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A review by bludgeoned_by_hail
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I honestly don't even really know what to say. An absolute triumph in every way.
The Book Thief is about many things: it's about the power of words, about war, its cogs and consequences, about World War II in specific, about civilians and quiet resistance, about friendship, about family and community, about life, death and existence, but mainly, it's about humans.
As such, it is funny, bleak, lighthearted and unbelievably heavy, hopeful and hopeless, without the slightest tonal whiplash. The writing is striking, unique, and masterful, relaying this ridiculously ambitious story of contradictions without somehow ever becoming preachy, stilted or boring even for a second.
Beautiful, haunting book. Recommended to everyone.
The Book Thief is about many things: it's about the power of words, about war, its cogs and consequences, about World War II in specific, about civilians and quiet resistance, about friendship, about family and community, about life, death and existence, but mainly, it's about humans.
As such, it is funny, bleak, lighthearted and unbelievably heavy, hopeful and hopeless, without the slightest tonal whiplash. The writing is striking, unique, and masterful, relaying this ridiculously ambitious story of contradictions without somehow ever becoming preachy, stilted or boring even for a second.
Beautiful, haunting book. Recommended to everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Genocide
Moderate: War, Suicide, and Child death