The Book Thief (Paperback)
The Book Thief (Paperback)
The Book Thief (Paperback) Reviews
This is a story told by Death. An interesting point of view perhaps, but as it is set in Germany during World War II, perhaps it is entirely appropriate. It is also a story of a young girl, who in spite of having a life that no one would wish on anyone, still manages to have glimpses of pleasure through many small things, including the few books that she manages to acquire (or shall we say, steal).
It is interesting to see that it appears to be targetted to young adult readers – please don’t be put off by this – it is very much an adult story about children who are doing their best to live a normal life in times of unspeakable horror. It would also be a good way to introduce more mature readers to the history of the times. But be warned, it is quite confrontational at times, and considering who the narrator is, very sad.
To add extra punch to the story, it appears that it is the true story of the author’s grandmother. When you consider this, you realise how truly resiliant we humans are, and how occasionally, and with a bit of luck, we can hold off death for a time.
I am not going to tell the plot of this book yet again, Amazon and some other reviewers have done it quite well…I will tell you that this is an astounding book, a beautiful book, and a book that I know I will read again and again……
I read a lot, two to three books a week, my family makes fun that I “love” so many that I read…but in the past few years there have only been a handful of books that when I finish reading the book I sit and try to think of who I can send a copy to, who can I share this wonderful experience with. A book that when I finish, I want to go back to the beginning and start over.
I am a little sorry it is listed as a young adult book, I feel that if the bookstores put it in the young adult section, so many people will be missing out on a wonderful experience. Yet it is important that younger readers, high school readers, read this book too. When I was growing up, I remember reading Diary of Anne Frank, and the feelings I had when I read it…and understanding the importance of everyone reading that book. Well, this book is that important, this book is a must read.
I am going to go back and read this author’s other book, I don’t know how it can measure up to this one, but if it is half as good, I am in for a treat.
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