Fair warning though: if you like a quick and easy read- this is not for you; if you like happy, fairy tales- this is not for you; but if you like thought-provoking- read it; if you like hauntingly real characters- read it.
Told from the unique perspective of Death, we follow one small little girl during only part of her journey. We watch her grow and affect the lives of those around her.
During the bleak and depressing setting of Nazi controlled Germany, we are reminded of the power of friendship and words.
Maybe this book affected me so strongly because I'm a mother of a child the same age as the heroine. I can't comprehend the horror and tragedy this one small person endured, even if only in fiction. The author does a beautiful of job of using words to reveal a redemptive quality in humanity. Using his words, we're reminded that we're not only capable of unspeakable atrocious monstrosities (such as those performed in WW2), but also for compassion and love. It is through our own words and potential works of arts and stories, we can remind each other of this very fact. But maybe I felt such a connection becuase, like Liesel, I love books. I still feel amazement and wonder in walking into a large library or a room filled with books. Like Liesel, it surprises me that something like that can even exist at all.
From the synopsis:
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words,
an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel
is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel
scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters
something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster
father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during
bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement
before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.
4 comments:
My mom was just telling me that this is the BEST book. :)
Looks like one I will have to check out at the library : ) I have started two books and put them down because they have been horrible so I need something good.
As I think I tweeted with you... I just couldn't get into this book. I know it's going to be fabulous once I do, I just think I was in the wrong frame of of mind. I'll give it another go at some point. Thanks for the review.
Thanks,Natalie.
I just loved this book and couldn't put it down. I actually found it to be quick reading because of the short, choppy scenes.
And the writing was so poetic (some of the most original metaphors/similes/imagery I've come across).
So glad you wrote about it. I didn't know KLZ had recommended it, to.
(oh the things I miss when my nose is in a book...)
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