the funeral steals a book from a gravedigger. She has to be fostered because her mum is being taken away and her foster-father teaches her to read. She becomes friends with her neighbour Rudy. The book is amazing and a great read - I would recommend any teenager or adult to read this.

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The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
Knopf, Mar 2006, $16.95
ISBN: 0375831002

During World War II near Munich, Germany, nine year old Liesel Meminger finds a tome "The Gravedigger's Handbook" while attending her younger brother's funeral. Unable to resist she takes the book with her. However, she is unable to read the book until fate steps in. Her father is missing and her mother cannot afford her upkeep, so she gives Liesel to foster parents, acerbic Rosa Hubermann and her kindhearted spouse Ha ...