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)

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.

Beautifully wordsmithed story

I loved this book. I know it's categorized as an adolescent's novel, but I think it transcends age groups. The narration is spot on, and perfect for the character.

So good!

Excellent story. It makes you feel right along with the characters. Excellent narration as well.

An unforgettable book, masterfully read

I was put off at first because Death narrates the book. Soon though I was immersed in the story, and I cannot imagine anyone doing a better job reading/conveying the characters—who are lovable, tragic, and funny. I can’t wait to listen to all 13+ hours again.

Great book

This is a great read. The story goes nowhere and everywhere describing the heart and mind of the human condition. It reaches out to each of us and all of us gently and not. An exceptional book. Bravo

Best story, best writing, I think the best I’ve ever read.

No words will describe what this book is. Maybe I can at least describe what it has done to me, for me. I am humbled, devastated, deeply touched, impressed, appalled, moved, grateful. This is my favorite book. Can a book be one’s soulmate? I’ve never thought to wonder until reading The Book Thief.

This is the best audio book I've ever listen to ex

I loved it. It was happy inside and funny kind of the same time . I employ everyone to listen. Definitely going to listen to it at least one more time 😌

stunningly beautiful and heartbreaking

I don't know how I missed this when it came out. I am glad a friend recommended it.
The story is lush and vivid (colorful, one might say).
It had an unexpectedly visceral effect on my being.
the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing this book to life, making me laugh and cry many many times.
Much gratitude to the author and narrator for sharing their skills in presenting The Book Thief.
It doesn't get better than this.

Amazing

Absolutely my favorite book and the narrator is perfect. If you are looking for a book to listen to, this is it.

Very good for the most part

Very good writing and historical value. Narrator was phenomenal. I did find it quite slow at times and difficult to get through. Definitely not a page turner for me. I like things that are quicker paced. But I can see why this received excellent reviews. It really is well written and tells a story that is sometimes horrific and other times bitter sweet and heart warming.