Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Publication Date: March 14, 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. 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 Jewish fist-fighter in their basement, Liesel’s world is both opened up, and closed down.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.
My ****4.5 Star**** Review
LOVED this story! Markus is one heck of a storyteller!! I was completely enthralled! Liesel is the main character and she has quite the story to tell, but you also get the story of several other characters in smaller ways. However those small ways still pack a HUGE punch!!
As a matter of fact, it’s the minor character Max that I was most taken in by. Max writes little stories for Liesel as he’s hiding out in her basement, and it’s these little stories that touched my heart more than anything. There’s just so much beauty in the words.
You can count on this being an emotional read! There are times that you’ll feel elated, terrified, and even horrified. You’ll cheer some on, while wishing you could stomp others out.
You will have to mourn some terrible losses and you’ll rejoice in some victories.
This is one powerful story! I highly recommend this to all fans of historical fiction!!
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