The Book Thief is beautiful, dark, gritty, and sentimental all at once. The author, Markus Zusak, writes such realistic imagery to the point that you feel as though you are in the story, hiding in the shadows of Himmel Street. If you have not read this brilliant book, here is a small summary:
“It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.”
I won’t go into much of the plot because that would leave you with nothing to look forward to, but I will say that I cried incredibly hard at the end of the novel. In fact, I have drawn a crude sketch of myself after putting the book down.
So, that’s a pretty accurate representation. Also, it’s important to note that the scribble on my shirt is actually supposed to be my heart breaking. I know. I’m lame.
The book is just so magnificent. It truly captures the essence of being human and gives it to the reader in such a unique perspective.
The story itself is told from Death’s point of view. He navigates the world, searching for souls that have passed on and he carries them over to the other side.
Every book that has ever made me cry has one simple element: realistic, gritty, storytelling. My favorite books are those that remind me of what it is to be human. I suppose tha it must be the examples of the strong human resilience in the face of adversity that captivates me every single time.
I have been seeing this book on the shelves in bookstores for several years now, and I had never once wanted to buy it. When it was assigned to my contemporary literature class by the most amazing teacher ever, I was so excited to finally read it.
Thank you, Markus Zusak, for writing such a beautifully dark story, and thank you, Ms. Bibb, for assigning such a brilliant book.
Peace, love, and salty tears,
Sara
