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The Book Thief
It is 1939. In Nazi Germany, the country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier - and will become busier still.
By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed forever when she picks up a single object, abandoned in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, and this is her first act of book thievery. So begins Liesel's love affair with books and words, and soon she is stealing from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library . . . wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times, and when Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, nothing will ever be the same again.
By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed forever when she picks up a single object, abandoned in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, and this is her first act of book thievery. So begins Liesel's love affair with books and words, and soon she is stealing from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library . . . wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times, and when Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, nothing will ever be the same again.
624 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2016
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Markus Zusak
35 books41.1k followersMarkus Zusak is the author of five books, including the international bestseller,
The Book Thief
, which spent more than a decade on the New York Times bestseller list, and is translated into more than forty languages – establishing Zusak as one of the most successful authors to come out of Australia.
To date, Zusak has held the number one position at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, the New York Times bestseller list, as well as in countries across South America, Europe and Asia.
His books, The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, When Dogs Cry (also titled Getting the Girl ), The Messenger (or I am the Messenger ) and The Book Thief have been awarded numerous honours ranging from literary prizes to readers choice awards to prizes voted on by booksellers.
Zusak’s much-anticipated new novel, Bridge of Clay , is set for release in October 2018 in the USA, the UK and Australia, with foreign translations to follow.
To date, Zusak has held the number one position at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, the New York Times bestseller list, as well as in countries across South America, Europe and Asia.
His books, The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, When Dogs Cry (also titled Getting the Girl ), The Messenger (or I am the Messenger ) and The Book Thief have been awarded numerous honours ranging from literary prizes to readers choice awards to prizes voted on by booksellers.
Zusak’s much-anticipated new novel, Bridge of Clay , is set for release in October 2018 in the USA, the UK and Australia, with foreign translations to follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
June 12, 2020
A playful heroine who sometimes lies and sometimes steals,soon settles into life in the ironically named Himmel(heaven) street.
This is a moving work which will make many eyes brim. Zusak shows us how small defiances and unexpectedly courageous acts remind us of our humanity.
What made me pick this up was the involvement of DEATH as a narrator,who wouldn't want to see the world through the eyes of death!participation of death first seems seamless then essential as his view for humans haunting him shines through the book.
Zusak gives us all you would expect in a novel about wartime Germany:bombing attacks,hungry children,streets with burning books.Death plays a major role by narrating this world.But death has a heart and is haunted by terrible things humans do.
"I HAVE HATED WORDS AND I HAVE LOVED THEM, AND I HOPE I HAVE MADE THEM RIGHT "
The main theme revolves around POWER of WORDS. Words that destroy. Words that heal.
There are times when you completely forget that this is a work of fiction . It all seems real. All the events seems like they actually happened which will make you go through an emotional rollercoaster.
"I AM HAUNTED BY HUMANS"
The closing of the work is as impactful as it can be.At the end we somewhat realize that,the fact that death allows himself to become consciously invested in the protagonist life is his mistake.
This is a moving work which will make many eyes brim. Zusak shows us how small defiances and unexpectedly courageous acts remind us of our humanity.
What made me pick this up was the involvement of DEATH as a narrator,who wouldn't want to see the world through the eyes of death!participation of death first seems seamless then essential as his view for humans haunting him shines through the book.
Zusak gives us all you would expect in a novel about wartime Germany:bombing attacks,hungry children,streets with burning books.Death plays a major role by narrating this world.But death has a heart and is haunted by terrible things humans do.
"I HAVE HATED WORDS AND I HAVE LOVED THEM, AND I HOPE I HAVE MADE THEM RIGHT "
The main theme revolves around POWER of WORDS. Words that destroy. Words that heal.
There are times when you completely forget that this is a work of fiction . It all seems real. All the events seems like they actually happened which will make you go through an emotional rollercoaster.
"I AM HAUNTED BY HUMANS"
The closing of the work is as impactful as it can be.At the end we somewhat realize that,the fact that death allows himself to become consciously invested in the protagonist life is his mistake.
September 29, 2023
And so I cried my heart out.
Yes, I did. I didn't realize it when the story and the characters were building up, slowing and steadily. Markus Zusak knows how to build characters and their relations with one another. The story revolves around a girl, Liesel Meminger, who apparently is a book thief. And every character she formed a connection with became something that fulfilled her soul and yours as a reader.
Excerpt:
“ One was a book thief.
The other stole the sky.”
The two contradictory lines are put together just to make us feel something unjust and also to find life in little things. The desperation of a hidden Jew in the basement for the sky. To see it, to feel it, and to steal it. And the little pleasure in stealing a book, the joy of snatching the freedom, and also having enough of it to be able to seize it. The depth of two opposite fates of a Jew and a German under the same sky.
I love it when an author, in very few words, gives away so much to absorb. As I mentioned earlier, our author, Markus Zusak, can build relations and characters. Keeping that in mind, imagine how agonizing it would be when any character meets its death and how equally heart-wrenching will be the goodbyes.
Excerpt: Rudy’s kiss finally! But to his corpse.
“ He tasted like regret in the shadows of
trees and in the glow of the anarchist's suit collection. “
Markus Zusak made this kiss huge from the very start of the book. And by reading the above excerpt, you can clearly imagine how regretful it must have been.
I adored the fluency with which every character bonded and blended. Perhaps that's the only reason that the ending will rupture your heart and soul and also make you cry like a baby.
Suppose you are thinking of reading this next. Be ready for all of that. And also for one more thing, that The Book Thief is a kind of tale which will stay with you forever. Five Stars aren't enough. I give this novel the moon, my Moon.
Yes, I did. I didn't realize it when the story and the characters were building up, slowing and steadily. Markus Zusak knows how to build characters and their relations with one another. The story revolves around a girl, Liesel Meminger, who apparently is a book thief. And every character she formed a connection with became something that fulfilled her soul and yours as a reader.
Excerpt:
“ One was a book thief.
The other stole the sky.”
The two contradictory lines are put together just to make us feel something unjust and also to find life in little things. The desperation of a hidden Jew in the basement for the sky. To see it, to feel it, and to steal it. And the little pleasure in stealing a book, the joy of snatching the freedom, and also having enough of it to be able to seize it. The depth of two opposite fates of a Jew and a German under the same sky.
I love it when an author, in very few words, gives away so much to absorb. As I mentioned earlier, our author, Markus Zusak, can build relations and characters. Keeping that in mind, imagine how agonizing it would be when any character meets its death and how equally heart-wrenching will be the goodbyes.
Excerpt: Rudy’s kiss finally! But to his corpse.
“ He tasted like regret in the shadows of
trees and in the glow of the anarchist's suit collection. “
Markus Zusak made this kiss huge from the very start of the book. And by reading the above excerpt, you can clearly imagine how regretful it must have been.
I adored the fluency with which every character bonded and blended. Perhaps that's the only reason that the ending will rupture your heart and soul and also make you cry like a baby.
Suppose you are thinking of reading this next. Be ready for all of that. And also for one more thing, that The Book Thief is a kind of tale which will stay with you forever. Five Stars aren't enough. I give this novel the moon, my Moon.
