Book Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusac
Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, The Book Thief recounts the story of Liesel Meminger and her coming of age during the Second World War. A love for books blossomed within her when she was nine, and with the guidance of her foster father, Liesel learns how to read. Soon she is stealing books from wherever she can and sharing her stories with the people in her world while the dangerous times threaten to tear everything apart.
Rating: 5/5
The Book Thief offers a unique perspective into the lives of common people during WWII. Zusac's elegant writing combined with the riveting, well-paced plot and beautifully crafted characters furnish the book with charm and earnestness and will leave you feeling like you have just watched the book happen.
The bond between Liesel and the people that mean the most to her will make you laugh and smile yet tear up.
Death's irony-and-humour-tinged narration is yet another immensely enjoyable aspect of the book. Death is morose yet tender, and his reflections are what grant the reader contentment in the end.
One thing that irked me, however, was the fact that Death was inconsistent with his inputs. I would often forget he was narrating and would promptly get jolted when he materialised again.
Overall, this was a book to treasure. Its serious themes are sure to leave a long-lasting impression. Would recommend it to anyone with a bit of time who is looking for a wholesome and moving historical tale.
Age recommendation: 13+
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Young Adult
"The sky was like soup, boiling and stirring. In some places, it was burned. There were black crumbs, and pepper, streaked across the redness."
“Sometimes I think my papa is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.”
" "Who are Jewish people?"
"You know my oldest customer, Mr. Kaufmann? Where we bought your shoes?"
"Yes."
"Well, he's Jewish."
"I didn't know that. Do you have to pay to be Jewish? Do you need a license?" "
“Imagine smiling after a slap in the face. Then think of doing it twenty-four hours a day.”
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