The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak

Narrated by: Allan Corduner

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

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)

I hated for this book to end

This was a very moving story and will bring tears at times. But so worth it. The narrator is perfect. I can't imagine any one else but death to tell this story. And I no longer fear him. I do not long for him either, make no mistake about that. You MUST listen to this book if you never listen to another book. You will not regret it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone.

Death is the narrator of a story about love, hope, healing, hurt, grief, and perseverance.

Amazing

What a beautiful book indeed. Allan made this story touch my heart. Will be listening to his other audible books!

Excellent book, brilliant narration.

Would you listen to The Book Thief again? Why?

Yes, because of the poignant story set against the backdrop of the despair of Nazi Germany.

Have you listened to any of Allan Corduner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Simply adding to the praise...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it definitely grew on me. The narrator captures the German accent and personality perfectly - although sometimes his voices can get annoying. The story itself kept me coming back to the book -- it's an interesting take on your general WWII/Holocaust story. "Death" gives perfect descriptions of each character. You can truly picture them all in your mind (they become like your own friends) so that by the end of the novel you feel Liesel's pain as much as Death does.

Definitely worth a credit!

So good, I'm depressed it's over.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is fantastic and the audio version is perfect. You will be in love with the characters by the end, and even the narrator. You will be very pleased in your choice!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Book Thief?

Death describing colors.

beautiful tragically sweet story

really happy i gave this book a chance finally. worth the listen! great imagery throughout with interesting perspective.

Great Story

Where does The Book Thief rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the best book I have read in a very long time. You will not be disappointed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Book Thief?

The ending, I loved how the author weaved all the stories together and you closed all of the story lines.

What does Allan Corduner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Absolutely. His voice was a perfect match for the story!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't want to give anything away, but THE ENDING!

Any additional comments?

You will not be able to get this story out of your head!

Intriguing book. Love the story. Great performance

Would you consider the audio edition of The Book Thief to be better than the print version?

I did not read the printed version

What about Allan Corduner’s performance did you like?

Wonderful performance

Any additional comments?

Just love this book. Happy and sad and hopeful in the terrible days of Nazis and world war 2 in Germany

Heartwrenching and stunning.

this book really spans the whole of human emotions. it made me laugh while I was crying, and that's beautiful. the narration was crisp, believable, and whimsical. excellent read