August 1, 2022
This book wrecked me.
February 21, 2024
“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”
There aren't enough words to describe how amazing this book was. It was definitely heartbreaking, but the writing style of this book was simply beautiful. Honestly, i could say this book was life changing, it made you see life from a different perspective.
“It’s 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”
At first, Death as the narrator of this book really creeped me out and it gave me a bad feeling about the ending. However, as I read the book I found this idea very interesting, even though Death spoiled some of the most important "events" let's say!!
“A small fact:
You are going to die... does this worry you?”
At first, I intended to give this book 4 stars since it was kind of slow in the first 100 pages. But then, I got so emotionally attached to these characters and to this book in general that it was an imediate 5 stars! Any book that makes me cry so much deserves 5 stars honestly.
I loved our main character so much <3
“I wanted to tell the book thief many things, about beauty and brutality. But what could I tell her about those things that she didn't already know? I wanted to explain that I am constantly overestimating and underestimating the human race-that rarely do I ever simply estimate it. I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”
Liesel was such an interesting character and deserved so much better. Her story was heartbreaking, I was staring at my ceiling crying for at least half an hour after I finished the book...
Her relationship with Rudy was so special. I loved these two.
“A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.”
The ending was soul crushing. It shows the brutal reality of war. After all that Liesel had to go through, seeing her brother dying in front of her eyes, she did not deserve that ending.
“My heart is so tired”
This was my review for this masterpiece. I believe everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime. It is, however, a though book so be prepared! If you love historical fiction as much as i do, I'm sure you'll love this book as well.
“Like most misery, it started with apparent happiness.”
-------------------------------------------
I don't think i've ever cried more for a book
this was by far the most heartbreaking book i've ever read
the fact that death was the narrator was interesting and definitely unique
but the ending.. i mean i knew it was not going to end well but still
this.. this was TOO MUCH PAIN, LIKE WHY?!
review to come when i recover :)
August 9, 2020
"A Gang of Tears trudged from her eyes as she held on and refused to go inside"
These lines aptly portray the feelings Liesel felt when her only brother died and her mother left her to the care of foster parents on himmel street .
The Collateral Damage during the war and the fear that when one of their families members would be called to war is vividly described .
Liesel meiminger is also a victim of War and somehow she rediscovers her happiness in Hans and Rosa Huberman.Rudy becomes Liesel's best friend and book stealing partner.She finds solace in Ilsa Hermann's library by reading and stealing her books .
For me one of the most beautiful moments in this book were when -
•Hans hubermann took his friend Erik vanderburg's accordion after he died in war to his home .Maybe Hans remembered his war friend every time he played the accordion.
• Rudy diving into the Amper river for catching Liesel's book and shouting "Will you give me a kiss,saumensch?"
•And lastly ,the sudden realization to Liesel that everyone once she loved has died ,never to return again and the bitter-sweet memories she had with them . .
But the thing is I didn't felt sad or sympathized for the characters throughout the book which is strange because I tend to be emotional even after reading a tragic news or watching a sad movie. The writing really appeared to be dry and lacking any emotion . When death kept saying that someone is going to die , I felt like the author is trying very very hard to make it gloomy . Sadly, I found much of the parts flat and even boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
So, I was one of the few people (I think) who hadn't watched the movie of this book and was very late to the party. Someone suggested this book to me and I decided to read it as I like anything set during WW2 and also, it's narrated by death. Which brings me onto my first point...
The fact that this book is narrated by death is AWESOME. This idea is just so completely original, and to take an event that was surrounded by just sadness and death, and then have death narrate the story is just ingenious. I really enjoyed this element of the book - a lot! Although death was narrating it, he's not in your face about it and it's told just like a normal story. However, what was so great about it is that sometimes death would say certain things, sometimes humorous, other times dark and cynical, but you'd be reading the story and then be like 'oh yeah, death is talking' and it really just adds to the telling of the story.
My next point is the characters. This is what really made the book for me. Every single character was so well thought out and developed and each individually different, I loved every single one of them. I found myself at least liking every character, whilst also not liking some of them (Liesel's mother). I had a connection to every one and they all bought something to the story, whether it was a small event in Liesel's life or if they were her family or best friend. The two characters I like the most (as do loads of other people, probably), is Liesel's father and of course, Rudy!
Liesel's relationship with her father happens instantaneously and you're just made to love both of them when they're together. He's a proper, caring and loving father and is there for Liesel from day one and she takes to him straight away. Their relationship is just the best and definitely tugs at your heartstrings.
And Rudy, well, he's just your typical young boy wanting the attention of a girl he obviously quite likes and he's just so cheeky and totally loveable. Liesel is almost forced to be friends with him to begin with, but she soon warms to him and they become best friends. Reading them growing up together was really quite cute and you can definitely tell they have something special. The fact that Rudy was always asking for a kiss and him never getting it, again, eventually pull at your heartstrings.
Now, onto another thing I totally loved about this book: the way it was structured and written. The ten parts with different events/chapters within them was something that really drew me to this book. I loved the way it was written, with each little section having a different little story that all fit into the one big story. I also loved deaths littles notes throughout the book; these were really innovative and added humour to what was actually quite a dark story. Moving onto the amount of detail that was in this book. This was incredible. The amount of planning, thought and research that went into this book is something else, because there are just SO many little details, you definitely couldn't read a bit of this book and then put it down for a month or so and just pick it up again - you would be lost! This is definitely a book to be read in a week or two. This amount of detail absolutely amazed me.
And finally, the ending of the book. Now, a lot of people loved the ending and found it very emotional and said it made them cry. However, I actually found the ending of this book to be somewhat disappointing. This is not a book that surprises you; you go into this book KNOWING and EXPECTING there to be death (it's narrated by him!), so you know that eventually, people are going to die. And I have to say, that I found the ending to be quite anticlimactic. The story itself was amazing, so much detail and character development, however the ending just didn't live up to my expectations. I was expecting there to be more emotion and for it to be much more upsetting than it was. So based on this (as for me, an ending is what makes a book), I have decided to give this book four stars.
*Side note: am I the only person who thinks this book shouldn't have been made into a film? I just think there is WAY too much detail that's been put into this book and the film just physically could not fit all of that in, therefore it definitely did not do it justice, and I think the people who have only watched the film and not read the book have missed out on A LOT. - I think it would have been better as a TV series or something because the film missed out way too much*
The fact that this book is narrated by death is AWESOME. This idea is just so completely original, and to take an event that was surrounded by just sadness and death, and then have death narrate the story is just ingenious. I really enjoyed this element of the book - a lot! Although death was narrating it, he's not in your face about it and it's told just like a normal story. However, what was so great about it is that sometimes death would say certain things, sometimes humorous, other times dark and cynical, but you'd be reading the story and then be like 'oh yeah, death is talking' and it really just adds to the telling of the story.
