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)

Don't pass this story by.

This literary masterpiece should be read and heard by all. I know I will do both many more times. Thank you Markus and Allan.

great story

what great detail of an incredible story.i felt like i was in the middle of Germany

Loved it!

The narrator was perfectly suited for the part! Loved it! Am hoping the movie will be as good!

One of the best books I’ve read

I simply loved this book. I loved everything about this book, from the plot to the narration style, all of it was amazing. There were few but very emotional moments where you ask yourself, why are humans like this, this book taught me many many things. I even felt sorry for the narrator which is quite surprising, I recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a casual read. The plot is not confusing and the characters are very distinct and hard to forget, especially Rudy, what a character that boy was.

Odd start, but then brilliant!!

First chapter a little off-putting, but when he gets down to the story telling, the story itself, and the words he chooses, are beautiful.

I LOVED this book . . . Especially LISTENING to it

What made the experience of listening to The Book Thief the most enjoyable?

The narrator of this book was AMAZING! Great story which was enhanced by the performer!

What about Allan Corduner’s performance did you like?

His voice, accent, German pronunciation; he made this book SO enjoyable for listening!

Any additional comments?

A MUST listen!

great story to remind us how valuable words are

loved to story and the way the book was written from deaths point of view

Great read.

Excellent book. The narrator did an exceptional job reading this book. The inflections and tones made me feel like I was in ever scene. Loved it.

Inspiring Performance with an Inspiring Tale

This book is the best book I have ever read, paired with an entirely convincing performance by Allan Corduner. I am a long time reader and have listened to as many audiobooks as I can get. The Book Thief is an underrated gem. It is an honesty story, spoken without pretense. Corduner’s voice is paired perfectly for his role.

Tragic and Beautiful

Here I am, sitting at my kitchen table sobbing in my work uniform. Partly because my chicken curry is far too spicy, but mostly because of how touching, tragic, and wonderful this book is. The Book Thief is a must read for everyone, even those as young as Liesel Meminger was herself when her story began.