The Book Thief takes place during World War II, specifically in Germany. The main character, Liesel, became a foster child when her mother could not take care of her or her brother anymore. On the way to their new home, her brother has a cough attack and dies in the snow. Now Liesel is left alone as she arrives to her new home. Her foster parents, Rosa and Hans Hubberman, were delighted to see her arrival. As the first couple of days pass in her new home, Liesel experiences nightmares every single night to the point where Hans has to sleep with her in order to comfort her. She also meets her best friend Rudy Steiner while playing soccer in the streets with all the other kids from town. Liesel becomes fascinated by books even though she can't read. Hans teaches Liesel how to read every night that she wakes up from her nightmares. One night, Max, a Jewish civilian, arrives at their home because he was told by his best friend who was hiding him before that Hans would be able to hide him as well because he could no longer do it. Max was sent to live in the basement so that no one from the outside would be able to see him in the house. Max and Liesel become very close friends throughout the months that he stays with them. Hans made a terrible mistake to feed a Jew in the streets and later thinks that the government would come to his house and search for a Jew in his home. He tells Max that he has to leave for a while but he would go back and get him once the government came to his home. They never showed up and when Hans went back to look for him, Max had left and with that, left a note thanking them for everything they had done for him.
My opinion in the beginning when I first saw the book, I thought it was too long and that I would get bored of it. Once I dove into the reading, I couldn't stop. The suspense that the book contains really keeps you interested. This is probably the longest book I have ever read and I don't regret it. The book really keeps you attached and if you like books about the Holocaust and of WWII, then I assure you you'd like this one. It's not the boring type that just gives you information but it has a story to it. The ending is emotional but it's really worth reading.
Nathalie,
ReplyDeleteYour summary alone makes me want to jump in to reading your novel. The Book Thief sounds fantastic, and I really do believe that WWII and the holocaust are interesting subjects of the world's past. Even though you don't want to give away too much information, I really would like to know how it ends. Your summary leaves me in suspense with the abrupt ending and I might just have to read the book.
After reading your book review, this book really seems like a story i would like to read. I have alswyas liked suspense and enjoy a good thrill every once in a while. As long as the book keeps me interested like you say it does, im sure ill like it alot and have no problem reading it.
ReplyDeleteI think this book would be a good choice for me. I find World War II really interesting, and I think this story line seems very interesting. I also like that it seems suspenseful and keeps the reader entertained.
ReplyDeleteI think this would be a good book to read during the day or if your bored at home. It sounds like really sad for the girl but then during towards the end it's sounds like everything will be fine so it be a good book to read about.
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