Book Review: The Book Thief

                                                            

Author Markus Zusak published his mesmerizing and heart-tugging #1 New York Times bestseller The Book Thief in early 2006. The story is set in 1939 Nazi Germany and follows a young foster girl named Liesel Meminger who discovers a passionate love for books when she steals The Grave Digger’s Handbook.  Soon, she begins stealing books from the mayor’s wife’s library, Nazi book-burnings, and wherever there are books to be found.

For readers that enjoy fast-paced plotlines and sudden action, this is not the novel for you. Zusak’s writing mimics the happenings of life, which do not occur all at once. There is a sort of gentle patience to his voice. Though not fast-paced, the plot is surely woven gorgeously and intensely.

The most fantastical detail about this novel is definitely its narrator: Death. Though I will try my very best to avoid spoiling the story for you, Death isn’t as kind. He has little time for building suspense and mystery, revealing at times certain characters that will join him. Though this might seem frustrating at times, you must remember that it’s Death. What else does he have to talk about?

The critically acclaimed novel has achieved an extensive number of awards such as the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award, Publishers Weekly Best Children Book of the Year Award, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year Award, Book Sense Book of the Year Award, ALA Best Books for Young Adults Award and more.

Director Brain Percival and scriptwriter Michael Petroni adapted the novel into a film. The film was released on Nov. 19, featuring renowned actors like Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson.

If you’re searching for a heartfelt and tear-jerking novel for the Christmas season, then Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief is sure to exceed your expectations.