The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

[Sugar]

Book Title The Book Thief
Author Markus Zusak
Publisher Random House

Synopsis "When Death tells a story, you really have to listen"

It is 1939, Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. By her brother's graveside, Liesel Meminger's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is "The Gravedigger's Handbook", left there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her foster father, learns to read. Soon, she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found. But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

Narrated by Death, The Book Thief is a story about the power of words and the ability of books to feed the soul.

My thoughts This book will probably appeal to those of you waxing lyrical on The Boy in the Striped Pajamas thread! First published in Australia in 2005, I am amazed that it has taken so long to reach the US and the UK. Originally written as a novel for Young Adults it has been simultaneously published with a "Young" cover and an "adult" cover.

Set in Germany, I was horrified that it had never occured to me that the German population had to endure rationing, hiding in air-raid shelters all night and all the other horrors that Britain had to cope with. It really highlighted to me that propaganda is still as rife in our history lessons and British re-tellings as it was during the war itself.

Liesel is a fantastic character, strong-willed and able to stand up for herself, but clearly very unsure about life and how best to approach it. Her friendship with Rudy, her next door neighbour is well imagined and touching. For me they were certainly the best thing about the book.

I started reading it a couple of weeks ago, and found that it needed some perseverance for me to get into it. I found some of the use of German irritating, Zusak often uses basic phrases, and then repeats them in English later in the sentence to allow translation. Death, as a narrative voice, was appealing and humourous but wasn't strictly chronological, revealing pointers about the ending that don't necessarily materialise!

It is certainly not a comfortable read. But to give it credit, I was in tears as I read the final chapters this afternoon (something that John Boyne didn't achieve with Striped Pajamas).

It's also not a book that is suitable for taking on the train with you - currently only available in hardback, and weighing in at 584 pages, you need as much physical strength to read it as mental strength.

But it is worth the perseverance and the muscle building, as it is a rewarding read with some very interesting points to make.

[Icecream]

Sounds good Sugar. Might have to add this to the TBR list.

[JudyB]

Think I'll put this on my LibraryThing wishlist - thanks.

[Lilywhite]

We bought this one last week as I kept picking it up in Waterstones. Saw it in Borders though at half price for one day only, and I got a free bag with it! It just looked so interesting that I kept going back to it, however, it was the size that made me hesitate. Still, it's on my TBR pile now, along with The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and I'm looking forward to reading them both.

[Gyre]

Great review Sugar,

Taking note of this title :D

[Sugar]

I'm looking forward to hearing what someone else who has read it thinks.

Lilywhite - don't be too put off by the size - it is remarkably quick to read once you get going.

[lovesreading06]

Sorry for bringing this back up.

I reserved this book at the libray. There is some amount of pages but the one i'm reading at the mo has more pages.

I did use some other sites and there said it was a good book.

Have anyone of you read Shadow of the wind? I tried but it use fancy words. I might try again later. My dad reading it at the moment.

[Gyre]

I bought this about 2 weeks ago and I still haven't started it.

I have not read 'Shadow of the wind', I keep meaning to buy it, sorry Lovesreading. :D

[JudyB]

I have not read 'Shadow of the wind', I keep meaning to buy it, sorry Lovesreading. :D


Funnily enough this is a book which induces guilt in me everytime I see it because I haven't read it yet. I think it looks good and my mum who's read it recommended it to me. I know very little about Spain and suspect this book would teach me something - think this is where the guilt thing is coming from!

[KW]

I've read all of ( and raved about all of ) Markus Z's other books but this one was too slow for me and I could not perservere to the end, SIGH> But I still adore him and his work.

KW

[Nici76]

I've read all of ( and raved about all of ) Markus Z's other books but this one was too slow for me and I could not perservere to the end, SIGH> But I still adore him and his work.

KW

I struggled with it as well :cry: but i will try again

[lovesreading06]

My dad might like the book thief as well cos he reading shadow of the wind at the mo.

My mum might read it after him and then i might try it again.

[Gyre]

I can't put the book now, its a wonderful read so far. :D

[Gyre]

I finished 'The Book Thief' and I thought it was excellent, very thought provoking, a fantastic read.

:D

[wrathofkublakhan]

Well done on the review!

Now, I want to do a little work-out reading this book.

[SteffieB]

Great review! I am in love with this book for exactly the reason you mentioned..sure is mind-opening. So thoughtfully written, heartbreaking, and funny, too. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get into the style at first, but I ended up falling in love and in the end I ran right out and bought copies for my family to read. Then I went and got The Messenger, and liked that one, too.

