Summary
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak takes place in Nazi Germany during World War II and centers on a young girl named Liesel Meminger. After the death of her brother and the disappearance of her mother, Liesel is placed with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, in the small town of Molching.
At first, Liesel struggles to adjust, but she gradually finds comfort in books, despite not being able to read. With Hans’ guidance, she learns to read and develops a deep love for words. As the war intensifies, the Hubermanns hide a Jewish man, Max Vandenburg, in their basement. Liesel and Max form a powerful bond, and he gifts her a handmade book that inspires her own writing.
Throughout the story, Liesel steals books—starting with one from a graveyard and later from the mayor’s library—finding hope and freedom through reading. But the war brings devastating losses: air raids destroy much of her town, and a bombing ultimately kills almost everyone she cares about. Liesel survives because she was in the basement writing her story when the attack happened.
The novel is uniquely narrated by Death, who observes Liesel’s journey and offers reflections on humanity along the way.
Review coming soon – Coming soon