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A review by raffy23
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
-Really loved Death as the narrator & his view of the world through colours
-Fascinating descriptions of Death's simple duty, not desire, to "scoop" up souls and sometimes even seeing him comfort the souls in his arms
-Beautiful post-modern, self-aware writing style
-Greatly enjoyed the interrupting facts, lists, sketches, stories, etc
-The main character's relationships with Rudy, Hans, Isla & Max were very interesting
-I wish there were more "after-the-fact" elaborations, i.e. how did Liesel feel and develop her relationship with Isla after being taken under her care? How close were Max & Lisel post-climax when they met again? How (much) did the death of her friend impact her? These are vital for completing the story of her relationships, yet they were never entirely concluded for me. So this person's dead, she's orphaned once more , etc, but we never get to explore her feelings about these events except for when they happen (quickly) in the moment
-A good story overall which could have concluded with more of her thoughts, & not just Death's. Liesel was brushed aside at the end there and Death was in a hurry to finish the tale, which I felt the same of the author's last few rushed pages. The themes were delivered, her voice was not
-Fascinating descriptions of Death's simple duty, not desire, to "scoop" up souls and sometimes even seeing him comfort the souls in his arms
-Beautiful post-modern, self-aware writing style
-Greatly enjoyed the interrupting facts, lists, sketches, stories, etc
-The main character's relationships with Rudy, Hans, Isla & Max were very interesting
-I wish there were more "after-the-fact" elaborations, i.e. how did Liesel feel and develop her relationship with Isla after being taken under her care? How close were Max & Lisel post-climax when they met again? How (much) did the death of her friend impact her? These are vital for completing the story of her relationships, yet they were never entirely concluded for me. So this person's dead, she's orphaned once more , etc, but we never get to explore her feelings about these events except for when they happen (quickly) in the moment
-A good story overall which could have concluded with more of her thoughts, & not just Death's. Liesel was brushed aside at the end there and Death was in a hurry to finish the tale, which I felt the same of the author's last few rushed pages. The themes were delivered, her voice was not
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and War
Moderate: Child abuse