My next point is the characters. This is what really made the book for me. Every single character was so well thought out and developed and each individually different, I loved every single one of them. I found myself at least liking every character, whilst also not liking some of them (Liesel's mother). I had a connection to every one and they all bought something to the story, whether it was a small event in Liesel's life or if they were her family or best friend. The two characters I like the most (as do loads of other people, probably), is Liesel's father and of course, Rudy!
Liesel's relationship with her father happens instantaneously and you're just made to love both of them when they're together. He's a proper, caring and loving father and is there for Liesel from day one and she takes to him straight away. Their relationship is just the best and definitely tugs at your heartstrings.
And Rudy, well, he's just your typical young boy wanting the attention of a girl he obviously quite likes and he's just so cheeky and totally loveable. Liesel is almost forced to be friends with him to begin with, but she soon warms to him and they become best friends. Reading them growing up together was really quite cute and you can definitely tell they have something special. The fact that Rudy was always asking for a kiss and him never getting it, again, eventually pull at your heartstrings.
Now, onto another thing I totally loved about this book: the way it was structured and written. The ten parts with different events/chapters within them was something that really drew me to this book. I loved the way it was written, with each little section having a different little story that all fit into the one big story. I also loved deaths littles notes throughout the book; these were really innovative and added humour to what was actually quite a dark story. Moving onto the amount of detail that was in this book. This was incredible. The amount of planning, thought and research that went into this book is something else, because there are just SO many little details, you definitely couldn't read a bit of this book and then put it down for a month or so and just pick it up again - you would be lost! This is definitely a book to be read in a week or two. This amount of detail absolutely amazed me.
And finally, the ending of the book. Now, a lot of people loved the ending and found it very emotional and said it made them cry. However, I actually found the ending of this book to be somewhat disappointing. This is not a book that surprises you; you go into this book KNOWING and EXPECTING there to be death (it's narrated by him!), so you know that eventually, people are going to die. And I have to say, that I found the ending to be quite anticlimactic. The story itself was amazing, so much detail and character development, however the ending just didn't live up to my expectations. I was expecting there to be more emotion and for it to be much more upsetting than it was. So based on this (as for me, an ending is what makes a book), I have decided to give this book four stars.
*Side note: am I the only person who thinks this book shouldn't have been made into a film? I just think there is WAY too much detail that's been put into this book and the film just physically could not fit all of that in, therefore it definitely did not do it justice, and I think the people who have only watched the film and not read the book have missed out on A LOT. - I think it would have been better as a TV series or something because the film missed out way too much*
January 27, 2018
“A human doesn't have a heart like mine. The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. The consequence of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both.”
*friend knocks* 'you okay in there?'
*no response*
*friends comes in* 'whatcha doing?'
*no sound*- then...
*muffled moaning*
*friend looks around the corner and sees the vague shape of a human being lying in bed with a book on her face*
friend: 'uhm, you okay?'
me: *takes the book off her face, sits up and stares at friend with vacant gaze*
friend: 'ooookay I'll leave you to it, then'
*slowly backs out of room*
As a german myself I was taught most of our history in school. I also went to visit Dachau where the former labor camp is located.
I cried buckets full of tears. I laughed, I shouted and I also had some tears of happiness in my eyes. "The Book Thief" is a poignant story with great characterizations and a unique narrator with a good portion of humor along the way.
I have read a great many stories in my life but no story had me in its grip like this one did. My eyes were literally glued to the pages the whole time. Hadn't it been for sleep, I would've probably read the book in one sitting. Yes, it was that good and captivating.
What's it about?
The story takes place during WWII and focuses on four main characters: Liesl Meminger, whom the book title refers to, Max Vandenburg, the Jew, Rudy Steiner, Liesl's best friend and Hans Huberman, Liesl's foster dad.
It's the year 1938 and Liesl is on her way to her new family, the Hubermans. While anxious at first, she soon starts to form friendships and relationships with the people closest to her. One of them is Rudy, her best friend to-be. She and Rudy go on adventures, Liesl becomes the infamous book thief (which meant attending book burnings and searching for unburned reading material, or visting the library of the town majors' wife). It's certainly not easy to make ends meet during a time like this, but Liesl's foster parents did try to make the best out of their situation - the situation being having to live in Nazi Germany. The story itself begins when Max shows up on their doorstep asking for help. You must know, hiding a Jew in your basement meant to put yourself and your family in grave danger and that was to be avoided at all costs. Kind as they all are though, the family takes him in and does their best to keep him hidden away. But death lurks just around the corner and no one lives forever.
- Over 60 million people were killed. World War II counts as the deadliest military conflict in history in absolute terms of casualties up to the present day. -
Let that fact sink in for a moment...
Personally I think all people should read this book at least once in their lives. It's an amazing piece of literature, it entertains and educates equally, has memorable characters, a beautiful story and was also turned into a major motion picture by 20th century Fox.
August 27, 2019
4.3 stars
Well Mr. Death, we should have a small talk here. Why on earth were you droping spoilers all the time during the whole book? It's not nice you know. It bothered me a lot, because everytime I was having the feeling that I was in the right flow of the story, then you were like *BOOM*, smashing it with your another spoiler yet. The first 50 pages of the book were not catchy for me, I was forcing myself to read, then it got better and more interesting. The story was really good, the characters much better, but the way of writing was not as great. I really liked the last pages, so full of emotions, however , even these pages didn't help to boost the rating up to 4.5 or 5*.
Well Mr. Death, we should have a small talk here. Why on earth were you droping spoilers all the time during the whole book? It's not nice you know. It bothered me a lot, because everytime I was having the feeling that I was in the right flow of the story, then you were like *BOOM*, smashing it with your another spoiler yet. The first 50 pages of the book were not catchy for me, I was forcing myself to read, then it got better and more interesting. The story was really good, the characters much better, but the way of writing was not as great. I really liked the last pages, so full of emotions, however , even these pages didn't help to boost the rating up to 4.5 or 5*.
March 31, 2019
"I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right"
such is the power of words, damning and beautiful at the same time.
such is this book. ❤
such is the power of words, damning and beautiful at the same time.
such is this book. ❤
Read
November 1, 2024I now remember why I liked this book so much, despite having last read it so long ago. Rtc <3
September 14, 2021
Review:
The Book Thief speaks about the horrors of World War 2 from a German perspective.
It is a story of an orphaned German girl adopted by an old couple. A girl who makes stealing books her hobby. The Book Thief beautifully depicts the emotions of teens, deprived of the 'luxury' of proper food and safe childhood. It is a tale of courage, sacrifices, friendship, and care.
It celebrates the power of words amidst unspeakable sufferings. The book has a devastating end and guarantees to brim your eyes with tears.
Emotions right after finishing:
My eyes are swelling, my cheeks are wet… I just finished reading The Book Thief and I can’t stop crying. The world is cruel, death is certain and this reality is too harsh to face. Finishing this book on Father’s Day is even more devastating.
With this, I complete my Goodreads Challenge of 20 books.
The Book Thief speaks about the horrors of World War 2 from a German perspective.
