Review: The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book Thief is a much read and reviewed book. I do admit to feeling a little silly for – reading it very late and more so for writing a review! The book’s story is quite obviously its biggest strength, as also the courage & values of its main characters. You cannot but help being transported to those difficult times in Germany during the Second World War.

Liesel is the lead character of the book who travels with her mother and brother to the town of Molching. Her brother dies tragically during the journey and this is when she comes across the book “The Gravedigger’s handbook” which she whisks away. She is adopted by Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Hans, in particular, is very sensitive to her state of mind and takes care to allow her to settle in. Liesel develops an interest in reading and is taking away books during burning events and even the Mayor’s place. She develops a close friendship with Rudy. The family hide a young Jewish man Max in their basement. Liesel & Max form a sense of bonding – each with their own personal pains & nightmares.

As the war enters its final phase, with Germany facing defeat, the hardships of the family increase. Quite expectedly, there is a toll in terms of human life.

The book features very strong value based characters in Liesel, Hans, Rudy and Max. There are various parts of the story which are very moving – Liesel’s personal tragic / pain and nightmares, Max’s situation & thoughts, Hans standing up for his values, and the trauma they face. The narration of the story by Death adds a further dimension allowing expression of some very striking thoughts & passages. I found the references to ‘book thief’ to be a little forced though and the book could have been crisper.

This is a very powerful story with characters, their values, approach to life and pain which will stay with you for long.

My rating: 4.5 / 5.


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