BOOK REVIEW
The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
First published in 2000, this book has been read and acclaimed by many. I have finally joined those who have found it to be an amazing read.
Markus Zusak weaves a story around a young girl, Liesel Meminger, whose younger brother has died. She is sent by her mother to live with a family who can provide for her when the early years of World War II in Germany find many struggling to survive. Liesel’s ‘adoptive’ parents are themselves finding life hard but Liesel has a home with them where she finds her Papa gentle and kind, her mama strict and at times unapproachable.
They live in a town not far from Munich.
Liesel has a great desire to learn to read and write and her papa becomes her teacher. Her desire to read becomes so obsessive that, after finding a book buried in the snow near her brother’s grave and stealing books from Nazi book burnings, she finds somewhere in the town where she can ‘steal’ books. Her ‘partner-in-crime is her friend and neighbour, Rudy.
As war increases, Liesel’s home becomes a refuge for a Jewish friend and things become more complicated.
The climax and ending of this story is very powerful and moving and so beautifully written.
Rosalie Howarth
Author: Markus Zusak
First published in 2000, this book has been read and acclaimed by many. I have finally joined those who have found it to be an amazing read.
Markus Zusak weaves a story around a young girl, Liesel Meminger, whose younger brother has died. She is sent by her mother to live with a family who can provide for her when the early years of World War II in Germany find many struggling to survive. Liesel’s ‘adoptive’ parents are themselves finding life hard but Liesel has a home with them where she finds her Papa gentle and kind, her mama strict and at times unapproachable.
They live in a town not far from Munich.
Liesel has a great desire to learn to read and write and her papa becomes her teacher. Her desire to read becomes so obsessive that, after finding a book buried in the snow near her brother’s grave and stealing books from Nazi book burnings, she finds somewhere in the town where she can ‘steal’ books. Her ‘partner-in-crime is her friend and neighbour, Rudy.
As war increases, Liesel’s home becomes a refuge for a Jewish friend and things become more complicated.
The climax and ending of this story is very powerful and moving and so beautifully written.
Rosalie Howarth
