In 1939, Liesel has lost her little brother and has been left by her mother to live with foster parents in Germany. She clutches The Grave Digger’s Handbook, a book left by her brother’s grave by accident, even though she does not know how to read.
This first act of book thievery is only the beginning – and as she learns to read with the assistance of her foster father she commences a passion for books and words.
But as the Nazi’s hold in Germany strengthens, Liesel’s foster family hides a Jew in their basement and sets off a string of events that will change Liesel’s life forever…
I have heard of The Book Thief, of course, for quite some time. As I finally reached the point to read it for myself, I was a bit scared of it not meeting expectations – or that it would and I’ll cry for ages!
The prologue is powerful, golly that’s for sure.
The Book Thief is deeply touching, frightening and engrossing.
This is a meaningful and very good book – but for me it was not as earth-shattering as I expected.
This is one of those times that you wonder if you hadn’t heard so much about it, if you would have loved it more.
Don’t get me wrong – it is very, very good. But I didn’t cry and I didn’t feel as emotionally drained as I thought I would.
It’s an effective novel that was very well done and more than worth the read, though.
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