It is a story of an orphaned German girl adopted by an old couple. A girl who makes stealing books her hobby. The Book Thief beautifully depicts the emotions of teens, deprived of the 'luxury' of proper food and safe childhood. It is a tale of courage, sacrifices, friendship, and care.
It celebrates the power of words amidst unspeakable sufferings. The book has a devastating end and guarantees to brim your eyes with tears.
Emotions right after finishing:
My eyes are swelling, my cheeks are wet… I just finished reading The Book Thief and I can’t stop crying. The world is cruel, death is certain and this reality is too harsh to face. Finishing this book on Father’s Day is even more devastating.
With this, I complete my Goodreads Challenge of 20 books.
December 30, 2022
heartbreaking and humorous
June 30, 2023
5 🌟
Historical fiction, War-World II
I loved this book. It was beautiful. The writing style was poetic. The characters were believable, and the plot was fantastic. I know it is fiction, but it felt like I was reading real-life characters, except for the narrator (death).
In this book, a death narrates the story and we follow a young girl named Liesel. We first meet Liesel on a train with her mom and her brother. The mother has to deliver Liesel to a German house where she can live with her foster parents. Liesel starts to adapt to her new house and shows affection to her foster parents. Her foster mother curses now and then, but she has a heart of gold, and her father, Hans Hubermann, is literally an angel. Liesel under different circumstances steals books from different places. And the narrator calls her The Book Theif. Now there is an argument if Liesel’s actions comme il faut or not, but her behavior is positioned nicely. Liesel has a friend in crime named Rudy and Rudy has a crush on Liesel. Then there is a Jew character named Max, and the narrator shifts perspective to tell his tale.
Plot-wise, that is all I can tell because I don’t want to spoil anything and everyone should read this book. Though I have to mention that the book is a bit slow-paced, overall it is worth every minute.
Historical fiction, War-World II
I loved this book. It was beautiful. The writing style was poetic. The characters were believable, and the plot was fantastic. I know it is fiction, but it felt like I was reading real-life characters, except for the narrator (death).
In this book, a death narrates the story and we follow a young girl named Liesel. We first meet Liesel on a train with her mom and her brother. The mother has to deliver Liesel to a German house where she can live with her foster parents. Liesel starts to adapt to her new house and shows affection to her foster parents. Her foster mother curses now and then, but she has a heart of gold, and her father, Hans Hubermann, is literally an angel. Liesel under different circumstances steals books from different places. And the narrator calls her The Book Theif. Now there is an argument if Liesel’s actions comme il faut or not, but her behavior is positioned nicely. Liesel has a friend in crime named Rudy and Rudy has a crush on Liesel. Then there is a Jew character named Max, and the narrator shifts perspective to tell his tale.
Plot-wise, that is all I can tell because I don’t want to spoil anything and everyone should read this book. Though I have to mention that the book is a bit slow-paced, overall it is worth every minute.
February 15, 2021
The Book Thief
"I have hated the words, and I have loved them and I hope I have made them right." - Liesel Meminger.
When I first saw this book in the book store, I did not want to take it up, but then I did..I am glad I did. The book gets your mind running parallel to the the era of Nazi Germany and it feels as if you are living that time. The characters - Liesel, Rudy, Hans, Frau, Rosa, Max, the places - Molching, Himmel Street, Grande Strasse, are all going to stick with the reader for a long time! The best features about this book are: 1. It is narrated by Death itself.2. It gives a completely different picture of how there were people in Nazi Germany who were not shrewd, who wanted to help people, hid jews and gave them their shoulders, people who were kind, people who had simple visions towards life - a happy, love filled life.
This book dragged a bit in between and that is the only feature of this book which out me off to sleep.
Other than the characters and the story, the book has many underlying life lessons which forces one to think about humanity. I think that's what we lack now!!!
"I am haunted by humans." - Death
"I have hated the words, and I have loved them and I hope I have made them right." - Liesel Meminger.
When I first saw this book in the book store, I did not want to take it up, but then I did..I am glad I did. The book gets your mind running parallel to the the era of Nazi Germany and it feels as if you are living that time. The characters - Liesel, Rudy, Hans, Frau, Rosa, Max, the places - Molching, Himmel Street, Grande Strasse, are all going to stick with the reader for a long time! The best features about this book are: 1. It is narrated by Death itself.2. It gives a completely different picture of how there were people in Nazi Germany who were not shrewd, who wanted to help people, hid jews and gave them their shoulders, people who were kind, people who had simple visions towards life - a happy, love filled life.
This book dragged a bit in between and that is the only feature of this book which out me off to sleep.
Other than the characters and the story, the book has many underlying life lessons which forces one to think about humanity. I think that's what we lack now!!!
"I am haunted by humans." - Death
July 3, 2021
Australian author Markus Zusak wrote The Book Thief in 2005. This edition is published to celebrate the book's tenth anniversary, including the author's interview and some unknown facts about his writing process and take on the character's life.
The story portrays the Nazis' brutalities and the life of the German people who left to grieve their loved ones. The lost innocence, grief, selfless love, violence, cruelty is some of the key themes of The Book Thief. Overall, I enjoy reading this book and recommend it because it held a special place in my heart.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
The story portrays the Nazis' brutalities and the life of the German people who left to grieve their loved ones. The lost innocence, grief, selfless love, violence, cruelty is some of the key themes of The Book Thief. Overall, I enjoy reading this book and recommend it because it held a special place in my heart.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
September 28, 2021
Rudy and Leisel now forever hold my heart in their palms... This book was the most difficult yet beautiful thing I ever read in a long long time... I don't know how I am going to recover from this or if I ever will... ❤️
August 16, 2021
Death introduces himself as the narrator of the novel. The first time he saw the book thief, he says, was on a train. The next time he saw her was when he came for a pilot who had crashed his plane. And the third time was after a bombing. He associates a color with each sighting: white, red, and black, the colors of the Nazi flag. Death then begins the story. Liesel, her mother, and her brother Werner are traveling on a train to Munich when Werner suddenly dies.
When it came down to it, one of them called the shots. The other did what he was told. The question is, what if the other is a lot more than one?
Liesel and her mother get off the train to bury the body, and Liesel steals a book from one of the gravediggers. She and her mother continue their journey to a town called Molching, where Liesel will be raised by foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann. At first Liesel doesn’t like her foster parents, but Hans wins her over by teaching her to roll cigarettes for him.
Slowly, Liesel adjusts to her new life, though she is plagued by nightmares of her dead brother. She meets and befriends a neighborhood boy named Rudy, who worships the American athlete Jesse Owens and constantly pesters Liesel to kiss him. When Hans discovers that Liesel doesn’t know how to read, he begins teaching her the alphabet, and together they make their way through the book Liesel stole from the gravedigger. Meanwhile, the political situation in Molching and throughout Germany is becoming serious, with war escalating and food and work shortages at home. When the town holds a book-burning to celebrate Hitler’s birthday, Liesel steals another book from the flames.
I guess humans like to watch a little destruction. Sand castles, houses of cards, that’s where they begin. Their great skill is their capacity to escalate.
