The Australian author, Markus Zusak, has successfully managed to write a heart-achingly sad 552-page long book about the despair of living in Nazi Germany, whilst keeping the reader completely hooked at the turn of every page. Something I noticed straight away about this book was that it was beautifully structured and intricately written. Giving 'death' the position of the narrator is a spark of genius. Stereotypically we associate 'grim reaper' type characters with evil, however Death on many occassions makes it evident that he feels sympathy for his victims. Whilst the theme of death plays a major part in the narrative, the story focuses around a young girl who goes by the name of Liesel Meminger. As her communist mother flees the Nazi's clutches, she is left in the hands of the loving Hans Hubberman and the stern (but caring) Rosa Hubberman. Since finishing the book, I have forever wondered what became of Liesel's mother. I guess that is just one of the things that we will never find out. | War and death are two things that walk hand in hand together and it makes completely sense to why Zusak would choose his narrator to be Death. I personally found this to be one of the more haunting moments of the entire book -------> It perfectly defines the destruction that wars bring, and the death that looms over soldiers. At one point, Death mentions that once it was all over, he had collected 40 million souls. This hard-hitting fact reminds us that the book is set around real events that did have incredibly dire consequences. Aside from the thoroughly brilliant writing involved within the covers of this book, something I noticed was that, although the book revolves around Liesel, who is a young girl, this book in particular does not at all appear to be directed towards children in any way. Many books of a child or young person as the main character is usually the age group the book is aimed at. With The Book Thief though this is not the case, and regardless of the main character being a female child, the book is neither childish nor boring and it strives to gain the attention young adults. This character and the plot of the book are done so to appeal to older readers. I think this also shown when we are informed of what is happening with Hans when he is away. If everything was from Liesel’s point of view we would not have this. Therefore, by having Death as the narrator allows for various outlooks to occur throughout the book and for a more adult application to certain scenes. So now all I have to comment on is the ending of the book. This, oh my | gosh, ripped my heart out and stomped on it, crushed it and buried it deep under the ground. When I'd finished, I had no words that could describe the pain I was feeling. I understood that the book revolved around the theme of death, and so I should of seen it coming, but I didn't want to accept it and therefore I ignored that such a idea was even remotely possible. My emotional state wished it could have turned out differently but in the back of my mind, I am glad it turned out that way. As sad as it may be, it is a truly accurate representation of what war is. Destruction and death. However, after getting utterly and completely attached to the characters I found the ending to be slightly rushed, which disappointed me. I wanted to know more of what became of Liesel and Max in more detail. I think this is one of my only qualms with the book, and I am not sure if that is because of the book itself or just me wanting to know every tiny little detail of these character of which I have become so attached to. The one thing I know though is the last page, the last words, were absolutely perfect. It is one last blow you away, poetic note from Death that closes the book so beautiful. |
Rating: ★★★★★ Comment: This is going down as one of my all-time favourite books. Have you read The Book Thief? Do you agree or disagree with any of the points I have made? Did it emotionally destroy you too? If so, I'd love to here from you so send me a message! Check out the movie trailer ------> | |