Tolog Review: The Book Thief

The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
reviewed by Riley Frey 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, shows how love and light can exist in a time of extreme horror and darkness. Although the story follows the life of a girl named Liesel Meminger, it is narrated by Death. Both tragic and humorous, this book gives valuable insight about how beauty and destruction both exist in the world, often simultaneously. 

The story begins with Liesel on a train with her mother and brother to go to their foster parents. After her brother dies on the train, Liesel steals her first book and goes to her foster parents, Rosa and Hans. Hans and Liesel quickly form a strong bond, and Hans helps teach Liesel how to read out of the book she stole. Although Liesel is bullied at school, she fights back, and quickly befriends a boy her age that lives on her street, Rudy. 

As the political unrest from the Nazis continues, Liesel attends a Book Burning, and when no one is looking, steals one of the books. After this small act of rebellion, Liesel continues to show quiet defiance by disobeying laws in ways she will not get caught. After the events of Kristallnacht, a young Jewish man named Max comes to stay with Liesel and her family and lives in the basement of their home. Although Liesel is initially frightened of Max, she eventually warms up to him, and the two become close friends, often sharing stories and words with one another.

The Book Thief is one of my favorite books because of its wonderful story and characters. Death, the narrator, does not sugarcoat things, and has a sense of dark humor, but still manages to describe the beauty of the world and captivate the audience. There are many touching moments within the story, along with valuable lessons and teachings. The Book Thief ultimately is an amazing story about family, love, and doing what you believe in.