[JudyB]

I thought it was a beautiful book - one of my favourites of this year. Can't wait to give The Messenger a try - unfortunately the library doesn't stock it - might have to get my purse out for a change!

[lovesreading06]

I thought it was a beautiful book - one of my favourites of this year. Can't wait to give The Messenger a try - unfortunately the library doesn't stock it - might have to get my purse out for a change!

I did a serch for it and it came up with this I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.

Snap my library doesn't do it either so i have to spend money on it. Its looks a good book.

[JudyB]

Snap my library doesn't do it either so i have to spend money on it. Its looks a good book.


You may be able to ask the library to buy it - I've put it forward for book suggestions (via the website available to the public) - I think that as people read The Book Thief they will want to read other books by Markus Zusak.

[lovesreading06]

before i do that is it called The messenger or is it called I am the messenger?

[JudyB]

I am the Messenger

[princessponti]

It's a great review Sugar! You cover everything that I would have said about this book! I loved it, I too had no idea that the ordinary citizens of Germany suffered in much the same way as the allies. From the default notion of Nazi Germany in my head, all of the Germans are dedicated followers of Hitler; ridiculous thinking! I'm so pleased that I read this book for opening my naive eyes at the very least.

I really enjoyed the narrative by Death, I loved that he tells you early on what will happen at the end, so that you know all the way through, and expect all the way through for things to happen but are still surprised and moved when they do happen. I loved his unique perspective on the world ..when he is on the roof of the gas chamber collecting souls, it completely broke my heart

The friendship between Liselle and Rudy was truely beautiful, as was her relationship with Max and her papa.

...it's late! I want to write more but my brain isn't working!! Bah!!

Ultimately this book touched my emotions and broke my heart, for many reasons - it was a great read.

[Gyre]

Me again, I loved this book, it was so lovely, and parts of it were heartbreaking, I actually had tears in my eyes at the end.

[princessponti]

Me again, I loved this book, it was so lovely, and parts of it were heartbreaking, I actually had tears in my eyes at the end.

I think I went over the top - I sobbed for about an hour once I'd finished! I had to call Johnny at some ridiculous hour of the night for comfort!! ...incredible considering you knew from the beginning how it was going to turn out!! I think it was the fact that they never kissed that broke my heart the most, hopeless romantic that I am!

[Gyre]

Me too Princess, me too x

[JudyB]

The best book I've read this year - heartbreaking, thought provoking and beautiful.

[Gyre]

The best book I've read this year - heartbreaking, thought provoking and beautiful.

Very well put Judy and very true, just a lovely book x

[Liz]

I really feel that I should read this book. All of your comments are really encouraging me to give it a go. :smile2:

[Gyre]

I really feel that I should read this book. All of your comments are really encouraging me to give it a go. :smile2:

Liz, you can have mines, its just that it is hardback, a bit big for your bag, but the offer is there, I would love you to read it. x

[Liz]

Thanks for the kind offer, Gyre, but a friend of mine has a copy of the book so I am going to be able to borrow their's.

But thankyou so much, Gyre. :friends0:

[kateleopald]

would reccommend this book too. one of those books you're still thinking about long after you've read

[The Library Nook]

I have just finished this book and loved it. I was worried because it took me ages to get into it but by the end I have to admit I was having a bit of a blub.

[princessponti]

I have just finished this book and loved it. I was worried because it took me ages to get into it but by the end I have to admit I was having a bit of a blub.

I'm glad you liked it!!! ... I don't see how anyone could NOT blub.. it was soooo sad!!

[JudyB]

Liz, you can have mines, its just that it is hardback, a bit big for your bag, but the offer is there, I would love you to read it. x

Tesco's are selling it in paperback - still quite big but definately lighter - there's also some extra stuff.

[princessponti]

Extra stuff!!! No!!! Like what? :(

[JudyB]

Just off to check ...

[JudyB]

There's a few pages of comments from the author - hmm have also noticed for the first time the Tesco logo printed on it - hmmm.:irked:

[princessponti]

O no! How awful!!! A tesco branded novel!

...I'll have to have a read next time I'm in tesco's :smile2: ..much cheaper than buying another edition! ...thanks for looking it up Judy x

[JudyB]

Tesco and The Book Thief just don't go together.

[Mia]

For anyone who's interested, The Book Thief is in the latest Red House catalogue for £4.99 (paperback) with free delivery. :)

[!!Ann!!]

I loved this book. I listened to it on CD from the library, and I didn't get anything else done for days. I also read I Am the Messenger, but I didn't really like it.

