The Book Thief

Jo Bryant

The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany.

Death – leads us through his experiences with Liesel Meminger, and the people she encounters as she tries to live through World War II.

He takes a bizarre interest in Liesel because she steals books.

Liesel’s first theft is The Gravedigger’s Handbook.

Somewhat surprising, as Liesel is illiterate.

Her mother leaves her with Hans and Rosa Hubermann as the war kicks into gear, and life is irrevocably altered.

That is the basic plot of the book.

It took a while to get into this story.

I picked it up and dropped it a few times before getting involved emotionally with any of it.

I must say I found the explanations of what was coming at the beginning of each chapter annoying.

But as the story progressed I did develop an affinity for certain characters.

Ones I hadn’t expected to.

Enough so that I did want to find out the ending.

I would love to be more enthusiastic – it is a book many rave about – but The Book Thief failed to grab my attention, and before I finished it, I read at least three other books.

Markus Zusak said it was only supposed to be a small book.

In my opinion he should have stuck to the plan.

Truthfully – I am glad I didn’t pay for it.

Published by Jo Bryant

I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.

6 Comments

  1. Looks like it might be a lot of hard work for very little reward. I do enough of that Monday to Friday so I won’t bother reading this. Thanks for the tip-off.

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  2. Some books are like that. I love the Canadian author Gail Bowen, but her third book I just could not get into, not sure why. I did not finish it though I usually finish most books I start. As I’m getting older I feel I don’t have since I read mostly for enjoyment and escape. I’m re-reading a Rumpole of the Bailey book at the moment for the interesting storyline…and the laughs! I love, “She Who Must Be Obeyed!”

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