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The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak
Narrated by: Allan Corduner
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Publisher's summary

Don’t miss Bridge of Clay, Markus Zusak’s first novel since The Book Thief.

The extraordinary number-one New York Times best seller that is now a major motion picture, Markus Zusak's unforgettable story is about the ability of books to feed the soul. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

When Death has a story to tell, you listen. It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist - books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

“The kind of book that can be life-changing.” (The New York Times)

“Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.” (USA Today)

©2006 Markus Zusak (P)2006 Random House Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

  • Book Sense Book of the Year Award, Children's Literature, 2007

"The astonishing characters, drawn without sentimentality, will grab readers." (Booklist)
"Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers....An extraordinary narrative." (School Library Journal)
"The Book Thief will appeal both to sophisticated teens and adults with its engaging characters and heartbreaking story." (Bookmarks Magazine)

Featured Article: The 10 Best WWII Audiobooks for Every History Buff


World War II, although well-documented through various mediums, is the basis for a wide range of little-known stories from Europe and beyond that deserve to be heard. From firsthand accounts of soldiers on the front lines to stories of brave women behind the scenes, these are impactful stories of humans coming together in this time of global conflict. We’re sure you’ll find something captivating on our list of the best WWII audiobooks.

What listeners say about The Book Thief

Average customer ratings
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    4 out of 5 stars

Absolutely haunting

The best and worst book I’ve ever read. My heart is shattered and I cannot stop crying.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another book about a terrible time in history

This book described an interesting POV on a tragic time in our collective history. It was well written and thought provoking. But, it wasn't realistic that a young girl living during this time period would be so bold to steal books in the manner that she did. However, hope in the perseverance of humanity let's you believe the it could be done and therefore this novel takes the reader on a lovely journey describing the tenacity of the human spirit.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant story and narrator

Excellent story told from an interesting perspective. Listened to it twice and will listen again.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent read

It was a very moving story and so realistic. I liked that it was narrated by death but in a good way as he explains a lot and seems to genuinely care. No matter how much I read about the Nazis I still cannot fathom their hatred of others.

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beautifully described story

Beautiful yet heartbreaking story. Incredibly well read. five stars. watching the movie tonight. highly recommend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An amazing story.

The story was beautiful, poignant, cruel, and breathtaking. The kind of book that lingers in your mind throughout the day. And one I will want to go back to many times.
In addition; the excellent narration brought the story to life-bravo!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Narration was right- on

It took a while to get into this story but as it continued it was excellent. The characters were well developed & the story was excellent and emotional at times

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Heartbreaking and triumphant humanity on full display

Picked this up to listen with the family in the car and I fell in love with the story and binged it by myself. The performance is wonderfully paced and thoughtful. The story is deeply touching. It was a let down for it to come to an end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Written like an intricate poem

Beyond anything else, beyond storyline and characters, theme or narration, the actual writing of the Book Thief is breathtaking.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Floored.

I bought this book on a whim after reading All The Light We Cannot See… and it became one of my favorite stories I’ve ever heard. It is extraordinary. I’m so moved.

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