Historical Fiction

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Bibliographic Information: Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007. Print. ISNB: 978-0375842207; paperback; $7.79.

Review: The Book Thief is the story of Liesel Meminger, the title character, and her life in the home of Papa and Mama Hubermann at 33 Himmel Street on the outskirts of Munich. Liesel’s story is narrated by Death whose path intersects with Lisel’s throughout the book, beginning with the death of Liesel’s younger brother on the train ride to Himmel Street. Liesel is forced to leave her mother, whom we later find out is a communist, and live in a safer more stable environment with the Hubermann’s. Liesel instantly bonds with Papa, an accordion player, and comes to love her Mama, a woman with a sharp tongue but a big heart. She befriends Rudy Stiener, a young boy who dressed up like Jesse Owens, and the two become small-time thieves together. One day, a Jewish man, Max Vandenburg, comes to the Hubermann’s home for safety and hides in their basement. Liesel and Max bond and become close friends. Life for Liesel becomes increasingly complicated and horrific as World War II rages on.

I would definitely recommend The Book Thief and I believe it is better for an older audience, such as high school seniors and beyond. Its impressive how Zusak was able to make this book as much about the horror of Nazi Germany as a coming of age story of a young girl who has faced a great loss. It took me a long time to read this book; it is long at over 500 pages, but I had to keep putting it down because it was so sad and affected me so much. This is the kind of story that stays with the reader for a very long time.

Awards:

• 2007 Winner: Book Sense Children's Pick List
• 2007 Winner: ALA Best Books for Young Adults
• 2006 Winner: Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
• 2006 Winner: Horn Book Fanfare
• 2006 Winner: Kirkus Reviews Editor Choice Awards
• 2008 Winner: Kentucky Bluegrass Master List
• 2006 Winner: School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
• 2007 Winner: Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year
• 2007 Winner: Texas TAYSHAS High School Reading List

Expanded Books presents this Book Trailer for The Book Thief

Useful Links:

Click here to go to the author's page on Random House's website. From here, you can read an excerpt of the book thief, follow Zusak on twitter, and find information about the authors other works.

Click here for the author's Facebook page.

Click here for the NY Times' review of The Book Thief.


Here is a great 2009 interview of Markus Zusak where he discusses The Book Thief: