The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief
Author:Markus Zusak
Publisher: Definitions
Publication Date: 14 March 2006
Available Editions: Paperback, EBook, Audiobook.



Book Synopsis:
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...

Review:

Thankfully after learning German for 2 years and spending 11 days in Austria, I managed to read and understand all of the German phrases in the book without needing their translation, This includes all of the not so in class teachable words and Phrases.

The majority of the novel takes place in the fictional town of Molching, Germany, near Munich, between 1939 and 1943. The story of Liesel Meminger is narrated by Death, at the beginning Liesel is nine years old and suffering from the death of her brother and separation from her mother. Liesel goes to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann at 33 Himmel Street in Molching. When Liesel arrives, she can't read and is made fun of in school. She realizes how powerless she is without words, and so Hans, a painter and accordion player, teaches her how to read during midnight lessons in the basement, reading from the book Liesel took from her brother's burial: The Grave Digger's Handbook.

The Grave Digger's Handbook is the very beginning of the thievery, but it is not the only thing Liesel takes. Often throughout the book Liesel is with a young blonde boy called Rudy who is also her neighbour and fellow classmate and football team member.

I have to admit I saw the film before reading the book, but I have to say I do prefer the book, somehow it just seemed better, there were things the film never had and the book just seemed overall better. The one thing I found a little weird were the random little facts that were on the pages every now and then, they were useful when it came to understand what was happening but I just though it better of written them into the story instead of just having a small list of facts on a page and then continuing the story.

Overall it was a touching book, a very great read and a book worth reading cuddled up in the corner with. Anyone out there who wants to experience the book after seeing the film or just want to pass time with reading. I must say I give it a 4.8 out of 5 and must also say that it isn't exactly a quick read but it is worth the time you put into reading it.