The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Published: 2005
Narrated by: Allan Corduner

Liesel Meminger’s mother left her to foster parents in an attempt to separate her from any Communist ties. We hear the story of her life, narrated by Death, as she grows up in the fictional German town of Molching amidst the Second World War. It’s a story about war and the Holocaust, about growing up bewildered in a world gone mad, but it’s also a story about a young girl finding solace and hope in books while learning to read.

I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.

I really enjoyed this, and I especially loved the narration by Death (not to be confused with the audio narration, obviously). He tells the story in an imaginative way with his unique and wonderful language, inserting his own character and opinions. I thought it might be a gimmick when starting the novel, but it really elevated the story for me.

I do not carry a sickle or scythe. I only wear a hooded black robe when it’s cold. And I don’t have those skull-like facial features you seem to enjoy pinning on me from a distance. You want to know what I truly look like? I’ll help you out. Find yourself a mirror while I continue.

Books are a large part of my life, and I’m a sucker for coming of age stories. Add in the playfully rich descriptions and dialogue, especially with the help of Allan Corduner’s fantastic narration, and this was right up my alley. I’d recommend this to anyone who feels like romanticizing the written word, seeing a World War II story told from a different perspective (the home life of a strong female protagonist), and enjoying a little whimsy in their narration.

Imagine smiling after a slap in the face. Then think of doing it twenty-four hours a day. That was the business of hiding a Jew.