Liesel begins delivering laundry for Rosa. One of Rosa’s customers is the mayor’s wife, Ilsa Hermann. One day Liesel is invited into Ilsa Hermann’s study, where she marvels at the walls of books. Frau Hermann allows her to read in the study. Meanwhile, in Stuttgart, a German Jew named Max hides in a closet with no food, light, or water. A friend brings him false identity papers and a map hidden in MKPF, Hitler’s autobiography. Max leaves the closet and takes the train to the Hubermanns’ house.
You could argue that Liesel Meminger had it easy. She did have it easy compared to Max Vandenburg. Certainly, her brother had practically died in her arms. Her mother abandoned her. But anything was better than being a Jew.
Hans, we learn, served with Max’s father in World War I. After Max’s father died, Hans promised Max’s mother he would always help her. When Max arrives in Molching, Hans and Rosa hide him in the basement. As he recovers from his ordeal, he and Liesel become friends, and Max writes her a book on the painted-over pages of MKPF.
Frau Hermann tells Liesel she can’t afford to send out the laundry anymore. Liesel is furious because her family is already struggling to survive and the Hermanns have so much. With Rudy’s help, Liesel begins sneaking into the Hermanns’ library and stealing books. For Christmas, Liesel builds Max a snowman in the basement. When Max gets sick and falls into a coma, Hans and Rosa worry about how they will dispose of the corpse if he dies. After months, Max recovers. Nazi soldiers arrive and inspect the basement to see if it is deep enough for a bomb shelter. Luckily, they don’t see Max. Liesel continues stealing books from the Hermanns’ library. Frau Hermann leaves her a dictionary and thesaurus with a note saying she knows Liesel has been stealing from her. At a Hitler Youth carnival, Rudy wins three races. The Allies begin bombing near Molching, and the people on Liesel’s block must take shelter in a neighbor’s basement. With each raid, Liesel reads to them until it’s safe to exit. Max, meanwhile, has to stay in the Hubermanns’ basement by himself.
As the war intensifies, Nazi soldiers begin parading Jewish prisoners through town on their way to the concentration camp at Dachau. When Hans sees an old man struggling to keep up with the group, he gives him a piece of bread. Nazi soldiers intervene and whip both the man and Hans. Hans realizes he has aroused suspicion and drawn attention to himself, and Max is no longer safe in the basement. That night, Max leaves Hans and Rosa’s house. Hans waits for soldiers to come take him away, but none do. Instead, they come to Rudy’s house, to recruit him for a school for future Nazi leaders. Rudy’s father, Alex, refuses to let his son go. The soldiers leave, but a few days later both Alex and Hans are drafted into the German army. After Alex and Hans leave for duty, Rudy and Liesel go to the next parade of Jews and scatter bread in the streets. Rosa gives Liesel a book that Max made for her called “The Word Shaker.” It is the story of Max and Liesel’s friendship, and promises they will be reunited some day.
Hans is sent to Essen, where he is part of a squad that cleans up after air raids. Another member of the squad takes a dislike to Hans, and one day he insists they change places on their work bus. The bus crashes and the other man is killed, while Hans merely breaks his leg. Hans gets sent home to recuperate. Following another air raid, Liesel and Rudy find an Allied fighter pilot who has crashed his plane. They arrive just in time to see him die.
The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. The consequence of this is that I’m always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both.
The mayor’s wife gives Liesel a blank notebook so she can begin writing her own story. One night, while Liesel is in the basement editing her book, her neighborhood is bombed. Hans, Rosa, Rudy, and the rest of the neighbors are killed. When rescue workers pull Liesel out of the rubble, she finds Rudy’s corpse and gives him the kiss he always wanted. When the workers take her away, she leaves behind her finished book, called “The Book Thief.”
I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I’ve made them right.
Death, who has been watching, rescues the book. Liesel goes to live with the mayor and his wife. After the liberation of the concentration camps, Max returns to Molching and finds Liesel. They hug and cry together. Liesel eventually grows up and moves to Australia, where she has a family and lives to an old age. When Death finally comes to take her soul, he shows her the book she wrote so many years before.
When it came down to it, one of them called the shots. The other did what he was told. The question is, what if the other is a lot more than one?
Liesel and her mother get off the train to bury the body, and Liesel steals a book from one of the gravediggers. She and her mother continue their journey to a town called Molching, where Liesel will be raised by foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann. At first Liesel doesn’t like her foster parents, but Hans wins her over by teaching her to roll cigarettes for him.
Slowly, Liesel adjusts to her new life, though she is plagued by nightmares of her dead brother. She meets and befriends a neighborhood boy named Rudy, who worships the American athlete Jesse Owens and constantly pesters Liesel to kiss him. When Hans discovers that Liesel doesn’t know how to read, he begins teaching her the alphabet, and together they make their way through the book Liesel stole from the gravedigger. Meanwhile, the political situation in Molching and throughout Germany is becoming serious, with war escalating and food and work shortages at home. When the town holds a book-burning to celebrate Hitler’s birthday, Liesel steals another book from the flames.
I guess humans like to watch a little destruction. Sand castles, houses of cards, that’s where they begin. Their great skill is their capacity to escalate.
Liesel begins delivering laundry for Rosa. One of Rosa’s customers is the mayor’s wife, Ilsa Hermann. One day Liesel is invited into Ilsa Hermann’s study, where she marvels at the walls of books. Frau Hermann allows her to read in the study. Meanwhile, in Stuttgart, a German Jew named Max hides in a closet with no food, light, or water. A friend brings him false identity papers and a map hidden in MKPF, Hitler’s autobiography. Max leaves the closet and takes the train to the Hubermanns’ house.
You could argue that Liesel Meminger had it easy. She did have it easy compared to Max Vandenburg. Certainly, her brother had practically died in her arms. Her mother abandoned her. But anything was better than being a Jew.
Hans, we learn, served with Max’s father in World War I. After Max’s father died, Hans promised Max’s mother he would always help her. When Max arrives in Molching, Hans and Rosa hide him in the basement. As he recovers from his ordeal, he and Liesel become friends, and Max writes her a book on the painted-over pages of MKPF.
Frau Hermann tells Liesel she can’t afford to send out the laundry anymore. Liesel is furious because her family is already struggling to survive and the Hermanns have so much. With Rudy’s help, Liesel begins sneaking into the Hermanns’ library and stealing books. For Christmas, Liesel builds Max a snowman in the basement. When Max gets sick and falls into a coma, Hans and Rosa worry about how they will dispose of the corpse if he dies. After months, Max recovers. Nazi soldiers arrive and inspect the basement to see if it is deep enough for a bomb shelter. Luckily, they don’t see Max. Liesel continues stealing books from the Hermanns’ library. Frau Hermann leaves her a dictionary and thesaurus with a note saying she knows Liesel has been stealing from her. At a Hitler Youth carnival, Rudy wins three races. The Allies begin bombing near Molching, and the people on Liesel’s block must take shelter in a neighbor’s basement. With each raid, Liesel reads to them until it’s safe to exit. Max, meanwhile, has to stay in the Hubermanns’ basement by himself.
As the war intensifies, Nazi soldiers begin parading Jewish prisoners through town on their way to the concentration camp at Dachau. When Hans sees an old man struggling to keep up with the group, he gives him a piece of bread. Nazi soldiers intervene and whip both the man and Hans. Hans realizes he has aroused suspicion and drawn attention to himself, and Max is no longer safe in the basement. That night, Max leaves Hans and Rosa’s house. Hans waits for soldiers to come take him away, but none do. Instead, they come to Rudy’s house, to recruit him for a school for future Nazi leaders. Rudy’s father, Alex, refuses to let his son go. The soldiers leave, but a few days later both Alex and Hans are drafted into the German army. After Alex and Hans leave for duty, Rudy and Liesel go to the next parade of Jews and scatter bread in the streets. Rosa gives Liesel a book that Max made for her called “The Word Shaker.” It is the story of Max and Liesel’s friendship, and promises they will be reunited some day.
Hans is sent to Essen, where he is part of a squad that cleans up after air raids. Another member of the squad takes a dislike to Hans, and one day he insists they change places on their work bus. The bus crashes and the other man is killed, while Hans merely breaks his leg. Hans gets sent home to recuperate. Following another air raid, Liesel and Rudy find an Allied fighter pilot who has crashed his plane. They arrive just in time to see him die.
The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. The consequence of this is that I’m always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both.
The mayor’s wife gives Liesel a blank notebook so she can begin writing her own story. One night, while Liesel is in the basement editing her book, her neighborhood is bombed. Hans, Rosa, Rudy, and the rest of the neighbors are killed. When rescue workers pull Liesel out of the rubble, she finds Rudy’s corpse and gives him the kiss he always wanted. When the workers take her away, she leaves behind her finished book, called “The Book Thief.”
I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I’ve made them right.
Death, who has been watching, rescues the book. Liesel goes to live with the mayor and his wife. After the liberation of the concentration camps, Max returns to Molching and finds Liesel. They hug and cry together. Liesel eventually grows up and moves to Australia, where she has a family and lives to an old age. When Death finally comes to take her soul, he shows her the book she wrote so many years before.
June 13, 2023
help. i am crying and words are not forming. review to come.
edit: Ok, so this was probably the best book I’ve read this year so far (thanks abby). This is the first book that’s made me cry since Piranesi (and that wasn’t even very sad, I was just nerding out a bit). It was just such a harrowing, emotional book, and I think the unique narration (by Death) really reinforced that; Death tells you exactly what is going to happen, and yet when you get there, it’s crushing. There was this enormous sense of foreboding built up throughout, so that even during relatively (and it’s very relative) happy scenes, it felt as though it was always on the brink of disaster. The characterisation was incredibly powerful, too - you’re able to see the characters both through Liesel’s eyes and through Death’s, which I think really adds another dimensipn to them, although it was the relationships between the characters that were the most compelling (and heartbreaking).
The copy I read has a bunch of extra content at the back from the author, who commented that a key theme in the book is personal history vs world history. I think that’s such a good way of putting it and encapsulates exactly what makes this book so powerful - it puts personal stories of love and compassion and healing against the backdrop of completely evil acts of human destruction. It presents the entire spectrum of human morality, and for a book narrated by Death, I think that’s very apt.
edit: Ok, so this was probably the best book I’ve read this year so far (thanks abby). This is the first book that’s made me cry since Piranesi (and that wasn’t even very sad, I was just nerding out a bit). It was just such a harrowing, emotional book, and I think the unique narration (by Death) really reinforced that; Death tells you exactly what is going to happen, and yet when you get there, it’s crushing. There was this enormous sense of foreboding built up throughout, so that even during relatively (and it’s very relative) happy scenes, it felt as though it was always on the brink of disaster. The characterisation was incredibly powerful, too - you’re able to see the characters both through Liesel’s eyes and through Death’s, which I think really adds another dimensipn to them, although it was the relationships between the characters that were the most compelling (and heartbreaking).
The copy I read has a bunch of extra content at the back from the author, who commented that a key theme in the book is personal history vs world history. I think that’s such a good way of putting it and encapsulates exactly what makes this book so powerful - it puts personal stories of love and compassion and healing against the backdrop of completely evil acts of human destruction. It presents the entire spectrum of human morality, and for a book narrated by Death, I think that’s very apt.
August 17, 2020
Have you ever been teary eyed just because a book ended?
That's what happened with me. I have never cried before just because a book ended. I never wanted this book to ever end period!!!
This is one of my favourite book of all time!!!!!
Everything is so good 😍
Character are to fall in love with. (Especially Rudy)
It's well written and so interesting that it's hard to put it down.
I regret not reading it any sooner but happy that I read it.
The best part is the death as narrator!!! It's will keep you hooked.
The hype is so worth it!!!
That's what happened with me. I have never cried before just because a book ended. I never wanted this book to ever end period!!!
This is one of my favourite book of all time!!!!!
Everything is so good 😍
Character are to fall in love with. (Especially Rudy)
It's well written and so interesting that it's hard to put it down.
I regret not reading it any sooner but happy that I read it.
The best part is the death as narrator!!! It's will keep you hooked.
The hype is so worth it!!!
May 7, 2021
This is my first book whose narrator is death.
On the first 100 pages I was like "where is this story actually going?" But when I got into the story, I couldn't remember a time I didn't think about this book. The words are fascinating. All things in this book have souls. Everything in this book is alive. And the ending is wrenching.
I'M CRYING.
EVERYBODY SHOULD READ THIS BOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW.
Markus Zusak is right. When death tells you story, you really have to listen.
On the first 100 pages I was like "where is this story actually going?" But when I got into the story, I couldn't remember a time I didn't think about this book. The words are fascinating. All things in this book have souls. Everything in this book is alive. And the ending is wrenching.
I'M CRYING.
EVERYBODY SHOULD READ THIS BOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW.
Markus Zusak is right. When death tells you story, you really have to listen.
March 25, 2020
“THIS IS THE TALE OF THE BOOK THIEF.
AS NARRATED BY DEATH.
AND WHEN DEATH TELLS A STORY,
YOU REALLY HAVE TO LISTEN.”
It is one of those books which is to be felt, experienced and read and then you just can’t explain anything in your words. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
AS NARRATED BY DEATH.
AND WHEN DEATH TELLS A STORY,
YOU REALLY HAVE TO LISTEN.”
It is one of those books which is to be felt, experienced and read and then you just can’t explain anything in your words. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
August 15, 2023
no words.... just tears :(
October 22, 2021
I am a wreck, I am crying, I am weeping, I am breaking apart.
My impression of this book can be described by one quote from it:
"I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words so damning and brilliant". The contrast of lyrical metaphors and the raw truth is what makes this book so beautiful.
I have an anniversary edition of this book, so there was an interview with Markus Zusak at the end, and he said: "I like the idea that every page in every book can have a gem on it". This book truly has achieved this goal. The writing is so wonderful.
