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I have no idea how to even start describing the impact The Book Thief had on me. I cannot believe that I had once tried putting reading this novel off for the longest time. Looking back, I have no idea why I didn't read The Book Thief earlier, most likely because I expected it to be like every other Holocaust/World War II novel. The only thing I can say before describing the story is I HIGHLY recommend The Book Thief to anyone who loves charming characters and a well-thought-out, yet unique storyline. 

The Book Thief is a haunting novel about a young girl named Liesel who is taken in by a foster family. Her mother can no longer afford to raise Liesel and her younger brother, thus sending them away. However, on the train ride to their new family, Liesel's brother suddenly dies, leaving Liesel all alone. The abandonment of her mother and brother's death haunts Liesel throughout the story and becomes the driving force for the rest of the plot. As years pass by, Liesel starts to understand her love for learning, especially reading. She starts with simple steps, such as her foster father teaching her the alphabet. However, Liesel soon takes more risks and begins to steal books -- hence the title. What follows is a coming-of-age story, as we watch Liesel mature during one of the world's most horrid times: World War II. She makes friends with countless characters along the way, all of which are deep and meaningful. For example, she befriends Rudy, the neighbor's boy, the mayor's wife, and even a Jew. While the entire country is holding its breath, and uncertainty has become the usual aura, Liesel's family decides to hide a young Jewish man named Max. 

Before I move on, I just want to say that Max was my favorite character in the entire novel. Despite living isolated in Liesel's basement, Max showed the highest degree of determination and persistence I have ever seen in a character. His trauma didn't stop him from dreaming, and his friendship with Liesel was heartfelt, yet so deep and powerful. He never judged anyone and accepted them for who they truly were. One would have to read The Book Thief to fully understand the characters (or else, I sound like someone highly obsessive over fictional characters!)

The most intriguing aspect of the plot is the fact that it is narrated by Death, who is personified. However, Death is not perceived as what instantly comes to mind: gruesome, morbid, or ghastly. Instead, Death is written to be philosophical, with a touch of beauty and grace in his words. Throughout the book, the reader feels a sense of respect and empathy for Death after realizing what he must endure. This unusual narration creates a stronger attraction and compulsion to read the novel. 

For me, The Book Thief was an eye-opener. It was unlike any of the World War II novels I've read before. Other books have explicit emotions, whereas the emotions of The Book Thief seem to creep up on you, which surprisingly hit harder than you'd expect. It may not seem like a compliment, but this novel has emotionally destroyed me and increased my expectations for every other book I will ever read. Every page had something new lurking between the lines: a new twist or a hidden danger. If I had to sum up The Book Thief in just one word, it would be "masterpiece". It seems as if I will never enjoy a novel more than I enjoyed The Book Thief. 

Check out the Book Thief from NBPL!