Friday, June 20, 2008

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak


There are hundreds of Holocaust books, but this one is unusual. The setting is a German village during WWII and the main characters are primarily German citizens who survive (or do not) the war and the rise and fall of Hitler. Liesel is a young girl when she is given over to a German couple for caretaking when her mother, a communist, realizes she cannot care for her. It is Liesel who is the book thief and the main character. Through her we get to know the villagers and we live out the war and it's many hardships. Don't assume this is a dark book, however. It is chock full of warmth and gentle humor. It celebrates compassion and story. I enjoyed this rather thick book very much. I give it 4 out 5 stars. (submitted by J.S. - librarian)

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