Book Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Category: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback (Aus), 592 pages
Published: Australia, 2008
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is the story of Liesel Meminger's life in Nazi Germany during WWII, told from an original and interesting perspective.
The story begins on a train, where Liesel is sat with her mother and brother. She is on her way to meet her foster parents: Her mother has made the decision to foster Liesel and her brother to the Hubermanns in Molching. Liesel's father is missing, and her brother does not survive the train journey. At his funeral on a frozen winter's day Liesel finds in the snow "The Gravedigger's Handbook" and takes it with her. This is her first act of book theivery, but certainly isnt her last.
The story then continues through Liesel's life in Molching with her foster parents and friends (one a Jewish fist-fighter) as the effects of a hostile and brutal war begin to take its toll. Through hunger and air-raids Liesel's life is all about the books she steals and the impact that their words have on her life and the lives of the people around her.
This is a truly stunning book and it had me hooked from the first page. I knew from the moment I finished the opening chapter that this wasnt going to be your average hist-fic novel on WWII, but instead was going to be something special, heart-wrenching, and memorable. Zusak's choice of narrator works brilliantly: An ordinary story told in an extraordinary way. The only downside to the story of Zusak's book thief is that it had to end.
GIVEAWAY
I am hosting a pay-it-forward giveaway for a pre-loved copy of this book. If you'd like the chance to win it head over to my blog, leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw. Winner will be announced 1 May. Good luck, and happy reading!