The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

First Impression: Interesting title and blurb. Written from a period in time we must never forget.

Characters: Liesel Meminger, foster orphan, ekes by emotionally in this heart-wrenching novel. Death personified watches the life of this little unfortunate, and shares her story with the reader. Wonderfully realized characters are so human, and stay with you long after the last page. Characters Rudy and Liesel’s friendship reminds me of a Dr. Seuss quote: ““I am weird, you are weird. Everyone in this world is weird. One day two people come together in mutual weirdness and fall in love.”

World Building: Munich, Nazi occupied Germany. Devastating details and wonderfully hopeful scraps of beauty are expertly described in “The Book Thief.” German phrases throughout the novel push a sense of realism. Author Markus Zusak captures the horror and disbelief of Nazi regime actions, showing that war is not men running at men – rather at Death. He touches on how hate is taught…contagious like a virus. Zusak also shows how in the midst of tragedy there the few who saved the many with bravery and kindness.

Writing Style: The narrator Death personified makes witty and snarky observations with humor and intelligence. Author Zusak has a keen understanding of human conditions and behavior.

What I Enjoyed: I liked that the narrator talks directly to the reader, and that the story gives away endings in pieces. A perfect quote ends Liesel’s journal: “I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” Perfection. This is one of those novels that stays with you a very long time.

For Fans Of: Meet Joe Black, The Giver, Night by Elie Weisel, The Thirteenth Tale

Author’s Website:  http://zusakbooks.tumblr.com/

Goodreads Page:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief?from_search=true

Purchase on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394812904&sr=1-1&keywords=the+book+thief