It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
The Book Thief captures the vivid character of main character Liesel Meminger who experiences the tragedies of World War II beginning and after. Zusak definitely grabs the reader's attention in the rebellious behavior of young Liesel and her partner-in-crime Rudy, who's in love with her. The emotions - love, joy, loss, confusion, sadness, heartbreak - revolve around the novel and reach out to each reader, tears sliding down cheeks as their eyes breeze through the words and their fingers prepare for the next adventure.
Compared to the novels published by other authors, this novel really captures the mind of each and every character's perspective. What is honestly so interesting is the way Zusak bravely shows Liesel's hatred for Hitler and supports her newly found Jewish friend, Max, forming a bond stronger than friendship can hold.
Compared to the novels published by other authors, this novel really captures the mind of each and every character's perspective. What is honestly so interesting is the way Zusak bravely shows Liesel's hatred for Hitler and supports her newly found Jewish friend, Max, forming a bond stronger than friendship can hold.