The plot:
We follow Death, the narrator, as he takes us through the life of Lisel Meminger, the book thief. It is 1939 in Nazi Germany. And after burying her brother Liesel steals her first book. Horrors of Hitler's rule and contrasted with thoughts and life of a child.
The characters:
1. Death:
They say that war is death’s best friend, but I must offer you a different point of view on that one. To me, war is like the new boss who expects the impossible. He stands over your shoulder repeating one thing, incessantly: “Get it done, get it done.” So you work harder. You get the job done. The boss, however, does not thank you. He asks for more.
Death is the narrator and it's truly a remarkable take on it. We see regret, sorrow, envy, and hope bleed through the pages. He envies humans, he is haunted by us. Sometimes Death breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the reader and those moments really touched my soul. This Death is neither malicious, nor greedy, but he is feeling, he is fatigued, and he is remorseful.
2. Liesel Meminger:
If only she could be so oblivious again, to feel such love without knowing it, mistaking it for laughter.
The main character. A girl, whose life from 9 to 14 we follow. The story begins with her mother giving her and her brother away to another family. Her brother dies on the train and it is at his funeral that Liesel steals her first book. She is haunted by the image of his death. It is through her eyes as well as Death's that we see Nazi Germany. The many relationships that she develops throughout the book are all special in their own way, and they make up the carcass of it. While reading I got really attached to this girl, to her words and to her thievery.
3. Rudy Steiner
He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry
Rudy Steiner quickly became my favorite character. The boy with lemon hair. . He is Liesel's best friend, her companion on any journey. Daring, childish, smiling, wonderful Rudy. I could say much more about him, but it's all too spoiler-y.
4. Hans Huberman
He was a painter by trade and played the piano accordion. This came in handy, especially in winter, when he could make a little money playing in the pubs of Molching, like the Knoller. He had already cheated me in one world war but would later be put into another (as a perverse kind of reward), where he would somehow manage to avoid me again.
Liesel's papa. The one she loved most. He was always with her, he taught her the world.
I could say some things about Rosa Hubermann, Hans' wife, and Max Vanderburg as well, but I feel chocked up and on the verge of tears again, so I'd like to leave this at that.
Oh, and one last thing, just for the record. I've never cried so much as when I was reading this book.
My impression of this book can be described by one quote from it:
"I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words so damning and brilliant". The contrast of lyrical metaphors and the raw truth is what makes this book so beautiful.
I have an anniversary edition of this book, so there was an interview with Markus Zusak at the end, and he said: "I like the idea that every page in every book can have a gem on it". This book truly has achieved this goal. The writing is so wonderful.
The plot:
We follow Death, the narrator, as he takes us through the life of Lisel Meminger, the book thief. It is 1939 in Nazi Germany. And after burying her brother Liesel steals her first book. Horrors of Hitler's rule and contrasted with thoughts and life of a child.
The characters:
1. Death:
They say that war is death’s best friend, but I must offer you a different point of view on that one. To me, war is like the new boss who expects the impossible. He stands over your shoulder repeating one thing, incessantly: “Get it done, get it done.” So you work harder. You get the job done. The boss, however, does not thank you. He asks for more.
Death is the narrator and it's truly a remarkable take on it. We see regret, sorrow, envy, and hope bleed through the pages. He envies humans, he is haunted by us. Sometimes Death breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the reader and those moments really touched my soul. This Death is neither malicious, nor greedy, but he is feeling, he is fatigued, and he is remorseful.
2. Liesel Meminger:
If only she could be so oblivious again, to feel such love without knowing it, mistaking it for laughter.
The main character. A girl, whose life from 9 to 14 we follow. The story begins with her mother giving her and her brother away to another family. Her brother dies on the train and it is at his funeral that Liesel steals her first book. She is haunted by the image of his death. It is through her eyes as well as Death's that we see Nazi Germany. The many relationships that she develops throughout the book are all special in their own way, and they make up the carcass of it. While reading I got really attached to this girl, to her words and to her thievery.
3. Rudy Steiner
He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry
Rudy Steiner quickly became my favorite character. The boy with lemon hair. . He is Liesel's best friend, her companion on any journey. Daring, childish, smiling, wonderful Rudy. I could say much more about him, but it's all too spoiler-y.
4. Hans Huberman
He was a painter by trade and played the piano accordion. This came in handy, especially in winter, when he could make a little money playing in the pubs of Molching, like the Knoller. He had already cheated me in one world war but would later be put into another (as a perverse kind of reward), where he would somehow manage to avoid me again.
Liesel's papa. The one she loved most. He was always with her, he taught her the world.
I could say some things about Rosa Hubermann, Hans' wife, and Max Vanderburg as well, but I feel chocked up and on the verge of tears again, so I'd like to leave this at that.
Oh, and one last thing, just for the record. I've never cried so much as when I was reading this book.
December 17, 2021
I knew this would be my favorite book of all time before I even read it... I WATCHED THE MOVIE yes I watched the movie without knowing that it's a book adaptation, it was so good that I knew that the book would be brilliant and yes it is !!
Markus Zusak said that while writing the book he tried to write someone's favorite book...let me tell you something sir : Yes YOU DID!! Thank you for writing it ❤
I didn't let myself cry too much while reading it but my heart was broken for sure and not just at the end but all along the way.
After finishing it I held the book tight between my arms (maybe I'm crazy lol but I don't care) and I kept thinking about all the people who went/going through this in their lives, people struggling because of stupid wars...War !! this word has a new meaning now, the author made me feel like I'm Liesel and I'm learning new things; not new words but new meanings to words I thought I knew before : war, hunger, love, luck, faith, struggle, optimism, fear and so much more. I now know what all of those words mean in a magical different way. I can't say that I know how people in wars feel but I can surely say that I'm now closer to understand what they go through after reading this book... damn how brutal war is (may god bless all the innocent souls around the world!! ). I'm happy that Liesel had something to cheer her up during that period which is Books, whether it was reading, stealing or writing she really deserved that in her life because she changed the life of the people around her most of them if we didn't say all of them. She was something else, she wasn't just a little girl... she was Glorious like the author said.
I loved everything about this book I mean EVERYTHING , the characters, the plot , the writing style, the sketches, the cover, the ending... oh the ending Thanks Markus for adding the prologue it helped me a lot to stop my tears from falling down 💔💗
I can go on and on talking about this book I mean it deserves every minute I spent on reading it (it took me long to finish it because I was really really loving it and you have to know something about me : when I'm in love with a book I never ever rush myself to finish it No I TAKE MY TIME enjoying every character and detail and every single word of it ) which is exactly what I did with this "Glorious Masterpiece".
PS : After finishing the book I watched a couple of interviews and articles of Markus zusak and he said they didn't get married (if you read the book you'll know what I'm talking about 😉). People out there PLEASE READ THIS BOOK just give it a try.
Markus Zusak said that while writing the book he tried to write someone's favorite book...let me tell you something sir : Yes YOU DID!! Thank you for writing it ❤
I didn't let myself cry too much while reading it but my heart was broken for sure and not just at the end but all along the way.
