THE BOOK THIEF
BY MARKUS ZUSAK | PUBLICATION: APRIL 29, 2025ALFRED A. KNOPF | GENRE: YA HISTORICAL FICTION
RATING: ★★★★★
"A tale that is both devastating and deeply human."
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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 Jew 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.
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 Jew 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.
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"Death Tells A Story"
“Here is a small fact: You are going to die.”
Few stories are as hauntingly beautiful as The Book Thief, narrated by Death himself. Through his eyes, we witness the grim palette of World War II—its oppression, deprivation, and despair. Yet somehow, Markus Zusak manages to extract poetry from tragedy, crafting a tale that is both devastating and deeply human.
The story begins with the untimely death of Liesel Meminger’s brother, a moment that grips her with sorrow and fear. But hope is not elusive. In the care of her accordion-playing foster father and stern yet loving foster mother, Liesel finds warmth amidst the coldness of Nazi Germany. Though poor and hungry, her new family nourishes her with love—and words.
Liesel’s journey with books begins with The Gravedigger’s Handbook, stolen from her brother’s graveside. From there, her love affair with literature blossoms. She steals books from Nazi book burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library, and anywhere she can find them. Words become her refuge, her rebellion, and her salvation.
Her world expands—and contracts—when her foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement. Through this act of quiet resistance, Liesel discovers friendship, courage, and the cost of compassion.
Zusak’s prose is lyrical and inventive, his imagination sharp. He paints with words, and his storytelling is nothing short of masterful. It takes a rare talent to find beauty in the bleakness of war, and Zusak does so with grace.
Few stories are as hauntingly beautiful as The Book Thief, narrated by Death himself. Through his eyes, we witness the grim palette of World War II—its oppression, deprivation, and despair. Yet somehow, Markus Zusak manages to extract poetry from tragedy, crafting a tale that is both devastating and deeply human.
The story begins with the untimely death of Liesel Meminger’s brother, a moment that grips her with sorrow and fear. But hope is not elusive. In the care of her accordion-playing foster father and stern yet loving foster mother, Liesel finds warmth amidst the coldness of Nazi Germany. Though poor and hungry, her new family nourishes her with love—and words.
Liesel’s journey with books begins with The Gravedigger’s Handbook, stolen from her brother’s graveside. From there, her love affair with literature blossoms. She steals books from Nazi book burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library, and anywhere she can find them. Words become her refuge, her rebellion, and her salvation.
Her world expands—and contracts—when her foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement. Through this act of quiet resistance, Liesel discovers friendship, courage, and the cost of compassion.
Zusak’s prose is lyrical and inventive, his imagination sharp. He paints with words, and his storytelling is nothing short of masterful. It takes a rare talent to find beauty in the bleakness of war, and Zusak does so with grace.
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📖 Book Club Reflections
The Book Thief was our March pick for the F2F book discussion, held at Café Breton in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong on March 23. The questions were literally in a bag—an inspired touch! While the answers were often thought-provoking, Beejay, our moderator, kept the tone light and engaging.
I’ve read this book twice and rated it five stars both times. Interestingly, many members didn’t expect to enjoy it. After all, who likes reading about suffering and death? But words have a certain magic. They carry us beyond our limits, and Zusak wields them with precision and heart.
We all found ourselves deeply attached to the characters—falling for them, hoping for them—even though we knew how their stories would end.
🎉 Post-Discussion Fun
Beejay went above and beyond, crafting DIY refrigerator magnets for everyone. I shamelessly hoarded two!
Since the theme was book thievery, we played a White Elephant game afterward. “Fun” doesn’t quite capture it—it was a riot of cunning, scheming, and playful intimidation. Apparently, we’re experts at that… LOL.
And of course, we couldn’t end the day without more bonding. The park nearby was perfect for hanging out, and the kind guard even offered to take our group photo. He probably sees a lot of noisy book-loving groups like ours.
I’ve read this book twice and rated it five stars both times. Interestingly, many members didn’t expect to enjoy it. After all, who likes reading about suffering and death? But words have a certain magic. They carry us beyond our limits, and Zusak wields them with precision and heart.
We all found ourselves deeply attached to the characters—falling for them, hoping for them—even though we knew how their stories would end.
🎉 Post-Discussion Fun
Beejay went above and beyond, crafting DIY refrigerator magnets for everyone. I shamelessly hoarded two!
Since the theme was book thievery, we played a White Elephant game afterward. “Fun” doesn’t quite capture it—it was a riot of cunning, scheming, and playful intimidation. Apparently, we’re experts at that… LOL.
And of course, we couldn’t end the day without more bonding. The park nearby was perfect for hanging out, and the kind guard even offered to take our group photo. He probably sees a lot of noisy book-loving groups like ours.
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BTW, this April, it's my turn to moderate, and you are invited.
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About the Author:
Markus Zusak is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of The Book Thief, I Am the Messenger, Fighting Ruben Wolf, and Getting the Girl. His newest, much-anticipated novel, Bridge of Clay, will release in October 2018. He lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife and children. Learn more about Markus at markuszusak.com.
Markus Zusak is available for select speaking engagements. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau at speakers@penguinrandomhouse.com. Photo by Michael Lionstar
Markus Zusak is available for select speaking engagements. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau at speakers@penguinrandomhouse.com. Photo by Michael Lionstar
Posts
Gilead! When is your book discussion, Louize?
ReplyDeleteI'm so inggit with those magnets!
Hi Peter! The online discussion is already up in the group site, while the F2F discussion will be on the 27th of this month, here in Las Piñas. It's going to be a pool party, and you are invited!
DeleteOoooh, pool party! I want to be there, but alas! Boohoo! When will I ever get to attend an F2F? (Bitter here)
ReplyDeleteBut yay for the 5-star rating of The Book Thief! :)
Wish you can be there too, Lynai. :(
DeleteWell, I believe in the Biblical saying that "there is a time for everything".
I am mightily excited for the Gilead discussion. I know you can do it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angus. I know you have my back on this.♥
ReplyDelete