Barbara Frum District Blog

The Book Thief is a touching story about a young girl, Liesel Meminger,who is given the opportunity for a new life when she is placed in the care of her new foster family.  The story begins in 1939 in Germany, amidst the turmoil and horror of the Second World War.  Death is the narrartor of this story and he tells about the life of Liesel, who after the tragic loss of her little brother, steals her very first book.  Once Liesel is placed in the care of her foster paren'ts, Rosa and Hans Hubermann she must adapt to her new family and life.  Hans teaches the girl how to read and write by using her stolen book as a starting point.  As the novel progresses, we see Liesel build new relationships with her family and the neighbourhood children.  She also becomes very friendly with the young Jewish man, Max, that her father hides in their basement from the Nazis. 
The Book Thief is one of the best novels that I have read and I would highly recommend it.  It is an incredibly beautiful book with a compelling story.  It was one of those books that I could not put down.  I would highly recommend this novel to both adults and teenagers.  You will not be disappointed.