After finishing it I held the book tight between my arms (maybe I'm crazy lol but I don't care) and I kept thinking about all the people who went/going through this in their lives, people struggling because of stupid wars...War !! this word has a new meaning now, the author made me feel like I'm Liesel and I'm learning new things; not new words but new meanings to words I thought I knew before : war, hunger, love, luck, faith, struggle, optimism, fear and so much more. I now know what all of those words mean in a magical different way. I can't say that I know how people in wars feel but I can surely say that I'm now closer to understand what they go through after reading this book... damn how brutal war is (may god bless all the innocent souls around the world!! ). I'm happy that Liesel had something to cheer her up during that period which is Books, whether it was reading, stealing or writing she really deserved that in her life because she changed the life of the people around her most of them if we didn't say all of them. She was something else, she wasn't just a little girl... she was Glorious like the author said.
I loved everything about this book I mean EVERYTHING , the characters, the plot , the writing style, the sketches, the cover, the ending... oh the ending Thanks Markus for adding the prologue it helped me a lot to stop my tears from falling down 💔💗
I can go on and on talking about this book I mean it deserves every minute I spent on reading it (it took me long to finish it because I was really really loving it and you have to know something about me : when I'm in love with a book I never ever rush myself to finish it No I TAKE MY TIME enjoying every character and detail and every single word of it ) which is exactly what I did with this "Glorious Masterpiece".
PS : After finishing the book I watched a couple of interviews and articles of Markus zusak and he said they didn't get married (if you read the book you'll know what I'm talking about 😉). People out there PLEASE READ THIS BOOK just give it a try.
March 30, 2020
Finally, completed reading this widely read and loved book... and the book has left me amazed and shattered...
Often, when someone asks me, which is the one book you will recommend to everyone to read...honestly i did not know because everyone has a different reading taste... but after reading this book i can proudly recommend this to everyone and will proudly boast of having read such a masterpiece...
The story is of "Liesel Meminger" who has such an intense love for reading that she steals books....
The book is much more than this though... and i urge everyone of you to read this.
The story is set in Germany, in the time of World War 2, in the time of Hitler's dictatorship.... the story is a depiction of human feelings and emotions, when the Jews were suffering a lot there were also people who treated them as humans, took risk on their life to save the jews...
These people who knew what hunger is.... who knew what losing a dear one means...this is their story..
There are a lot of other characters too, and all of them are so amazingly written that you love them all... not one character leaves you untouched...
If you ask me who my favourite character was.... i will say it was " Hans Hebermann", liesel's foster father... he is such an amazing person, he is the one who teaches liesel to read... he is ready to risk his own and his family's life to keep his promise to his friend's wife...
The one biggest point of the story is... It is narrated by "death" and the way it tell the story always will either make you smile at his remarks or will make you shiver...
The end of the story is really heartbreaking....
Do read this book once, everyone should read this book atleast once...
Often, when someone asks me, which is the one book you will recommend to everyone to read...honestly i did not know because everyone has a different reading taste... but after reading this book i can proudly recommend this to everyone and will proudly boast of having read such a masterpiece...
The story is of "Liesel Meminger" who has such an intense love for reading that she steals books....
The book is much more than this though... and i urge everyone of you to read this.
The story is set in Germany, in the time of World War 2, in the time of Hitler's dictatorship.... the story is a depiction of human feelings and emotions, when the Jews were suffering a lot there were also people who treated them as humans, took risk on their life to save the jews...
These people who knew what hunger is.... who knew what losing a dear one means...this is their story..
There are a lot of other characters too, and all of them are so amazingly written that you love them all... not one character leaves you untouched...
If you ask me who my favourite character was.... i will say it was " Hans Hebermann", liesel's foster father... he is such an amazing person, he is the one who teaches liesel to read... he is ready to risk his own and his family's life to keep his promise to his friend's wife...
The one biggest point of the story is... It is narrated by "death" and the way it tell the story always will either make you smile at his remarks or will make you shiver...
The end of the story is really heartbreaking....
Do read this book once, everyone should read this book atleast once...
September 2, 2018
SPOILERS AHEAD.
This book is about Death, narratoring the story of his three encounters, with Leisel. As Death constantly tries to understand humans, he explains how humans tire him. Humans tire him by killing others in mass numbers and making it difficult for Death to carry them in his arms. But he constantly works harder and harder while he is gets more and more haunted by humans.
A brief list of things I liked :
1. Wealth of Colours : The usage of colour to describe sky, mood and people gives a magnificent imagery and metaphorical opening to the story.
2. The Parallels between Leisel-Max, Hans-Erik and Rudy-Tommy. And their friendship in war time.
3. Book Stealing : Ilsa Hermann left her library's window open so that Leisel could secretly take away (read as steal) whichever book she wished to.
4. Max making and writing books for Leisel for her birthday and Christmas.
5. Hans being a better father than a foster father.
6. The fast and blunt death of everybody but Leisel.
7. Death always being haunted by humans.
This book is about Death, narratoring the story of his three encounters, with Leisel. As Death constantly tries to understand humans, he explains how humans tire him. Humans tire him by killing others in mass numbers and making it difficult for Death to carry them in his arms. But he constantly works harder and harder while he is gets more and more haunted by humans.
A brief list of things I liked :
1. Wealth of Colours : The usage of colour to describe sky, mood and people gives a magnificent imagery and metaphorical opening to the story.
2. The Parallels between Leisel-Max, Hans-Erik and Rudy-Tommy. And their friendship in war time.
3. Book Stealing : Ilsa Hermann left her library's window open so that Leisel could secretly take away (read as steal) whichever book she wished to.
4. Max making and writing books for Leisel for her birthday and Christmas.
5. Hans being a better father than a foster father.
6. The fast and blunt death of everybody but Leisel.
7. Death always being haunted by humans.
February 18, 2023
4/5 ⭐️
A story about a young girl who lost her brother at a young age and was traumatized then was given for adoption and adopted by an old couple. The story was about her life with her new family at Himmel street, friendship, the jews, the nazi party…etc.
The ending wrecked me ,truly wrecked me :’|
I will always remember Hans ( best father ever)
Rudy ( best friend in crime )
Rosa
Max (best brother figure)
And lastly liesle
A story about a young girl who lost her brother at a young age and was traumatized then was given for adoption and adopted by an old couple. The story was about her life with her new family at Himmel street, friendship, the jews, the nazi party…etc.
The ending wrecked me ,truly wrecked me :’|
I will always remember Hans ( best father ever)
Rudy ( best friend in crime )
Rosa
Max (best brother figure)
And lastly liesle
December 2, 2019
قلبم پاره پاره ست و درد مى كنه، از حجم غمشون. براى همه شون. براى رودى، براى مكس، هانس و رزا، تامى مولِر، الكس اشتاينر، و حتا پسرِ خانم هرمان.
... و بيشتر از همه، براى ليزل.
... و بيشتر از همه، براى ليزل.
July 14, 2021
omfg what the fuck i’m so sad
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