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The Book Thief  By  cover art

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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perfect narrator for this book

This is by far the. best. narrator! His voices were perfectly matched to the plot and characters.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable listen, but strange ending

The narrative is great and the narrator is good. I think most people will enjoy it. Personally, the ending kind of wrecks the whole thing. It leaves a lot to be desired. Really rushed and dramatic, with no explanation to much of anything.

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  • jb
  • 03-21-19

Spectacular!

A magnificently written tale of love, death, history, humanity, and the unbelievable power of words.

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Great writing!

Audible hopes you have enjoyed this program. To that I say, "very much so"

Great writing. Beautiful story. Incredible narration!

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Touching story

This is a touching story. And a great history lesson. All wrapped up in one. Definitely written from a different angle. Don’t let the length of the audiobook discourage you. It’s well worth it!

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Amazing!

The Book Thief is a must read for any who loves a good story with characters that are multidimensional.

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LOVED THE STORY AND THE READER

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

YES, I COULDN'T STOP LISTENING AND WAS SAD WHEN IT WAS OVER

What other book might you compare The Book Thief to and why?

THE STORY TELLER BECAUSE OF NAZI GERMANY

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Wonderful story about a difficult time in history

I wasn't sure I would like this book and was pleasantly surprised when I did.
It's a touching story about a difficult time in history that finds the good in the bad. Narrator was great

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A wonderful book

The Book Thief would definitely tug at your heartstrings, I will be completely honest, this is the very first book that made me cry so much in both the good and dark times of Liesel's life.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book. Loved the reader

I listen while I do puzzles. My kids are milling around and creating distractions. Because of this it took so long for me to figure out the story but when I did it was so GREAT. I was delighted. I loved the perspective of the narrator. I didn't stop to listening to it other than bio breaks. Thank you for your beautiful mind. Thank you to the reader who was perfect in everyway.

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