The Book Thief is a story of a young girl named Liesel and her life in Nazi Germany during World War II. Liesel is adopted by Hans and Rosa as economic conditions deteriorate, political and social tensions heighten and the war approaches. The setting is one ripe with drama and apprehension with all of the secrets that one has to keep, and the appearance one has to present in public in such a setting. The Book Thief not only has to deal with the difficulties of life in a fascist state, but also life in a impoverished neighbourhood – as if the life of a teenager is not hard enough to deal with on its own.
Zusak, Markus (2007) The Book Thief, New York; Knopf.
The Book Thief is not all dark and despairing, for it displays the humanity and dignity that some adults and teenagers can display in such adverse conditions. The Book Thief is a book about life and death, love and friendship, hope and dreams and yes – theft. Markus Zusak weaves these elements together in a masterful way, to create a story and a book that I highly recommend.
