A Gripping Historical Fiction

Zusak, M. (2006). The Book Thief. New York; NY. Alfred A. Knopf. 9780385754729; Paperback; $7.79

(also available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and now a major motion picture)

The Book Thief takes place between 1939-1943 in Nazi Germany and follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in an impoverished area of Molching, Germany, as narrated by Death while he tries to make sense of the happenings of World War II. Liesel was adopted by her new family when her mother and father were found out to be communists during Hitler’s reign. She has never been a great reader, but is drawn to books and steals titles that hold a significant meaning to her. As her reading skills grow, her storytelling helps her neighbors during the air raids and her family while hiding a Jewish man in their basement. Liesel’s opinions of the Nazi party shift as her family’s kindness toward this “dangerous” stranger in their basement teach her compassion and tolerance – qualities that will follow her throughout her life.

To say this book is haunting is an understatement. It transports you to one of the darkest times in human history and makes you feel like you are living right next to Liesel Meminger on Himmel Street. History has taught us the events of the Holocaust, but after reading this story, the events of World War II will feel less like a fact in a history book and more like a lived memory of your own. With Death as the narrator, it’s easy to relate the prejudices of the past to those still present today, which makes The Book Thief relevant no matter what year you live in. While the story focuses on a young girl, boys and girls of all ages can benefit from and relate to the story of Liesel and the kids on Himmel Street.

For more information about the book, author, movie, or to find discussion questions for book clubs, visit: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/.