[Janet]

I bought my copy of The Book Thief in Tesco and it's only branded on the inside cover - the stickers on the front of mine peeled off!

It was only £4, so £3.60 for me!

I loved it! It was absolutely fantastic - one of those books that you can't stop reading... and yet you don't want it to end either.

Definitely a 10/10 for me.

[JudyB]

I bought my copy of The Book Thief in Tesco and it's only branded on the inside cover - the stickers on the front of mine peeled off!



Have you checked the back?

[Janet]

I read the back several times but I can't say I noticed a Tesco logo there. However, as I work there and have seen it so often, it's likely that I probably looked straight at it without seeing it! :lol:

The book is at my Mum's house so I can't check.

[happyanddandy]

I'm about halfway through where the mayor's wife no longer wants her washing done by Rosa and Liesel loses her temper - I was sitting in the car today waiting for my son so engrossed in the book that I felt stressed wanting to shout no! don't shout at the woman in case she makes waves for you and holding my breath!! I felt a bit silly :mrgreen:

[JudyB]

It's wonderful stuff isn't it!

[Janet]

I was late for my college class last Thursday because I had nearly finished so I got to college early to read and lost track of time! :lol:

[happyanddandy]

Just finished with a lump in my throat. I am so glad Max was alive, I was hoping that he would be but when he was going to Dachau I gave up. So glad I persisted after a very odd start.Rudy is my favourite character. I could almost hear his belly rumbling with hunger!!

[Inver]

My sis is reading this at the moment and was finding it difficult to get into but now she is enjoying it.....maybe I should warn her about getting the tissues ready for the end:roll: One I will know doubt be borrowing.

[happyanddandy]

OH is currently engrossed too!!

[kitty_kitty]

I have just got this out of the library

[pickwick]

I've just finished reading The Book Thief ,and absolutely loved it.It is a very emotional book to read and beautifully written.

[kitty_kitty]

I am reading this book and loving it so much so i nearly missed my bus stop

[Gyre]

It really is a book to treasure isn't it? :D

[kitty_kitty]

I loved it especially the parts narrated by death and how he handles peoples souls - i loved it

[Esiotrot]

Great review Sugar :friends0:

I was also shocked that I hadnt realised that the people of German had to endure the war as much as British people.

I loved the relationships Liesel formed especially with Rudy, Hans, Max and the narrator.
The Narrators devestation at removing the souls of Leisel's nearest and dearest and the tenderness with which he removed Rudy's soul was heartbreaking.


I was so pleased that Leisel and Max both survived but the nosey parker is desperate to know what happened to Max

A piece of imagery I have reread over and over -
When Michael Holtzapfel was discovered ~
Another human pendulum. Another clock, stopped.



Although slow to start The Book Thief is an amazing book which had me in tears for the last 20 mins - I will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.

Kx

[Davo]

Just finished reading it and wow! what a book. Best book I have read this year. I would certainly recommend it :D

[Esiotrot]

Glad you enjoyed it Davo, such a good book!
Kx

[burghead lass]

I am read that book at the moment and I am not too sure wether iI like it ore not can't make up my mind .

[Esiotrot]

Stick with it Heather, I felt like that for a wee while but its worth it
:friends0:
Kx

[lovesreading06]

Does anyone know when I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak is realesed in u.k?

[Gyre]

Hi Lovesreading,

According to amazon it has been released.:D

Click here (http://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Am-Messenger-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375836675/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208892693&sr=8-1)

[lovesreading06]

Its been out in austraila and that proplary people that got copies abroad. I don't like amazon.

[Gyre]

Fair enough:D

Fantastic Fiction have it Lovesreading:D

Fantastic Fiction - I am the messenger-click here (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/z/markus-zusak/i-am-messenger.htm)

[lovesreading06]

There all usa editons.

[Gyre]

I found this copy on ebay Lovesreading, its from the usa but it is shipped from the uk:D

Click here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/I-Am-the-Messenger-Zusak-Markus_W0QQitemZ300214904635QQihZ020QQcategoryZ274 QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp16 38Q2em118Q2el1247)

[pontalba]

Nice review Sugar. :)
I really didn't care for the book though, first I believe because I had not realized it was a "young adult" book and secondly I have read so much regarding WWII, the European Theatre, that this one seemed so very mild compared to those. But I don't even think the mildness [to me] was the key reason for my not caring for it. I just didn't care for the style of writing. I found it rather bland.

I have liked young adult books in the recent past, but only on subject I was not familiar with to begin. So I would say this was a good introductory piece of fiction for that particular era.

