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Book Review of The Book Thief

The Book Thief
The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 670 more book reviews


A devastating book about the disastrous early 1940s years in Nazi Germany. You get to know the unique characters who live in a small town outside of Munich, some of whom sympathize with the Nazis and others who do not, who are just trying to get through the war harming the fewest number of people possible.

And throughout the book, the narrator, Death, provides wry commentary on the progress of the war and on his job of taking away souls. I don't believe I've ever read a book with this type of narrator.

The end of the book is heartbreaking even though two of the main characters escape the fate of most others.

Although the book was marketed as a young adult novel, it offers rich food for thought and plenty to appreciate for grownups. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.