Book Response: The Book Thief

             

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a story set in 1939 in Germany during the world war two, it is narrated by "Death". The book is about a girl named Liesel Meminger whose life changes when she steal her first book: The Grave Digger's Handbook. Once she is taken in by her foster parents, Liesel is faced with the reality of what the world is actually like.

      After her brother's death she is taken in by foster parents: Rosa and Hans Hubermann. Hans Hubermann, who is an accordion player, helps Liesel learn to read. At first, he is the only person she trusts. As time progressives she learns she needs to have more faith in the people around her. For example, she learns to trust Rudy Steiner, the next door neighbor, who is obsessed with the athlete Jesse Owens. Who turns out to be her best friend. With the help of Rudy she steals books from the mayor’s wife as “revenge”.  Additionally, she also starts to believe in Rosa once Hans is sent away and there is no one left to confide in.

However before Hans is sent away, she meets Max. Max is a Jew, during this time period there is nothing worse than being a Jew. Hans Hubermann and Rosa Hubermann hide Max in their basement, because Max’s father died to save Hans’ life.

Once Max is in the picture, Markus Zusak shows how caring and kind Liesel can be. Liesel has sympathy and an understanding for people, she has the ability to befriend anyone who needs companionship, for example : Max. Once Liesel meets Max, she learns his story, she realizes how harsh and cruel the world. She remembers her struggles and she sympathizes with Max because of his. They seem to have a connection and bond because of the way they both have been through a lot.

At the end, Liesel realizes who the good guys are, who the bad guys are, and who just don’t fit into any category.

I think Markus Zusak does a great job developing Liesel. He shows how strong and independent she is. He continues to show this throughout the book. He makes me realize that even the strongest, bravest, and most courageous people can break down too. Additionally, he shows that death is not the end. The whole book is written around the whole concept of death. The book shows that death is neither a good thing or a bad thing, and it is definitely not the end.