[Kylie]

I'm hoping to start this in the next few days. I hadn't realised it was more aimed at young adults so I'll keep that in mind. I really, really hope I'm not disappointed by this book with all the rave reviews I've read. I'll try to lower my expectations a great deal before I start it. :smile2:

[Laa Laa]

I finished reading this book last night and have only just stopped blubbing! When Leisel told her Mama's body that she liked it when she was rude to the neighbours when Leisel first arrived is when I started blubbing. Also, when she kissed Rudy. What a beautiful book. I loved it and read it very quickly (for me).

Read it you Saumensch!

[kb.marsh]

Ooo this is on my shelf, I'm glad you enjoyed it, means I'm now more excited about reading it!

[prospero]

I've been on my second read of this for months now. It took me a couple of weeks the first time as it was a library book, then I brought my own copy to read again as I thought, "Maybe I just didn't get it the first time round." And it wasn't bad. I just didn't see what all the fuss was about.

And I still don't, to be honest. I'm fighting to get through it.

[Louiseog]

I've been on my second read of this for months now. It took me a couple of weeks the first time as it was a library book, then I brought my own copy to read again as I thought, "Maybe I just didn't get it the first time round." And it wasn't bad. I just didn't see what all the fuss was about.

And I still don't, to be honest. I'm fighting to get through it.
Tha's exactly what I thought, just couldn't get into it at all, gave up and really didn't want to

[kb.marsh]

Hmm thats not so promising. Maybe I'll read it next and see who I agree with

[prospero]

I'm glad I bought my copy anyway, because if the author photo is anything to go by, Zusak as GAWJUS!!!

*swoon*

signed,

prospero, an aussiephiliac.

[Kylie]

prospero, an aussiephiliac.

Stay away from me! <makes sign to ward off evil>

I'm just over halfway through. It's a surprisingly quick read and I'm really enjoying it so far. :D

[prospero]

Stay away from me! <makes sign to ward off evil>

I'm just over halfway through. It's a surprisingly quick read and I'm really enjoying it so far. :D

You're not my type. This is because you are not:

Ian Thorpe
Darren Hayes - Yes I know, I know
Adam Garcia
Markus Zusak
Neil Robertson or
Hugh Jackman.

If I am wrong about this, have yourself washed and report to my tent.

What?

Oh, the book. Yeah.

You're at the point where I'm stuck at the moment, Kylie. I'll probably whizz through the second half when I get going, but I keep looking at it thinking, I just can't be bothered with you.

Maybe it's 'cause the author photo's on the inside front cover. I get distracted before I even hit the story.

[ii]

Stay away from me! <makes sign to ward off evil>

I'm just over halfway through.

The men??

What book? Oooh, right. Sorry. This title makes me think that BF could write a book called The Clothes Thief about me, given the number of his clothes that have "mysteriously disappeared" while he'd stayed with me. It's not my fault, really, my closet eats clothes. Keeps it big and happy.

[prospero]

Purely in the name of getting this thread back on topic, we are talking about the works of this man, people! :-
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/images/markus_photo.jpg

[Kylie]

You're not my type.

Fine! :tong:

You're at the point where I'm stuck at the moment, Kylie. I'll probably whizz through the second half when I get going, but I keep looking at it thinking, I just can't be bothered with you.

Maybe it's 'cause the author photo's on the inside front cover. I get distracted before I even hit the story.

Is the second half any better/worse than the first half?

Do you use a bookmark? Because if so, you shouldn't need to get to your place in the book via the inside front cover - you can just open straight to the page (no excuses!)

The men??

You have a dirty mind, ii :lol:

[prospero]

Yes I do use a bookmark, and my only excuse for gazing at the author photo is...um...I want to.

[Kylie]

I finished reading The Book Thief about an hour ago and, of course, bawled my eyes out. :weeping: Terrific read - the kind of gem that reminds me just why I love reading so much. I'll post a proper review later.

[Carica]

I'm gonna agree with those who didn't like it/didn't get into it. I read the whole thing and thought it ill-written and cliched in the extreme. The character of Death had very little to do, and very little connection to the main character: there was nothing that made her any more special to Death than any other child living through the War and the Holocaust. Death's little interjections were darn irritating and smelled of gimmickry.

For such a long book, why the heck did the girl not kiss the boy? She put it off so many times, in really artificial ways, just so the reader could get the pathos of the ending of that situation. And the descriptions were so 'purple prose' you needed a filter to read them. Fine metaphorical words about the sky or about the process of reading do not a great novel make. There are good books written for the YA readership (and older) about WW2 (and from various perspectives) but this was the most codswallopy of the dozen or so I've read. Its sentiment and storyline was admirable but the execution was sentimental, IMO.

