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BOOK REVIEW: THE BOOK THIEF

THE BOOK THIEF

by Markus Zusak

The extraordinary New York Times Bestseller for 230 weeks must be on your reading list this year. This book is a treasure, a modern classic I would say. Set during the time of Nazi Germany and World War II, it tells the story about a foster girl, Liesel Meminger with a fine and an extraordinaire narrative by Death. The narration was one of the reasons I picked this book due to the immense curiosity, I can say I am completely satisfied and I have read after along time, a totally satisfying book. It leaves with a mysterious thrill which is hard to define in words and can only be experienced if you read it. The book is very well structured. It seems all perfect due to the intensive narration of the Death’s perspective. Markus Zusak is impressing in this one.

The narrative, Death, in not some kind of boring grim reaper with a scythe. He’s a jolly character, tries to enjoy himself and is always indulged in his work. His role is a strong one, and in some ways he makes himself a slave of humans – dealing with the impact of their wars and atrocities as he is always haunted by humans. A reader’s imagination also has a serious part in coping up with the characters. The other characters of Liesel Meminger, Hans Hubermann, Rudy Steiner, and Max Vandenburg are some perks of the book. Each character has its own story as always. I could not find myself falling for one character ( just like The Great Gatsby) which is a good thing as I could maintain the transparency of my readership towards the book. Though The Book Thief succeeds on the most post-modern of levels, its impact on the reader is as much due to superb old fashioned plot and characterization as anything else. It is, afterall, simply a beautiful and painful story of a young girl as she deals with an important and tragic point in history.

There is no doubt that you are not going to enjoy this story. It is one hell of a story. The story wraps itself around you. Your mind and your heart will be stolen as it did mine. It won’t disappoint you, that’s for sure.

View Comments

pallaksharma24 says: October 16, 2013 at 7:16 PM Oh, I have always wanted to read this one. But somehow, always ended up buying some other book, and ignoring this one completely. ;) Now, after reading your review, I may give it a try finally! So, thank you :)
yawriterinthemaking says: October 17, 2013 at 1:29 AM I was haunted by this book after I finished it. I may reread it before the movie comes out.
John W. Howell says: October 17, 2013 at 4:12 AM Good review. Must get
sandradan1 says: October 18, 2013 at 4:29 PM I started this and gave up. Perhaps I should give it another go! SD
emr08 says: November 5, 2013 at 10:24 PM I totally agree that this is a book you MUST read before you die. Even if you pass it by once or twice, you must read it. I loved it. Review on my blog to come soon...
SatthiyaKandi says: November 30, 2013 at 12:42 PM For some reason, I am always afraid that I am not up for this book. Probably would give it a try after all. Thanks! :)
jimholroyd365 says: March 19, 2014 at 4:57 PM I loved this book it was refreshing to have a viewpoint of the war from the German civilian population. Liesel was a great character.
cafechica says: June 13, 2014 at 10:34 PM I've heard this book is fantastic, I think I'm going to have to give it a read!

Oh, I have always wanted to read this one. But somehow, always ended up buying some other book, and ignoring this one completely. ;)
Now, after reading your review, I may give it a try finally! So, thank you :)

Aman says: October 17, 2013 at 12:07 AM Your always welcome. Go for it, you won't be disappointed. :) Have fun Reading!

Your always welcome. Go for it, you won't be disappointed. :) Have fun Reading!

I was haunted by this book after I finished it. I may reread it before the movie comes out.

Aman says: October 17, 2013 at 2:04 AM I got fascinated by the narration and bold character of Death. :) It's is one of those which you can read and then re-read!

I got fascinated by the narration and bold character of Death. :)
It's is one of those which you can read and then re-read!

Good review. Must get

Aman says: October 17, 2013 at 8:06 AM Thanks! :) Go for it!

Thanks! :)
Go for it!

I started this and gave up. Perhaps I should give it another go! SD

Aman says: October 18, 2013 at 7:37 PM you should :)

you should :)

I totally agree that this is a book you MUST read before you die. Even if you pass it by once or twice, you must read it. I loved it. Review on my blog to come soon...

Aman says: November 6, 2013 at 12:15 AM Thanks for reading my version of the review, It'd be lovely to read your review, I am waiting for it! :)

Thanks for reading my version of the review, It'd be lovely to read your review, I am waiting for it! :)

For some reason, I am always afraid that I am not up for this book. Probably would give it a try after all. Thanks! :)

Aman says: November 30, 2013 at 12:57 PM Give it a try. You'll enjoy it :)

Give it a try. You'll enjoy it :)

I loved this book it was refreshing to have a viewpoint of the war from the German civilian population. Liesel was a great character.

Aman says: March 19, 2014 at 5:34 PM Yes, the characterization and the narration is well through out the book. Also I agree with you that the viewpoint of the was from a German civilian was astonishing

Yes, the characterization and the narration is well through out the book. Also I agree with you that the viewpoint of the was from a German civilian was astonishing

I've heard this book is fantastic, I think I'm going to have to give it a read!

Aman(@amanhimself) says: June 13, 2014 at 10:34 PM You should. It has one of the best narrated book of modern times!

You should. It has one of the best narrated book of modern times!

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