Written by Natalie Weger of Richard Montgomery High School
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a literary work of art that should be treasured by generations to come. This powerful and moving novel is bound to move any reader to tears and make them view history from a different perspective. It’s been years since I read this book, but it has still impacted me and changed my perspective on many different things. I love this book because it hits perfection on every element a good book needs. Not to mention, this book literally moved me to tears, and believe me—I rarely cry over books.
“Like most misery, it started with apparent happiness.” -Markus Zusak.
This young adult historical fiction novel takes place in 1939, right before World War II starts. After her brother dies, a young girl named Liesel Meminger moves into a foster home with the Herbermanns in Nazi Germany. There, she meets a handful of loving friends and develops an affinity for reading, writing, and stealing books—hence the name, The Book Thief. Liesel’s new family encounters other hardships as well, including hiding a Jewish man in their basement, sending their father off to war, and dealing with the Nazi rule in Germany.
The reason why The Book Thief stands out amongst the hundreds of novels written about World War II is not only because of the story itself, but the way Markus Zusak delivers it. It’s impossible to talk about the Book Thief without mentioning Zusak’s profound writing style. By just reading the first few chapters of this book, anyone can tell that he is a master at the craft of writing. His writing style is dark, intimate, thought-provoking and poetic.
“I watched the sky as it turned from silver to grey to the colour of rain. Even the clouds tried to look the other way.” -Markus Zusak
His carefully-picked word choice, coupled with his lyrical prose create powerful descriptions that hit readers at full force. Furthermore, Zusak knows how to build up raw emotion throughout his work and into his characters. He adds the perfect amount of tragedy, frustration, and despair into his novel to make it gripping, but not overwhelming.
The entire novel is written from the point of view of Death himself, which adds an enriching and haunting perspective to the story. Death is constructed to be a lonely, speculative, and surprisingly, almost humorous character. He breaks the 4th wall by speaking directly to his readers throughout the novel, almost as if he’s telling them a bedtime story.
“A small fact: You are going to die....does this worry you?” -Death
Although I originally expected Death to be a daunting, ominous character who creates conflict in his wake, he surprised me by enlightening different parts of the novel and bringing something new to the story in every chapter. Death roots for the other characters and has a laughable obsession with the human race, or more specifically, what it truly is at its core. This portrayal makes the novel one of a kind, and allows it to cross the line into becoming the work of art that it is.
“I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both.” -Death
Additionally, I felt that each character presented in the Book Thief was memorable and realistic. The reason why Zusak’s characters stand out to me is because they aren’t glorified—like most young adult authors do to their characters—but rather, are vulnerable, real and genuine. They are people that readers would find in their own lives. Liesel is a young girl whose innocence was ruined by the tragedy of World War II. Her passion for literature is one that I identify with my own, and her determination to use words for good should inspire readers around 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.” -Markus Zusak
Liesel’s foster father, Hans Herbermann, a sweet man who lovingly plays the accordion, reminds me of my own father. And her foster mother, Rosa Herbermann, a fierce and loving woman, reminds me of my own mother. My personal connections and identifications to this story made it more realistic and emotional for me, which made the story more powerful.
Liesel also meets other memorable characters, including her neighbor, Ruby Steiner, a sweet boy who tries to win over her heart. She also becomes friends with Max Vandenburg, a Jewish fist-fighter who teaches Liesel the importance of literature. Both Max and Rudy have realistic traits and values, which made each moment spent with them treasurable and heart-wrenching. It’s likely that readers across the world know people in real life who are similar to these characters, which makes the story more impactful.
“The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.” -Markus Zusak
This book also addresses many important themes and questions in a subtle, but compelling way. The Book Thief grapples with themes of war, loss, desperation, and sacrifice. It ponders the consequences of World War II and analyzes the human race. It emphasizes the importance of words, family, and staying true to oneself.
A common criticism people seem to have for this book is its slower pace, especially in the beginning. For this, I will say that Zusak slowed the pacing intentionally. This book isn’t one that will make you sit on the edge of your seat, it’s not one that you’ll be rushing to finish within a few days. The Book Thief is supposed to be read in slower, paced increments so that you can fully digest and take in full effects of the novel. Zusak introduces and constructs his characters and this story in full detail, so that you can become attached and intrigued by all that he has to offer. By the end, you will feel as if you personally know the characters and have a fuller attachment to the story.
All in all, this story is a literary masterpiece. And yes, although this novel is a tragedy, it is not wholly so. Sprinkled with a solid mix of both hope and horror, happiness and despair, this book brought me up and then let me down. But it also changed my perspective. It will change your outlook on the world as it answers questions that you have never even thought of before. This story will tug your heartstrings and make you question everything you know. If you decide to read The Book Thief, be ready to laugh with the characters and then cry with them later. Be ready to become attached to this powerful story and all that it has to offer. You won’t regret it.
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