This is still my favourite stand alone novel ever.

This book is heartbreaking and I remember the first time I was suggested it was to explain to complexities of war. that person told me "not all Germans were Nazis and not all Nazis were German. I wish the world wars were that simple."

The ending totally broke me. the first time reading it, I threw the book across the room and was angry at the author but then I came back to that quote. War is unfair for people on both sides and it's so easy for us to look back now critically at this war in particular.

I feel like this should be required reading for schools.

PS I learnt (and pass along this bit of wisdom) to NEVER read The Book Thief and Sarah's Key back to back. It will destroy your faith in humanity.