gripping Story
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Molching Germany 1939, Liesel Meminger is taken in by a foster family Hans and Rosa Huberman when her mother is forced to abandon her. She arrives with very little possessions; one of them is a book she had stolen from her brother's burial place "The Digger's Handbook".
Hans, a kind man, spends his nights keeping Leisel's nightmares at bay by teaching her to read. She falls in love with words and reading becomes an obsession, books are a luxury for a poor family. During this time, Hitler gains more power and decides that he would rule the world with words, Germany becomes a dangerous place and the people live in constant fear. During a book burning session Liesel rescues a smouldering book from the pile and later on becomes a full-fledge book thief when she steals a book from the library of the mayor.
This is a gripping story told from DEATH'S POINT OF VIEW, a very unique method of storytelling. A book about many things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, Jewish misery and a lot of thievery. I have to share with those saying that the brilliance of this book is not in the plot but in the narrative. Death is personified and narrates the story in a tone mixed with sadness and cynicism involving Nazis and Jews. The tale is surprisingly gentle while effectively portraying the atrocities and the horrors of World War11.
Regrettably some adults may miss the experience of this book, as it is marketed for young adults and teenagers. Some passages are profound and the subtle nuances could be missed by younger teens. It is a fantastic read with an emotional impact.
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Wonderful book
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Thought provoking, educational and inspiring. Great for adults and children to understand the tensions within Germany during the War. Loved it
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enchanting
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I'm told this book is meant for young readers. But I didn't find any suggestion of juvenile content.I loved this book and love it when one can feel the character.I could picture almost everything described and I was mezmerized. Couldn't wait to turn page to page.My reading club had many different ending speculations which produced lively discussion.We all loved it.
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The Book Thief
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Outstanding book for all ages teen through seniors. The odd perspective from which it is written (death) gives a stunning read. Don't miss it. Well worth the purchase.
Nancy Retired Nurse
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Not your Typical Nazi...
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Don't be scared of the gloomy subject of this book. This is a tender and lovely, albeit very sad, story. My teenage daughter actually suggested this book to me, and I am so glad she did. Teenagers are definitely the target audience for this book, but people of all ages will identify with the struggles of ordinary people living under the Nazi regime. That Death is the narrator adds a sophisticated literary touch to it, but the story never losses its kindheartedness appeal. This book also humanizes the German common folk in a way that, to this day, authors are reluctant to do. Very seldom Germans living during the WWII are given the degree of humanity and dignity that is shown in The Book Thief.
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