The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak



Leisel saw the first book she ever stole near her brother’s grave. She quickly grabbed it, hid it and continued on her way to Molching to her new foster parents and her new life. It was there with the help of her foster father, Hans Huberman, that she learned to understand the words and her thirst for more books only grew. It was also here in the middle of Nazi Germany that she was given two books by the Jewish man, Max, who came to hide in the Huberman’s basement in the midst of World War II. She would speak her stolen words to calm neighbors during bomb raids. She would share her stolen books with her friend in the basement. She would grow during this time of turbulence in Germany all while Death stood among her, among everyone, watching and waiting to capture another soul.
                This novel showed the life of a young girl during World War II, in a town she was not accustomed to, who found solace in books. But it is so much more than that. It’s a story about love, secrets, friendship, hate, war and Death. As a matter of fact, Death is the narrator for the story, which I found extremely interesting and it also gave the novel a certain whimsical but yet dark(er) quality to it. It’s his observations of her words and it’s compelling. The relationship Leisel formed with Hans was one based solely on love and trust. There was a bond there that couldn’t be broken and though she had a relationship with her foster mother, Rosa, it was Hans who held her heart. Max’s presence brought a new level of fear into the household but the family knew that they had to stand for something more than what the war was trying to make everyone: Nazis.  
                I really enjoyed The Book Thief. It wasn’t a difficult to read novel and it flowed smoothly. I thought using a character outside of the norm as a narrator allowed for an unexpected perspective. His movements through not only Molching but the world gave us a more informed view of what was happening during this time. I give this novel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this book but be wary, this book focuses on the actions of a child but it definitely takes into perspective the actions of those around her during the war. Leisel is a smart character who is very observant and very aware of what’s going on and our narrator, Death, holds no punches. 

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