The Book Thief.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is perhaps one of my favourite reads.  Sometimes you find a book, it’s so perfect in its reviews.  Book mags praise it, bloggers can’t get enough of it, and adoring writers must read it again!  Well, there’s a good reason why.  I never thought it possible.  But I borrowed this book and loved it, feeling my heart go out for little Liesel.

Here’s the premise on Goodreads –

“It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

 By her brother’s graveside, Liesel’s life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger’s Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery.

So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library, wherever there are books to be found.

 But these are dangerous times. When Liesel’s foster family hides a Jewish fist-fighter in their basement, Liesel’s world is both opened up, and closed down.

 In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.”

It’s a startling beautiful book, every page is like the fragile pages of the oldest book in the world containing the very essence of Liesel’s story.  Markus Zusak writes from the perspective of Death himself and brings the sweetest truest story I’ve had the chance to read in all my life (which trust me is not a very long life, but definitely a book-filled one).

The Book Thief is set in the era of Nazi Germany and revolves around little Liesel’s experience.  It hones in on all the themes of strength, the truth and importance of books, family and life, definitely most importantly, life.

I loved this book very much.  If you loved To kill a mockingbird by Lee Harper, then I think you’ll love this.  There aren’t that many books out there written this well, or containing such a plot you can’t even believe.  (Haha, I know this isn’t supposed to be a review, but by golly angels and cat poo, this book is just too brilliant).

So this is my gushing rant!