The Book Thief

Although this book is labeled Young Reader, it is packed with enough personality and thought provoking substance to make its appeal much broader. Initially the young adult label put me off, but it was recommended with such enthusiasm I bought it anyway. I have since learned that is has been marketed as a young adult book in some countries and as an adult novel in others.It is helpful to know beforehand that the narrator is Death; otherwise you may find the start of the book a little confusing.

Looking at events from Death's perspective gives the book an interesting twist and a unique perspective. You feel his compassion and confusion as he is witness to the brutalities of the human race. You sense his understanding of human weakness and frailty.The book is set in Nazi Germany providing a background for a variety of characters. You meet the hard lined obsessed Nazis and the German citizen willing to risk everything to hide the Jews from them. You quickly become emotionally involved with the title character Liesel and her best friend Rudy as you watch the war come closer and intrude more and more on their day to day lives. The story and the characters are believable. The book is intense, memorable and beautifully written in a clean style. I highly recommend it.