This is the fifth book for young adults written by this Australian author and
recipient of several awards, prizes, and honours (including a very long stretch
of time on the New York Times Bestseller List.) Markus Zusak grew up hearing
stories of Nazi soldiers marching Jews through his mother’s small German
village; and set out to tell a story that would simultaneously educate
and evoke a wide range of emotions from the reader…and it certainly delivers.
Set during World War II and narrated by Death (as tired and frustrated a
narrator as there ever was); the story follows a young girl and her struggles
to find her place in a new foster family. Liesel Meminger arrives in Molching
as a malnourished young child who has recently witnessed the death of her only
brother and has been left to foster care by a mother who can no longer care for
her. As Liesel finally begins to find her place in her new family and
community, an unexpected visitor arrives with the power to destroy her and her
new-found sense of home. Hiding a Jew in your basement is just not something
good German families do – but none-the-less Liesel and her family open their
home, their hearts, and their paint cans to this young man.
Studded with moments of humour, sadness, and joy; this book will open your eyes
to sides of Nazi Germany you may never have imagined. Though written for young
adults; I found that many of the concepts, themes, and situations in this book
are geared more towards an adult level of comprehension. I would not
consider this a “light” read, or one that will leave you with a sense that “all
is right in the world”- but it is an excellent story that will make you very
glad to have spent the time and effort! Stop by the library branch to reserve a
copy today. You won’t be sorry!
Watch for the movie being released this Christmas! Which did you prefer - the movie or the book?
No comments:
Post a Comment