The Sunday Salon

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.

I don't remember where I first heard about The Book Thief. I probably read about in on someone's blog and then put it on hold at the library and  promptly forgot about it. I do that a lot. I wish I could thank whoever recommended it to me. It would not be an exaggeration to say that The Book Thief is now in my top 5 list. Maybe even top 3.

Liesel, the book thief, pockets her first book at the age of 9 at her younger brother's funeral. The book is The Gravedigger's Handbook. After she arrives at her foster parent's house she starts having nightmares about her brother's death. Her foster father, Hans, reads to Liesel from the Gravedigger's Handbook each night after she awakens from her nightmares. Then Han's uses the book to teach her how to read.  Later, she "acquires" more books--some stolen, some given to her, and some made for her. 

Leisel's story is narrated by Death.  I was a little put off by this at first. I thought it might make the tone of the book a little pretentious. I was wrong.  Death really takes you through depth of the human spirit, both cruel and humane. I was brought to the brink of despair, and then a little sliver of hope would shine through. Just as I was feeling hopeful, despair came back, and so on.  By the end of the book I was sobbing for both the good and the bad.

I will be sad to hand this one back over to the library.

<3
Wendy

Comments

[debnance]

I'm trying to get a copy of it from Paperback Swap. Nothing so far.

Good to hear your comments.

[JoAnn]

I just got a copy and hope to read it soon! I enjoyed reading your review.