[Kylie]

Death's little interjections were darn irritating and smelled of gimmickry.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the book Carica. I thought at first that Death's little asides would be distracting, but actually I quite liked them.

I thought it was a brilliant piece of work for young adults :mrgreen: To each their own!

[Gyre]

'The Book Thief' is a book you either love or hate and I loved it, I thought it was a beautiful book, truly beautiful :)

[prospero]

Just to be contrary...I felt 'meh' about it. Not bad, not the greatest either. It feels a bit Emperor's-New-Clothesy to me. *shrug*

[Kylie]

I'm telling Zusak you said that :tong:

I didn't think it was any more 'show-offy' or cliched than any other book that's been written recently. Although I must admit I got a little bit sick of all the 'he threw the words at her feet', 'the words landed on the table' etc. Cute in the first one or two instances but after that it was distracting and a little annoying.

[Carica]

Yes. those phrases are exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of.
And "Emperor's New Clothes" fits too. I can think of plenty of books written recently that aren't cliched.

[slywaka1]

Wow, with all those mixed reviews I might have to move it up my TBR pile and give it a go next!!

Anna

[kb.marsh]

Wow, with all those mixed reviews I might have to move it up my TBR pile and give it a go next!!

Anna

Yeah I've started to think that too Anna

[Antoinette]

I loved it! Whether it was cliched, came from an obvious creative writing class or not it was and probably always be one of the most thought provoking, tender, lovely books I've ever read.

[Enthusiast]

I started it today. :)

[radjack]

I started it today. :)


I finished today and i have to tell you this was the best book i have ever read!
10/10

[Enthusiast]

Well.. tell a lie, I started it but probably wont read it yet because I'm finishing the book i'm reading now. :)

[elizabeth Chadwick]

I found it a slow read, not in a derogatory way, but in a sense of being thoughtful and moving. I also didn't know much about the setting - ordinary people in WWII Germany so I found that engrossing too. I'd give it a creditable 8.5 out of 10 and a strong 4 stars were I to give it an Amazon ranking.

[princessponti]

If I am wrong about this, have yourself washed and report to my tent.

What?




LOL!!! lolololol!! ...that creates a wonderful image!!!

xx :lol:

[Maureen]

I finished this today. At first I found it a bit difficult to get into - especially the fact that death is the narrator but after the first couple of chapters I found myself enjoying it.

(An aside) Again as whenever I read something about the Halocaust, I wonder how a (small) insignificant looking man like Hitler, could affect the whole world like he did - the way everyone ended up singing to his tune - and for such a long period of time.

[slywaka1]

I just finished this on Friday night and on teh whole I eally enjoyed it. I found that it was quite slow, in a good way- I didn't find myself racing through it and therefore missing bits.

The only thing that slightly annoyed me was the frequency of occasions when objects were doing the actions. (There's a term for that but I can't think of it.) I've not got the book with me but from memory the first time I noticed was page 49 (I think) when 'a dressing gown stood' meaning (As I took it) in Liesl's eyes her foster mother's most noticable point was that she wore a large dressing gown, which overtook this first impression of her.

The first time I noticed this I found it quite endearing and child-like, but I started to notice it every few pages, even when it was seen from Death's, rather than Liesl's, point of view, and in the end I just found it quite unnecessary, like it was a deliberate attempt by the author to write in this way. Which is fine, it was just a bit much, I thought.

Also, what does 'the cupboards were the shape of guilt' mean???

Anna

[Simonsays]

Great book. Really enjoyed it and would reccommend.

[shirleyz]

this is definitely one of the best books i've read for a while. I am always moved by stories of the holocaust, but I found this narrative to be really in touch with reality, as if seen through a child's eyes... the fact that the narrator was Death - I found that completely original

[lovesreading06]

I thought this was classed as adult fiction but in a book shop its was under children section.

[princessponti]

I think it comes under Young Adult...

[lovesreading06]

ok thanks my library has it under adult fiction that was why i thought it was for adults.

[Julia The Bookworm]

1939 - Nazi Germany - The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier. Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall. Some important information - this novel is narrated by death. It's a small story, about: a girl; an accordionist; some fanatical Germans; a Jewish fist fighter; and quite a lot of thievery. Another thing you should know - death will visit the book thief three times.

Anyone read it? Any opinions?

I personally LOVED this book, a real page-turner which i couldn't put down with a really unique story. I cried at the end.