Sunday, March 30, 2008

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief is the story of many things. It's a story of the Holocaust, friendship, love, acceptance, and hardship all told by Death itself. Leisel has come to stay with the Hubermanns, an older couple looking for an addition to their family. Origianlly Leisel and her brother were to become the Hubermann's foster children, but on their journey to their new home Leisel's brother dies on the train. Distraught over the loss of her brother she is woken every night by horrific nightmares, but Hans Hubermann (aka Papa) is always there to comfort her. Papa even teaches Leisel how to read and write. They soon forge a bond together that becomes so strong that Leisel can't imagine her life without him. Once Leisel learns to read she is addicted to words and soon gets addicted to stealing books. They come from an assorted number of places, including the Mayor's house. Over the years at the Hubermann's house Leisel befriends a Jew, her next door neighbor, and grows into a wonderful person. Will the war tear her beloved family apart?

This is a brilliant book. I can't believe it took me two years to finally get around to reading it. I know my summary was a little short, but if I wrote much more I would be giving away too much of this wonderful story. Markus Zusak is a truly talented author. The words just flowed from one page to the next and the story was amazing. When I think what it would have been like to be in Leisel's position I shudder. I can't believe one not being able to read and two to have to live through such secrecy and fear as she did everyday. The book truly came alive for me which I found amazing. The events that were talked about were so real and made me cry. While I know that Leisel was not a real girl, I know that there most likely was a girl just like Leisel in real life. She probably lived with all the same hardships during the Holocaust that Leisel did. I also loved how the whole story was narrated by Death. It made me look at the situation via a whole new angle. All in all this was an outstanding book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book. While it may look thick it won't take long to read as the story sucks you in!

11 comments:

Chelsie said...

You know, odd as it may sound, I tried to read this book last year around this time, and I just couldn't get into it. I have no idea why, but I got to page sixty or something and I got tired of it.

I think that as soon as our school's library gets it, I'm going to read it then.

~Chelsie~

Liv said...

I want to read this book so bad but I just don't have the time. I've heard tons of really great things about it so I'm going to try to get it as soon as possible. Nice review!

Nurin said...

I'm glad you liked it. It's my favourite book!

-RR2

the story siren said...

i have yet to read this book! it sounds good, i will most definitely have to check into it! great review!

Tali said...

I borrowed this book from my friend, yet every time I go to pick it up, I never actually open it. I guess its time to try it out.

Maw Books said...

Loved this book! I borrowed it from the library but have since bought it. It's one of those one's that you just have to own!

Madison said...

I got maybe two thirds of the way through this and then stopped reading it. I really liked it, I did, but I was reading too much else at the same time. I always intend to go back to it but...

blair said...

hey tasha!
i kind of disliked this book, but the reason im posting is to tell you about this amazing book!
its called
"nick and norah's infinite playlist"
i definitely reccomend it for you to read and review! i hope you like it!

Barrie said...

Now you and my 14 year old have recommended The Book Thief. That's it. I'm reading it. :)

Axa said...

I haven't read this book either...I can't wait!

Tasha said...

I thought this was such a touching, beautifully written book, one to get lost in. If you haven't read it already, I would also highly recommend another Zusak book: I Am the Messenger (just The Messenger in some places). I had a deep love affair with that book.

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