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)

Superb!

I did not know what to make of a novel narrated by the Grim Reaper, but if you are to read just one book about the Holocaust, this should be it. The power of children to both suffer and endure is manifest on every page. Well worth anyone's time.

This is probably my favorite book ever

This book is so divinely written. And the story is so heartfelt. I love it.

Another review I guess

Oh god, I’m so glad my English teacher, Ms. Ponce, made me read this book. The story it’s self was a m a z i n g and the narrator, I just have to say, HE WAS INCREDIBLE! Ummm I recommend this to older children, this book is not for younger ones. I really love this book and if you too read it, I know you will enjoy!

Mesmerizing

This is a truly exceptional book. While I was listening to it, I didn't realize it was considered YA. Sure, it's about a young person, but it's a well written and engaging story with fully fleshed-out characters - definitely suitable for adults. I have to admit that I'd never considered what life might have been like for ordinary people in Nazi Germany. While this book doesn't try to make heroes of them, it does offer a glimpse into the complexity of life. There is a fair bit of humor to be found in this story, which is at turns both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Death is a delightful narrator. And on the subject of narration, not enough good can possibly be said about the truly epic performance given by Allan Corduner - what an absolute joy!

Sublime- beautifully written and narrated

the author uses words as a paintbrush creating this beautiful canvas of a story, the narrator brings this sublime and achingly beautiful story and its characters to life.

Superlative Read

Amazing book! One of the best books I have heard on Audible. The story was riveting and the The Book Thief came alive through the tremendous performance of Allan Corduner.
Please give yourself the gift of reading this book.

One of my all time favorite

I did not want this book to end. It captured me right from chapter 1 and never let go until the end. Truly is one of my top favorite books! You will not be disappointed.

Beautifully written and read

A poetic, moving story that describes one young German girl’s journey through WWII. A rich cast of characters surround her and support her as she and they struggle to hold on to their humanity amidst the Nazi brutality. Wonderfully written by the author. Fabulously and meaningfully read by the narrator.

The book thief

I absolutely loved this book, the way that the narrator and author, created a beautiful story I definitely recommend this

Remarkable

The narrator was impeccable. The most perfect performance of any audiobook I’ve ever heard. The book is wonderful. Everything you want in a novel. Beautifully written - will stay with me for years to come.