The Book Thief Review

By Markus Zusak

Narrated by Death, The Book Thief is a remarkable and historical novel written by Markus Zusak in 2005. “Zusak has said that much of the inspiration for The Book Thief came from the stories his parents would tell him when he was a child.”

The story takes place in the fictional town of Molching, Germany during World War II. The main character, who readers will soon adore, is a young girl named Liesel Meminger. Liesel was given up by her mother and sent to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann in 1939. Her younger brother dies suddenly on the way to what was supposed to be their new home. This leaves Liesel all alone in a strange new environment. After her arrival in Molching, she is comforted by Hans Hubermann whenever she suffers from a nightmare of her brother’s death.

Liesel, although illiterate at the time, steals her first book after her brother’s funeral. Her foster father, Hans Hubermann soon discovers the book and reads the title “The Grave Diggers Handbook.” Hans beings teaching Liesel how to read and write in the basement of their home. This is the how Liesel realizes the power of words in a time of war.

Being a young girl, Liesel cannot understand the horrors of war or why her mother was forced to give her up. I believe this book has something for everyone. It is special. It covers important themes such as friendship, courage, and even death. Friendship is portrayed throughout the novel. Liesel meets her best friend and partner in crime, Rudy Steiner. The story also includes a man named Max Vandenburg. The Hubermann’s take Max when he shows up at their doorstep one day. Max desperately needs a place to hide because he is Jewish. Living in their cold basement for months on end, Max becomes apart of the family. Liesel and Max become friends, often giving each other small presents for Christmas and birthdays.

I recommend this book to everyone. If you like to read, you will enjoy this book. It is terribly sad at times, but incredibly enjoyable. I personally was unable to put it down. The characters are so real and powerful. This is a book that will stay with you forever.

Written by Emily Mack