The Book Thief

By Markus Zusak

Zusak, Markus. 2005.The Book Thief. NY, NY: Random House. ISBN:978-0-375-93100-0

SUMMARY:

Liesel and her brother were being sent away to foster care.  Along the journey Liesel’s brother became ill and he passed away right in front of Liesel.  The boy had to be buried by grave diggers.  One of the grave diggers dropped his book in the snow and Liesel took it.  That is how she became the book thief.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

This book takes place during a dark part of history. The text has a creepy look to it.  The overall book has a dark style and theme to it.  The main character, Liesel saw her brother die.  The book is written in a mysterious voice, almost like the reader is missing something, like the book is a dark secret. 

German language is sprinkled throughout the book.  The plot is believable for the time period.  The story fits in well with other holocaust books; it follows the same themes and darkness.  There are times during raids when the characters are hiding, they are wondering what is going to happen to them.  The reader can feel the fear in them and image what it would be like to be in that position. 

CONNECTIONS:

·        This story could be read during a history lesson on World War II.

·        The Diary of Anne Frank could also be read with this.

·        Write about what it would be like if you were unable to have books. 

                                                     

REVIEW:

Yet even she admitted that The Book Thief "will be widely read and admired because it tells a story in which books become treasures." And, as we all know, "there's no arguing with a sentiment like that." ~Bookmarks Magazine