The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

This book is Genius. Written from the perspective of Death, as a being, who walks with people, sees everything, and narrates the story. A truly unique take on WW2 as Death stalks Liesel, Papa, Mama, Max, and Rudy; one is a foster child who comes to love and be loved by new parents, one is a Jew in hiding and one is a best friend.

This book is moving in that it shows a side of the Germans not often seen in the depiction of WW2 stories; that they too struggled with the treatment of their fellow humans. That they too suffered great loss, heartache, and devastation.

The author is extremely descriptive, using colorful ways to explain ordinary events by painting vivid word pictures. Not an easy read as the author expects his reader to participate in the art of language, with all its nuances and trickery. Personally, I found that as enjoyable as the story.

I will admit this was the second time I picked up the book; the first time I was unsuccessful in finishing it. This time, I was sad that it was over. What changed? Perhaps my place in time.

I highly recommend this book, but read it with an open mind. Don’t expect it to flow over you like a gentle river; it is more like a class four whitewater ride. I loved it.