Book Review: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief, first published in 2005, was a New York Times best-seller. Having read the book, I understand why. Almost any one, even if they don't exactly enjoy reading this book, will be moved by it.

The Book Thief is set in southern Germany during World War II. The narrator is death. Death is overworked during this time, and tries to distract and comfort him self through an obsession with colours. The entire book is full of descriptions of colours, mostly of the sky. The sky almost becomes a character itself in its violent, bruised, and brilliant appearances. But this is not Death's story. He simply narrates the tale of a girl that he observed through this period, and whose diary (more accurately memoirs) he carries with him.

When she stole her first book, nine-year-old Liesel couldn't even read it. She had never been educated properly, and couldn't read. Slowly she learned to read, and she learned the incredible power of words. In the midst of an era when words were used to justify terrible events and inspire nationalism and hatred, Liesel used words to unite , empower, and understand. She is a great character. She has a dirty mouth and a criminal streak, but is also fundamentally a good and caring person that you can't help but like.

This book is not a pleasure to read. It will hurt. It faces a period that is painful to really think about. It causes us to think about what is happening in our world today. But you will be glad you read it. It will make you want to both laugh and cry, and it will deepen your understanding of World War II.