The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Book Thief
Book Review: A Different Side of WWII
Summary: 5 Stars
There are a lot of reviews on this book that say something along the lines of "ANOTHER WWII book, ugh". Yes, this is a book that is centered around the war. However, this is told in a different way. It's the story of the Holocaust, of bombings, of a little girl's understanding, and many other things. I have read more books on the war, both fact and fiction, than I can possibly count. It's always fascinated me. When I saw this book and read the summary, I just couldn't wait to get it home and read it.
Being told by Death is a strong point of this story, I think. I know a lot of people don't like that part, but since Death (in more ways than one) is such a huge part of war, being told from that point of view is a great way to tell a story. Death is very empathetic, sympathetic and poetic. He describes situations by using colors. He cares for Liesel and Rudy. He makes sure Liesel's story is told.
When I finished this book, I found myself wanting to know more about what Liesel did in her life. Yes, it does say she did this and that, but it doesn't go into detail. I wanted to know more about Max, and did Max and Liesel marry like some think?
This story will pull at your heart. It does start off slow and does slow down at some parts, but it is worth reading all the way through. I read that a movie adaptation is in the works, and I hope that is true. I would love to see Liesel's story come to life on screen.
Book Review: A Historical Novel with a Huge Heart, Many Worthwhile Messages, and an Unusual Narrative Perspective
Summary: 5 Stars
"So I looked, and behold, a pale horse.
And the name of him who sat on it was Death,
and Hades followed with him." --Revelation 6:8
I'm sure that at least several hundred reviews
of The Book Thief have summarized it far better
than I could. Let me address something else:
Many people don't think they want to read
another story about Nazi Germany filled with
lots of inhumanity. I suspect that reason is
why I waited for a long time to read this
highly regarded novel.
While The Book Thief is based in Nazi Germany
and will give you more than you think about
each day in terms of terrible things that
happened then and there, it would be wrong to
think of this book as being another morality
play presented in that context.
The Book Thief in instead a testament to the
importance of love, the value of truthful words
in opposing untruthful ones, and the inevitability
of guilt. As a result, this is a positive book.
Will you be sad after reading it? Sure. I know
that I was.
But Mr. Zusak has a very nice writing style that
gently prepares you for what's coming while still
switching the actual results around from the
obvious just enough to make the story interesting
to continue reading. He never kicks you when your
emotions are down. As a result, you can bear
reading about more suffering than you think you
can. It's a gift.
I think one of the great values of this book is
that it will encourage many people who don't think
about death to wonder about what happens after
they die.
"O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?"
-- 1 Corinthians 15:55
" . . . if you confess with your mouth the Lord
Jesus and believe in your heart that God has
raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
-- Romans 10:9
Book Review: A Little Taste of Death's Pespective
Summary: 5 Stars
Have you ever had a conversation with Death? Well, reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is the closest I've ever come to that. This unique novel is narrated by none other than Death himself, and while it might be thought as being a depressing book, instead of adding a dark element, Death instead adds a mysterious and unique facet.
The Book Thief realistically portrays the strong effects of WWII on the German population, in particular one girl, named Liesel Meminger, and her foster family. In contrast to the perspective given in most literature written about WWII, The Book Thief depicts the war's impact on the people of the attacking countries. Often the citizens were not to blame for the actions of their leaders. For example, when the Hubermaans started hiding a Jew in their basement, they were putting their own lives at risk, or on a "string". Additionally, this book reminds the reader that even in the bleakest of situations, if one lives life to the fullest extent possible, there will always be special moments of triumph and happiness. In the case of Liesel, a source of constant pleasure and satisfaction in life was stealing books. And thus, began the the string of book thieveries which would end up earning Liesel Meminger the name: The Book Thief.
Book Review: A MOST EXTRAORDINARY BOOK
Summary: 5 Stars
THE BOOK THIEF is found in the Young Adult section of my local bookstores which is a terrible disservice to anyone who wants an extraordinary, unique read. Yes, the main character is a young girl, but the narrator is Death and the story tells of the harrowing, and yet, in some ways, uplifting times in which she lives. There are few books that have made me cry at the conclusion or made me want to continue reading-and this book is lengthy-and wonder more about Liesel Meminger. The writing is such that one can visualize the characters and their world. This is beyond the typical YA novel.Book Review: A Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
When I picked up 'The Book Thief' at the store, I was a little wary -- it's narrated by Death. I'm not sorry I decided to bring it home.
This is a story about a girl during the Nazi occupation of Germany. And yes, parts of it are heartbreaking - and parts of it are humorous. Zusak is very talented, and his writing in this particular book is the strongest I've read in quite some time. The story rings true all the way through, and the ultimate message is that of hope.