Tuesday, May 06, 2008

The Book Thief

A book narrated by Death doesn't sound like the most instantly appealing novel but Death, it turns out, is a lovely gentle character whose heart is often touched by sorrow.

The story is set in Nazi Germany, and the book thief of the title is a small girl. The story revolves around her, her foster Mama and Papa, a Jew, her best friend and the Mayor's wife.

It's strange - and totally stupid I know - but I'd never thought of German people having to go into air raid shelters or being bombed and killed, and forced into things they couldn't avoid.

Of course there are some characters in the book who support Hitler but most are just trying to survive.

It's a sad and lovely story. Apart from Death himself my favourite character is the best friend, Rudy, 'a boy with hair the colour of lemons'. He's cheeky and daring, brave and devoted, faithful and loving.

I'd recommend this book.

6 comments:

CherryPie said...

I am glad you enjoyed the book :-) I really love it. My fave characters are Death and Max!

jmb said...

I really like to see a book review of a book I have not read. It sounds interesting so I will have to look out for it.

MaryB said...

Oooh! Thanks for the recommendation, Liz. You know I'm always on the lookout for a good read!

Ellee Seymour said...

I have heard of this book too, thanks for the review. Finding time to read with no distractions is all I need now.

Furtheron said...

Mrs F has her nose stuck in that one right now. Maybe I should add to my pile to be read as well.

Mauigirl said...

Sounds like a fascinating book.

I know what you mean, we are never taught to think of the "enemy" as human.

My husband and I saw the German movie, "Das Boot" (The Boat) about the German submarine during WW II and since it's from the Germans' perspective you start rooting for the sailors on the submarine instead of for the Allies who are depth-charging them. The end is devastating because you've gotten so involved in these people. We saw it with English subtitles which I think is the best way rather than the dubbed version.