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Books » Children's » Fiction » Historical » Holocaust
The Book Thief
http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/9780375831003
By
Markus Zusak
RRP $34.99 $22.08 Save $12.91 (37%)22.08
Free shipping NZ wide Ships within 24 hours from USA supplier | Rating: | | | Format: | Hardcover, 552 pages | | Release Date: | March 2006 |
Liesel Meminger, a foster child living outside Munich during World War II, scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist--books--in this unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul. ReviewsGr 9 Up-With Death as narrator, Markus Zusak's haunting novel (Knopf, 2003) follows Liesel Meminger, The Book Thief, through the fear-filled years of Nazi Germany. The story opens as the ten-year-old girl takes her first book shortly after her younger brother's death. Both children were en route to the foster home of Hans and Rosa Hubermann in a Munich suburb. Despite Rosa's sharp tongue and Hans's lack of work, their home is a loving refuge for the nightmare-ridden girl. It also becomes a hideout for Max, a young Jewish man whose father saved Hans's life. Liesel finds solace with her neighbor Rudy and her creative partnership with Max. Accompanied by Rudy, the girl copes by stealing food from farmers and books from the mayor's wife. There are also good moments as she learns to read and plays soccer, but Hans's ill-advised act of kindness to a Jewish prisoner forces Max to leave their safe house. The failing war effort and bombing by the Allies lead to more sacrifices, a local suicide and, eventually, to great losses. Reading books and writing down her experiences save Liesel, but this novel clearly depicts the devastating effects of war. Narrator Allan Corduner defines each character with perfect timing. He's deliberate as the voice of Death, softly strong as Liesel, and impatient, but not unkind, as Rosa. With richly evocative imagery and compelling characters, Zusak explores behind-the-lines life in World War II Germany, showing the day-to-day heroism of ordinary people. Relevant for class discussions on wars both past and present.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information. Death, "a companionable if sarcastic fellow," narrates this sophisticated novel set in small-town Germany during WWII. "It's a measure of how successfully Zusak has humanized these characters that even though we know they are doomed, it's no less devastating when Death finally reaches them," PW wrote in a starred review. Ages 12-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information. "Brilliant and hugely ambitious...Some will argue that a book so difficult and sad may not be appropriate for teenage readers...Adults will probably like it (this one did), but it's a great young-adult novel...It's the kind of book that can be life-changing, because without ever denying the essential amorality and randomness of the natural order, "The Book Thief" offers us a believable hard-won hope...The hope we see in Liesel is unassailable, the kind you can hang on to in the midst of poverty and war and violence. Young readers need such alternatives to ideological rigidity, and such explorations of how stories matter. And so, come to think of it, do adults." -"New York Times, "May 14, 2006
""The Book Thief" is unsettling and unsentimental, yet ultimately poetic. Its grimness and tragedy run through the reader's mind like a black-and-white movie, bereft of the colors of life. Zusak may not have lived under Nazi domination, but "The Book Thief" deserves a place on the same shelf wi |
| Publisher: | Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers | | ISBN: | 0375831002 |
| EAN: | 9780375831003 | | Dimensions: | 21.08 x 14.73 x 4.32 centimeters (0.66 kg) |
| Age Range: |
11-14 years |
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Reviews
5.0
out of 5 based on
8
reviews.
 – Customer review on 29/11/2007
This beautiful novel has saddened, inspired and touched me all at once. "Death" tells us this incredible story from a fresh and sensitive point of view. I fell in love with the characters and places within this book and did not want it to ever end.
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5.0
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– Customer review on 28/08/2009
This was by far the best book i have read in a long time. Like many people, I often read quite fast, however whilst reading The Book Theif I took many moments to look up from the pages and soak up the words, which were like poetry. We all know the tragic details of World War II, however despite being set in Nazi Germany, Zusak leaves out many of the details of the war, choosing instead to tell the story of a young German girl. Narrated by Death himself, the novel is innocent, touching and truly human.
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5.0
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8
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– Customer review on 03/03/2009
This book speaks with such breathtaking poetic language that you do not read, but LIVE the story. I never read thick books. I'm a slow reader and it usually takes me months to get through a novel. I read The Book Theif in a few weeks. The whole way through I trusted the author with the story. I knew he loved the characters, so I felt safe with him. The imagry is so vivid that I felt like I was watching a movie. A really satisfying, delicious read. Recommended to anyone with a heart - this is garunteed to melt it, even in the German winter!
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5.0
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8
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– Customer review on 26/11/2008
Liked this - an easy read and well written. Would recommend!
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5.0
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– Customer review on 11/07/2007
I wasn't sure in the beginning but it didn't take me long to become intruiged. The book was dark and sad but beautifully written and the way things were so clearly descibed made me feel like I was in the story seeing it from death's point of view. Worth reading
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5.0
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8
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– Customer review on 10/06/2007
A very good book. Nice written, nice to read, you won't think it's too long or anything like this because it has really got nice story and information pressed into a nice short book with a lot of good information which are really useful.
I really liked reading this book and you will most likely enjoy it as well!
Really enjoyable!q
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1 person found this review helpful 1 did not
5.0
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– Customer review on 17/02/2007
I read this book in three sittings - in my pre-marriage days, I would have read it in one sitting, but children have to be fed!
This is beautifully written - the sparseness of the language means that every word has its place. Zusak is a master at conveying imagery with only a few perfectly chosen words. There are many different writing techniques employed, and all have been used with such precision that they flow seamlessly.
This is a definite must-have - I would re-read it again and again.
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5.0
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– Customer review on 28/05/2006
It's a big book, yes, but don't let the size of it intimidate you. It's beautifuly, almost flawlessly written. Markus Zusak writes a little like Vonnegut, the same detached ironic tone that can't quite mask a fierce love for humanity, and more than capable of a quick emotional punch. This book should have been a top christmas seller, and I'm pretty mad it wasn't. Order a copy now - you won't regret it!
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