The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak


This was a book club read.  The beginning was a little confusing.  Truth be told, this is not the first time I tried reading this.  I couldn't get through the beginning.  This time, I kept going.  Once I realized it wasn't really a person speaking, but death, it was easier to understand.  So yes, this book is narrated by death.  Don't think I've ever read a book like that before.  Narrated by someone who is dead, yes, but death itself, nope!

This is the story of Liesel... a little girl in Nazi Germany.  The story begins with Liesel on a train with her mother and little brother.  They are on their way to a foster home.  You see, Liesel has no idea who her father is, and her mother cannot take care of the children any more.  Anyway, her brother dies on the train and they have to stop in a random town and bury him.  Her foster mother is cold, but her foster father is just what she needed.  We lean about her neighborhood friends, the Jew in the basement and the neighborhood enemies.

This is about Nazi Germany.  It's not like I didn't know how that ended.  But I'll tell you this... Liesel doesn't die.

However, the end is disappointing.  I know Liesel survives the war and that she lives to a ripe old age in Sydney.  She has a husband, children and grandchildren.  But how did she end up in Sydney?  A lot of questions are left unanswered.  But overall, I liked this book.  I would definitely recommend it.

4 out of 5 stars.


Currently reading:  A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner