The Book Thief

Barbara Keogh

This story is narrated by Death. It follows the story of a young girl, who in spite of having a life that one  would not wish on anyone, still manages to have  glimpses of pleasure through many small things, including the few books that she manages to acquire or "steal".

The main character is Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Germany through the Second World War. She has been sent to live with a foster family that barely manages to get by.

In the process of scrounging for a living, Liesel begins stealing books. At first she is unable to read, but she steals the books anyway. Eventually her foster father teaches Liesel to read and she then begins to share the stories with those around her. This is a very appealing and human story. Well written and humourous, the author manages to protray the horror and tragedy of WW 2 and the Holocaust and at the same time show the beauty of humanity.I found this book to be very uplifting and I enjoyed Zusaks's style of writng . The Book Thief was a very memorable book for me and I would highly recommend it.

Margaret Joyce

Death narrates this story and comes across not as the grim reaper but more as a dedicated, oddly gentle, collector of souls.  He first encounters nine year old Liesel beside her dead brother's body and watches as she steals a book from the gravediggers. With that one action her lifelonh passion for books is born.

Fostered by a German couple Liesel slowly gains confidence. She develops a deep love for Hans, her new father, as he calms her fears and teaches her to read. She is befriended by Max, a young Jewish Man hiding in the family's basement and confronted by the horror of the Holocaust in World War 2 Germany. Through this time Liesel continues to "acquire" books, some rescued from book burnings but many taken from the library of the mayor's wife.

And Death who admits "I am haunted by humans" goes about his business, his ever increasing workload dictated by history but always keeping a watchful eye on the one living soul for whom he unknowingly feels compassion. This a beautiful, thought provoking and moving book which I truly enjoyed!