Sugar Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icecream Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Sounds good Sugar. Might have to add this to the TBR list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Think I'll put this on my LibraryThing wishlist - thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilywhite Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 Great review Sugar, Taking note of this title Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugar Posted February 11, 2007 Author Share Posted February 11, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 I have not read 'Shadow of the wind', I keep meaning to buy it, sorry Lovesreading. 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KW Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nici Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 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 but i will try again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted March 11, 2007 Share Posted March 11, 2007 I can't put the book now, its a wonderful read so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 I finished 'The Book Thief' and I thought it was excellent, very thought provoking, a fantastic read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrathofkublakhan Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Well done on the review! Now, I want to do a little work-out reading this book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteffieB Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I am the Messenger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessponti Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessponti Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 Me too Princess, me too x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 The best book I've read this year - heartbreaking, thought provoking and beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I really feel that I should read this book. All of your comments are really encouraging me to give it a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I really feel that I should read this book. All of your comments are really encouraging me to give it a go. 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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