This book is like nothing I have ever read before. Markus Zusak is an incredibly talented Australian author, and has written a very unique, captivating, story based in Germany during the Nazi era.
The book is narrated by "Death" yes that's right, Death itself, the Grim Reaper, is actually telling the story from his perspective.
Liesel and her younger brother, are put up for adoption by their mother, Liesel is on a train ride to Munich with her brother and mother, to prepare for the adoption, when her brother passes away. This moment haunts Liesel and keeps her awake with nightmares most nights. When Liesel is watching her brother being buried, she spies a book on the ground, Liesel quickly snatches it and hides it on her person, it is her that Liesel's love and fascination with books and reading begins. The book Liesel steal is "The gravediggers handbook" it is not the words, the story, or the information provided within this book, that captures Liesel's interest. It is purely that book itself that Liesel loves.
Liesel is adopted by Hans Huberman and his is wife, Hans is a very kind man, and gets up and supports Liesel during the night when she is suffering from these dreadful nightmares. It is during these late nights, down in the cold dark basement that Hans teaches Liesel to read and write.
Liesel befriends the boy next door Rudy, the pair get up to much mischief together, but they also a good support to one another during the horrible times of Hitler.
Liesel's story is my favourite, It is a book I will re-visit time and time again. I do not wish to give away too much of the story, as I suggest to any reader, to sit back and relax and dive deep into The Book Thief. It is a story that will stay with you forever.
5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, well-researched, entertaining and/or moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author.
