“The Book Thief” written by Markus Zusak is set in Germany during the war of 1939. This was a rough time and place during history when Adolf Hitler took over Germany with the Nazi Army.
The novel is set specifically in the city of Munich. During the time of Hitler’s attack on Jews and reign of power over Germany, the interesting story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger is told. Liesel is not an average child. Her mother sent her off to live to Molching with Hans and Rosa Hubermann, Liesel’s new foster parents. Also known as“mama number two and papa”. Liesel’s younger brother Warren also died on a train while he was sleeping. Sad to say, life was not the best for young Liesel. She was set off to live on Himmel Street with her foster parents, where she encounters new friends as well as challenges.
Death, the narrator of the story first refers to Liesel as The Book Thief. This title, which is also the title of the book, has very much to do with the setting in which the story takes place, and much to do with Liesel’s challenges. Firstly, Liesel’s biggest challenge is not being able to read. Due to the fact, that Liesel cannot read she was set back in school to learn with the little kids. Even with her papa helping and teaching her how to read in the middle of the night, reading was still a constant struggle. Especially trying to read at the same level as kids her age. It was also challenging for Liesel, since the kids on Himmel Street, made fun of her. After a while, she became disruptive in her class, therefore they placed her back to learn with kids her age. Nevertheless, books fascinated Liesel. Despite the fact that Liesel was not able to read, she still had a great interest for books. Unfortunately, the Hubermanns were not wealthy enough to have tons of books for their dear foster child, Liesel.
The Hubermanns got by, by very little. Hans Hubermann is an accordion player as well as a painter and his wife Rosa brings home the most money by washing and ironing for wealthier homes. After a while Liesel took over Rosa’s job by helping her fulfill her duties instead. All in all, it was still not enough to provide Liesel with new books whenever she had a desire to read. Receiving books was an occasion for Liesel that only happened once or twice a year, more so on holidays. Which is why, Liesel resorted to stealing, and fulfilling her very own title as The Book Thief.
In conclusion, I believe that the author, Mark Zusak selected to write an inspiring and well-written novel during this particular time and place in history because it gives the story an edge as well as more emotion. Using a time in history as tough as such makes the character’s struggles and triumphs all the more superior, and including death as the narrator, gives the story the whole package. Although I haven’t finished the novel yet, I can say that this is a book that surpasses expectations and is extremely hard to put down.
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