The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
Subjects
- History Time - blasts from the past
- Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills
Average rating
SPECIAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION with exclusive extra behind-the-scenes material from the author
It is 1939. In Nazi Germany, the country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier – and will become busier still.
By her brother’s graveside, Liesel’s life is changed forever when she picks up a single object, abandoned in the snow. It is The Gravedigger’s Handbook, and this is her first act of book thievery. So begins Liesel’s love affair with books and words, and soon she is stealing from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library . . . wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times, and when Liesel’s foster family hides a Jew in their basement, nothing will ever be the same again.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.
Now a major film from Twentieth-Century Fox starring Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson.
Reviews
My fave
Baroness Candyfloss Aardvark 28.08.2024
Star Reviewer
It is about a girl called Liesel, who grows up in Germany during WW2, She is forced to grow up a couple who take care of children. She meets lots of new people and makes new friends. It ends with the city being bombed, by the British. It was fascinating to how Zusak depicts WW2 Germany, as we normally study British history, but seeing this gives a new perspective of a different time and place.
Inspector Rip Washington 23.03.2024
It was very descriptive of Germany during World War Two. I like Rudy (The boy) in the story. I would definitely recommend it to someone else. Great Read!
Earl Zeus Jellybaby 19.01.2024
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak follows the life of a girl called Liesel, who has an immense love for books. Liesel and those around her struggle to make ends meet in Nazi-occupied Germany, where food is scarce and people are treated inhumanely. However, Liesel's humble and quiet lifestyle is lightened up by Rudy, her best friend. As Liesel and Rudy work together to thrive in their harsh environment, Liesel unwillingly gains the title of The Book Thief. The novel is a coming-of-age story full of hope and adventure, and of course, books.
Anonymous 23.06.2023
It was good
Anonymous 17.06.2022
OMG! This is honestly the best book I have ever read! Highly recommend.
Anonymous 29.05.2022
I have read this book twice now, even though it has 551 pages. It is so engaging. Based on a real life story of Liesl in the Second World War. This book is informative, engaging, sad but exciting too. I cannot recommend this enough to people that are interested in history, reading and real life stories.
Doctor Tuesday Starlight 15.08.2021
This book is so superbly written that I felt I knew each and every character. The only downside is that it had to end! I miss reading this book. This is the best historic novel I've read and the perspective is truly amazing! It's a book that made me cry. It's a book that made me think. some may say that the writing style is ridiculous, but I believe that is its charm as I’ve yet to find a book written quite as ridiculous with as much as a interesting plot as this one has. Overall I would rate it 8/10, and recommend it to anyone aged 13 and upwards, as it is a serious story, and may not be fully understood by those younger.
Anonymous 05.08.2021
I thought the book was amazing! it was filled with laughter, happiness and brutality. The characters were so beautifully written in there own ways and it made me feel like I was part of the book itself and as if I were never in reality but, drawn like a moth to a flame, in this masterpiece. The person I liked best was either Rudy or Hans Humberman which was Liesel's father as they made me giggle in my seat as I read every line they ever said. I would definitely recommend this book to somebody who loves fiction, world war II and who loves a girl that's loves to read and steal books.
Anonymous 02.08.2021
This amazing book is truly an emotional rollercoaster. It is about Leisel Meminger, a girl who has foster parents named Hans Hubermann, and Rosa Hubermann. Soon, a Jew comes along and all of Leisel's families' lives are on the line. War happens and Death the narrator is picking up more souls than ever. It is beautiful, fierce, passionate, sorrowful all in one. I recommend this book for 5+. A truly emotional rollercoaster with meaningful lessons. A definite 5/5.
Explorer Itchy Legend 16.07.2021
A fantastic but quite sad book.
Professor Crocodile Washington 10.06.2021
This book is a very beautiful yet tragic book,it captured aspects of the Holocaust and WWll and crammed them into this gripping yet heart-breaking novel.I have to admit I have cried multiple times reading this beautiful story it l put me on a literally emotional roller-coaster.You can just tell by the writing that the author took so much time on it.It gave many amazing lessons.This book follows the life of Leisel Meminger,a girl who surrendered to foster care by her own mother.This story takes place during WWll,but it isn't your typical historian fiction. Leisel is not Jewish. She lives in a street full of Nazis,goes to school of Nazis,and attends Hitlers Youth meetings often. As her life encounters one disaster after another,one constantly shines through her love of books.The story is narrated by DEATH itself!It follows an amazing story about a young girl whose life is shadowed by death and tragedy and loss,but also love,joy and the adventure of theivery. Words worth reading.
Mademoiselle Morgana Owl 29.01.2021
I think it was very good but a little bit sad. I liked how death narrated the story and how it was set in a war.That made it exiting and it was very inspirational and dramatic
Empress Diamond Volcano 01.09.2020
briliant!
Commander Poseidon Pineapple 25.08.2020
A heart-breaking book about the Second World War. Liesel is an evacuee separated from her family who is sent to live with foster parents. One day she and her boyfriend spot a book and plate of cookies, which Liesel decides to steal. She begins to grow a love for books so steals more. One day as she is reading in the basement, a bomb falls nearby and she is the only survivor. These were the words that saved her life! My favourite character was Liesel because even though she didn’t speak German she showed affection to everyone. I really enjoyed this book- I would give it more stars if possible. I would recommend this to all ages because it is such a wonderfully told, emotional novel.
Lady Cupcake Ketchup 16.07.2020
This book is great and it makes you feel like you are Leisel (the main girl in the book) and what it feels like in Nazi Germany during WW2. Unfortunately, her parents are sent away and death approaches her loved ones. It is a sad and heart-breaking story about a young girl called Leisel and I would recommend this book to people.
Anonymous 15.07.2020
It was a very good book I liked it a lot. This was also the longest book I've read
Nurse Cynthia Hedgehog 29.06.2020
