We are in Nazi Germany. The Second World War.

Liesel Meminger was given up by her mother. On her journey to her new parents, her brother died. She is haunted by his death. But Hans Hubermann (her foster father) is there to comfort her. As is Max, a Jewish boy with hair like ‘feathers’ who the Hubermanns hide in their basement.

Hans teaches her to read. But books are scarce. So Liesel must steal. And that is how the Book Thief became a book thief.

The story is narrated by Death. Perhaps  this was to emphasize all the deaths in Liesel’s life or the world around her. Yet, if this were the case, wouldn’t more feelings and emotions from Liesel’s point of view be given. I found it very difficult to understand Liesel’s character. If I could do this more, as the story is mainly focused on Liesel, it would improver my understanding of the book and perhaps its plot. This leads me to my next point. The plot wasn’t very focused on one subject, and though I do understand that it was mainly about Liesel stealing books, I can’t comprehend why so many other subjects were added in, turning the book into a tight knot. However, there were some very evocative metaphors and fabulous description.

I would recommend The Book Thief to anyone who likes the sound of it and feels they can deal with all the deaths.

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!