The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, is a story that takes place in Germany as it was known in the 1900s. As Liesel Meminger watches her brother die on the train that is taking them to meet their new foster parents, her life falls into pieces by her side. Thousands of crystals, shattered all around her. Her brother gets buried in the snow, and she takes from the spot a book called The Grave Digger’s Handbook. This is her first act of thievery. Later on, it would become her source of happiness.
Hans and Rosa Hubermann lived on Himmel Street, and they also happened to be Liesel’s foster parents. Rosa had the habit of showing affection by swearing (loads of swearing, I might add), and calling people names that were most undesirable. Hans was a painter, and was mainly known for his talent with the accordion. When Liesel first comes to stay with the Hubermanns’, it is Hans that the little girl becomes attached to. When Liesel has those unbearably realistic dreams (where she revisits her brother’s graveside), it is Hans that the little girl is comforted by. When Liesel feels bad that everyone in her class could read except for her, it is Hans that teaches her to read.
Liesel meets her best friend, Rudy, who is always demanding for a kiss. She doesn’t give one to him. Not until it’s too late. Much, much, much too late. Although Rudy could be annoying, he was Liesel’s best friend….and also her stealing partner. When times got rough, they would go and steal things. Potatoes, apples, bread, and books.
Liesel was almost starting to enjoy life on Himmel Street when something happens to turn her life around faster than you could say “Jew.” Her family hid a Jew in the basement of their house.
Adolf Hitler, as many of you know, hated Jews. He wanted to rid the country of them. They were to be sent to camps, or killed, which he would prefer. Families that hid Jews in their basements or any part of their house were to be punished severely. So when the Hubermanns’ decided to let the man stay in their house, they put themselves in mortal danger.
You be the judge: Will Liesel and her family find safety once more, or will vast destruction ruin what they once knew as happiness? Read this enchanting and realistic story to find out!
