The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
ISBN:
550 pages
by Markus ZusakGenre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
ISBN:
550 pages
My Rating: 5 stars isn’t enough!
How do I, as a book blogger, review a book that is wrought with so much emotion and so much angst and turmoil that I was sobbing by the end of the book? How can I adequately put into words how much of an impact this book had on me as a human being? I honestly don’t know if it is possible to review this book effectively, but I’ll give it my best shot!
First, here’s the synopsis from Amazon:
“It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist – books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.”
I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially of events in and around World War II. The Holocaust was an absolutely horrifying event in our world’s history (and horrifying is putting it mildly), but I am, for whatever reason, drawn towards these types of fictional and non-fictional accounts of WWII. I don’t know why. I break down crying every time I read a book about this time period, but I continue to seek out more of it. I wish I could explain it.
The Book Thief is a unique story in that it is narrated by Death. I was a bit leery at first because I wasn’t sure how this type of narration would play out through the entire novel. I have to say that it worked wonderfully and I can’t imagine the book told in any other way, without losing the power and overall feeling of the story. From the very first page, Death hooks the reader with His (Her?) account of his many visits to Germany during WWII. But, this story isn’t just about Death, even though he was around quite a bit during that time. It is a story about a young German girl named Liesel Meminger, otherwise known as The Book Thief. It is a story about how books can help a person survive in a period of utter despair. It is a story of relationships; of love; of friendship; and of the power of the written word.
I’ve written and re-written this review many times. I’ve decided not to go into any details because I don’t want to give away the magic of the novel. It is spellbinding, but heart-wrenching. It is a book that must be experienced first-hand. No review could possibly do it justice.
I will leave it at that.
But, please tell me, fellow readers – do you want more details about the book? Or does this review sufficiently spark your interest? I could go on and on and give away details of the story, but I think the magic of this book is in the details and a reader should experience it without knowing anything ahead of time. What do you think?
If you are reading this anywhere other than a feed reader, then this is not original content and was taken without permission from Crazy-for-Books.
Books like these are why I have a ten star rating instead of five. Great review.
Ok, so what I was trying to type earlier is that No, this is enough details and it definitely did spark my interest! The main thing about this book that worried me or made me think I might not like it was that it was narrated by death. But since you felt the same way and thought it was well done, I'm sure I'll love it too. I need to take it off the shelf and put it on the coffee table so I'm sure to read it soon!
Five stars isn't enough? Wow. I need to read this book soon, but I keep dawdling for some reason. Soon.
Without giving too much away, you have just convinced me that I need to read this book.
I just read this amazing book a few weeks ago. I, also, had trouble writing a review without giving too much. I think most book lovers are at least aware of this book – and therefore have a basic idea of the plot and the Death narrator. And the power of words. Great strategy for your own review – "Five stars isn't enough" definitely creates some intrigue!Here's my review, if you're interested: <a href="http://thenewdorkreviewofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/book-thief-power-of-words.htmlhttp://thenewdorkreviewofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/… />Very cool blog, too – just found you from Cym's Wednesday Review Party, and am following now. Looking forward to reading what you have to say.
I do not enjoy historical fiction but you and others have convinced me to try this one. I think your review is wonderful, definitely enough to intrigue me and want to read it. I think I will love that it is narrated by death.
I think you did a great job of simply letting your love of the book shine through, and sometimes that's a better hook than any plot summary could be.
I LOVED this book! Here's my review. I agree. No review can do it justice.
Jennifer- I think this is a fine review. You expressed good feelings and summarized why you liked it without telling too much of the detail. It does sound very interesting.
I love, love, love this book. It's one of my all-time favourites. I reviewed it back when I first started blogging so I won't post the link (it's probably a lame review!) It took me a bit to get into the novel because of the death narrator thing – I almost put it down right then but I couldn't because it was a book club pick!
I loved this book also-it was one of the very first books I reviewed for my blog-great review on your part-I also enjoyed his prior book I am the Messenger a lot
This is one of my favorites, and the one book I recommend to all my friends and family! It doesn't matter if they are book worms or if they barely read at all, this never fails anyone. 5 stars really is not enough. Great review.
I like reviews that don't give anything away but make me so curious I just have to read it.I absolutely loved this book! It's one of my all-time faves.I hope it's okay that I linked to your review on the Book Reviews: WWII page on War Through the Generations.
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. And I don’t think we need more detail in the review. JUST READ IT!
Christa