Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.


From the Hardcover edition.

Rating : - "A heartbreaking work of staggering genius"
That phrase is a cliche but in this case, it truly fits. This is a fantastic book, beautifully written and deeply moving.

I can see how some people might find it slow. I usually prefer fast-paced books but the metaphors and language in this were so wonderfully done, I didn't mind. The character development is excellent...very well-rounded characters, very detailed. By the end of the book, I didn't want to let go of them.

The book is emotional, I have to say. I used up more than one kleenex on it.

Bravo to the author. I loved it.