The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief.

Alfred A. Knopf; 2006,

ISBN: 0375842209.

Reader’s Annotation

The story of Liesel, a nine-year-old foster child growing up in a working class neighborhood in Nazi Germany, is skillfully narrated by Death himself, who describes her strange habit of collecting stolen books and her eclectic assortment of companions.

Plot Summary

When nine-year-old Liesel Meminger arrives at the door of her foster parent’s house in Molching, Germany, she has just witnessed the death of her little brother, and has just stolen her first book, The Gravedigger’s Handbook, which she cannot read herself.  Feeling lost, lonely and afraid, Liesel has nightmares about her brother until her foster father, Hans, uses the Gravedigger’s Handbook as a way to connect with Liesel, and to comfort her with his compassionate presence.  Growing up in the shadow of a Nazi death camp, Liesel collects an assortment of odd companions including: her classmate Rudy—the boy her befriends her, and who idolizes Jesse Owens; Max--a Jewish refugee Max hiding in her basement, who creates his own book with writing and artwork; and the reclusive wife of the town mayor, who allows Liesel to steal books from her large collection.  Death itself narrates the story in frank detail, without much sentimentality (although Death seems to have a soft spot for Liesel).

Critical Evaluation

At first, the prospect of having “Death” serve as the narrator is a little disconcerting.  However, Zusak manages to create a character in Death that is quite complex and interesting.  In The Book Thief, Death has a way of offering just enough tidbits of information to keep you hooked, without spoiling the story.  Liesel’s response of stealing books is almost endearing way, and yet it speaks to the depth of what she has already suffered by the time she reaches Molching. Zusak creates a cast of characters worthy of any Hollywood movie—each with their own quirks, gifts and foibles.  For example, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, the foster parents who take Liesel in, become critical characters in the story.  Rosa persists in calling Liesel “saumensch” (“pig” in German)—and you are shocked.  But as the story progresses, you come to understand Rosa’s gruff, irreverent, no-nonsense brand of love.  Hans melts your heart as he provides the nurturing love that Liesel so desperately needs.  The story is wonderfully crafted, and just when you’re hardly aware you’re near the end of story, the end comes, and it takes your breath away.

About the Author

Markus Zusak was inspired to write The Book Thief, after hearing many stories from his German mother about life in Germany during World War II, including seeing Jewish prisoners marched through small towns.  Zusak was born in Sydney, and is the youngest of four children.  He started writing when he was sixteen, and published his first book, The Underdog, seven years later.  He now lives in Sydney with his wife and daughter.  For more information, go to: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/

Genre

Historical Fiction

Curriculum Tie-ins

History:  World War II/Holocaust

Booktalk  Ideas

1. Describe the relationship between Liesel and Max…
2. How does Death really feel about Liesel, and why?
3. Do you think that Hans did the right thing when the Jewish 

Reading level/Interest age

Young Adult (15+)

Challenge Issues/Challenge Response Ideas

Violence; Anti-Semitic language

• Present the library's  selection policy
• Refer to YALSA's site:  http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/yabookshelf.cfm

Why I included this work

This book caught my attention because I am fascinated by the relationship between people and books. 

2008 Ena Noel Award - the IBBY Australia Ena Noël Encouragement Award for Children's Literature

2007 Michael L. Printz Honor book by the Young Adult Library Services Association

2006 Kathleen Mitchell Award 2006 (literature)

Great Quote from the Book:

“He was the crazy one who had painted himself black and defeated the world.

She was the book thief without the words.

Trust me, though, the words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hands like the clouds, and she would wring them out like rain.”