The Book Thief, a book review!

Book: The Book Thief

Release date: March 14, 2006

Genre: Historical fiction

Author: Markus Zusak

Pages: 550

Publisher : Knopf

Stars:  ★★★★★

    Markus Zusak an Australian author also known for "The Messenger" got his inspiration for The Book Thief through his parents who are both Germans. The Book Thief was featured on " The New York Times Best Seller" list for over 250 weeks. The novel was translated in 40 languages and has an international success. In 2013, a film adaptation starring Sophie Nélisse, a Quebecer actress hit theatres. 

    The novel takes place during World War II. It's the story of Liesel Meminger, a young German whose childhood is marked by war. Young Lisel and her brother is sent by their mother to a foster home. During the trip, Liesel's brother died of cold and poverty. During the funeral, Liesel steals her first book. The only problem is that she can't read.

   She arrives on 33 Himmel street and meets her foster parents, Hans a painter and Rosa Hubermann who washes clothes for the wealthy crowd. She also meets Rudy Steiner who will become her best friend and accomplice during her thievery. 

    Each night, Liesel has nightmares about the death of her brother and it's Hans, her foster father who comforts her. Later in the book, they will use that time to teach her how to read and write. 

    Liesel doesn't have time to get bored in her new town. She plays soccer on the street, she helps Rosa with the laundry, she steals more books with Rudy, she's learning new words with Hans and there's even a Jewish hiding in the basement. 

    The war is getting closer to Himmel street and poverty is becoming a problem. What will happen to Liesel?

    I really loved this novel. First of all, the narrator was "the Death". Yes, the character we picture dressed in a long hooded robe. I thought it was a very unique choice. Death would always spoil us what was going to happen. However, instead of ruining the book, it would only build anticipation. Great narrator's choice from Zusak. 

    Moreover, I really liked this book because we could finally see another point of view of World War II. For once, it wasn't a book about Jews or about Hitler lovers. Liesel wasn't Jewish but she still lived in poverty and there were even some air raids which she had to hide in a basement. 

    I also loved this book because of the characters. I easily got attached to them especially Liesel. Imagine a young German who lost her brother, who became an orphan, who has new parents, a new home, a new school, a new neighborhood, some new friends and war is happening. I believe that when a book is more voluminous, you have more time to get attached to the characters and live emotions. This book made me smile and cry. I also got attached really fast with Liesel because of her adoration for books. For her, books are treasures. I think I can relate to her in that way. In the basement during the raids, she would read to ease the tention. I really liked that she could use a book to calm everyone. Books are like a confort for her. 

    In other words, this book was brilliant, Markus Zusak created a masterpiece. The narrator is unique. You will get attached to the characters. You will live emotions. Definitly one of my favorite novels!