I received this book last year in a Facebook Christmas book box exchange. To be honest, I had never heard of it! But I’m really glad my exchange buddy sent it to me, because this is now a new favourite of mine.

The Book Thief is narrated by death, and she’s not the most consistent of story tellers. She jumps ahead in the narrative, and alludes to future tragedy in Liesel’s life. It inspires a false sense of confidence, thinking that you know what is coming. Trust me - you don’t. And guaranteed, the climax of the book is going to hit you where it hurts. I didn’t cry - but it was a near thing.

Liesel’s book thievery, although constant throughout the story, is actually a very minor part of the plot. This book is about family, survival, and the power of words in the most tragic of periods in recent history - WWII. It’s a unique perspective, following poor, German families trapped in a war zone.

Liesel attends the mandatory Hitler Youth program, watches soldiers parade Jewish prisoners through the streets… then goes home to read with Max, the Jewish man her foster family is hiding in the basement. She hides from falling bombs and dreams of a brother that died far too young. How on earth can a child grow in this environment?

Zusak writes beautifully - his world building and characters are excellent. I absolutely loved Liesel’s foster father, Hans. He’s a gentle soul in a world of hard corners and rough edges. This isn’t a rapid page turner, but the pacing doesn’t drag. It’s thought provoking and lingers with you after you’ve read the last page. I’m actually already tempted to crack it open and read it again.