The Book Thief ~ Markus Zusak

With Death as narrator, Markus Zusak's haunting novel follows Liesel Meminger, The Book Thief, through the fear-filled years of Nazi Germany. The story opens as the ten-year-old girl takes her first book shortly after her younger brother's death. Both children were en route to the foster home of Hans and Rosa Hubermann in a Munich suburb. Despite Rosa's sharp tongue and Hans's lack of work, their home is a loving refuge for the nightmare-ridden girl. It also becomes a hideout for Max, a young Jewish man whose father saved Hans's life. Liesel finds solace with her neighbor Rudy and her creative partnership with Max. Accompanied by Rudy, the girl copes by stealing food from farmers and books from the mayor's wife. There are also good moments as she learns to read and plays soccer, but Hans's ill-advised act of kindness to a Jewish prisoner forces Max to leave their safe house. The failing war effort and bombing by the Allies lead to more sacrifices, a local suicide and, eventually, to great losses. Reading books and writing down her experiences save Liesel, but this novel clearly depicts the devastating effects of war. With richly evocative imagery and compelling characters, Zusak explores behind-the-lines life in World War II Germany, showing the day-to-day heroism of ordinary people.

(I found it too difficult to write my own summary of this book, so I use the one above, courtesy of Barbara Wysocki of the School Library Journal.)

What can I say about this book? It was amazing, beautiful, haunting. I've never read anything like it. Seriously, I am at a loss for words. I honestly don't know how to review this book. I highly recommend that you read it yourself; then you'll understand why I'm having such a difficult time putting my thoughts down in writing. I finished the book last night, and am still thinking about it.

I admit that the first two-thirds of the book left me wondering just what was going to happen. As I was reading, I couldn't decide if I liked the book or not. But the last third of the book, when all my questions were answered, decided it for me. I ended up loving it.

The characters all wormed their way into my heart. Liesel, Rudy, Hans, Max, even Rosa (although Liesel, Rudy, and Hans were my absolute favorites.) The ending was sad, and I cried and cried. I didn't want the book to end. I wanted to spend more time with these characters that I had grown to love.

5/5