We know the history of World War II, but do we know the stories beneath the sad and violent politics of World War II? How disconnected are we from the children and families of Germany? The Book Thief is one story beneath the history, but tied inextricably to that history. The setting begins with the narrator musing about humans and moves to the poorest street of a German village beginning just before the Nazi control of the political world. Liesel Meminger is a 9 year old girl who has serious losses without and before the country’s political disruption. The narrator of the book is Death. Initially that certainly put me off, but I had made a commitment to read this book so I read on, gathering attachment and interest to Liesel and her family throughout the war. Markus Zusak has written a story that is a good solid read, with depth, humility and understanding.
“You cannot be afraid, Read the book. Smile at it.
It’s a great book-the greatest book you’ve ever read.”
~ Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
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