Projects 2024: A book review by Amanda Routasalo: The Book Thief
A BOOK THAT STEALS YOUR AFFECTION
Markus Zusak’s The book thief, first published in 2005, is a gripping and thought-provoking novel. The poetic and insightful book is set in Nazi Germany, and the story follows a girl called Liesel Meminger through her experiences with life, death and thievery. The story begins with Liesel’s journey to her foster parents who live in a small town near Munich. With the help of her foster father, Hans, Liesel learns to read, and her love for books blossoms even amidst the horrors surrounding her. Narrated by Death, the novel offers a unique take on the second World War.
The book thief observes everything through the power of words. Liesel explores and expresses herself through them, and books stay as a motif throughout the whole novel. Zusak crafts a world where words are both a comfort and a weapon, making readers co-live Liesel’s story through one of the most horrific events in history. Especially as a reader who is passionate about literature, I found the main character’s relationship with words fascinating to follow. Another important theme in the novel is the resilience of humanity in inhumane times. For example, Liesel’s foster parents offer shelter to a Jewish man named Max. As the world around the characters gets darker and darker, the author highlights the little actions of love and kindness more and shows compassion in the middle of a heart-wrecking conflict.
There isn’t much to criticize about The book thief. Although some readers might find the structure of the chapters a bit confusing since the narrator sometimes stops the storytelling to share their little observations on humans, mortality and themself. I, however, find the odd way of writing to be refreshing. The author also often slips German words into the English text, which sometimes feels a little pretentious. In my opinion, he does it a tiny bit too much for them to always have an effective impact on the reader.
Even though the horrors of the World Wars happened way back in history, the novel stays relevant in today’s world. Many ongoing conflicts are affecting people’s everyday lives, even in Europe. Nationalism and extremist thinking are rising again, and people seem blindfolded to the terrors that combo has brought with itself in the past. In the depressing reality that can be found in the events of the present, Zusak’s book is a valuable exploration of hope, loss and growth in a time filled with hatred. Through the struggles of its characters, The Book Thief serves as a reminder of the costs of hatred and the enduring power of compassion. For me, it is a story that stole my affection with its beautifully layered portrayal of history and humanity.
Markus Zusak’s The book thief, first published in 2005, is a gripping and thought-provoking novel. The poetic and insightful book is set in Nazi Germany, and the story follows a girl called Liesel Meminger through her experiences with life, death and thievery. The story begins with Liesel’s journey to her foster parents who live in a small town near Munich. With the help of her foster father, Hans, Liesel learns to read, and her love for books blossoms even amidst the horrors surrounding her. Narrated by Death, the novel offers a unique take on the second World War.
The book thief observes everything through the power of words. Liesel explores and expresses herself through them, and books stay as a motif throughout the whole novel. Zusak crafts a world where words are both a comfort and a weapon, making readers co-live Liesel’s story through one of the most horrific events in history. Especially as a reader who is passionate about literature, I found the main character’s relationship with words fascinating to follow. Another important theme in the novel is the resilience of humanity in inhumane times. For example, Liesel’s foster parents offer shelter to a Jewish man named Max. As the world around the characters gets darker and darker, the author highlights the little actions of love and kindness more and shows compassion in the middle of a heart-wrecking conflict.
There isn’t much to criticize about The book thief. Although some readers might find the structure of the chapters a bit confusing since the narrator sometimes stops the storytelling to share their little observations on humans, mortality and themself. I, however, find the odd way of writing to be refreshing. The author also often slips German words into the English text, which sometimes feels a little pretentious. In my opinion, he does it a tiny bit too much for them to always have an effective impact on the reader.
Even though the horrors of the World Wars happened way back in history, the novel stays relevant in today’s world. Many ongoing conflicts are affecting people’s everyday lives, even in Europe. Nationalism and extremist thinking are rising again, and people seem blindfolded to the terrors that combo has brought with itself in the past. In the depressing reality that can be found in the events of the present, Zusak’s book is a valuable exploration of hope, loss and growth in a time filled with hatred. Through the struggles of its characters, The Book Thief serves as a reminder of the costs of hatred and the enduring power of compassion. For me, it is a story that stole my affection with its beautifully layered portrayal of history and humanity.