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)

Probably best of the year

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

Told the German "everyday man" side of the war, which I had not really heard before. Innovative approach with Death narrating. Very moving journey of a young girl and her adoptive family.

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

Sarah's Key due to holocaust themes and a child's journey; A tree grows in Brooklyn due to the journey of a young girl facing hardship,

Which scene was your favorite?

the bombing scenes were very suspenseful and tragic. I also liked the scenes with the mayor's wife. I didn't enjoy the various death scenes, but they needed to be told/scene to make the story complete.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

yes, this book moved in many ways, happy and sad.

Any additional comments?

best book of the year for me.

Great Book

Only Death himself can take something as morbid as the Holocaust and inject a bit of humor. While very sad at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the way this book was written. A great piece of historical fiction that should not be limited to young adults.

Great story perfectly narrated!

This book was very fun to listen to. The narrator does a fantastic job. I highly recommend to all!

Great book!

This is an unconventional way to look into World War 2 and Nazi Germany- with death as your narrator. This is a story about the hearts and souls of people caught up in hatred, not their own, swept along with a political tide they could not change or even fight. How could anyone act or react in such an awful time and place? This story is well told, with many stories within the main tale. The ending, though elusive, was not unbelievable.

Best Narrator Ever and Great Story

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

This is probably the best one I've listened to! The narrator is excellent. He interprets the story, gives life to the characters, he's amazing.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is beautiful, touching, very emotional and heart warming.

What about Allan Corduner’s performance did you like?

He is the best. Can't say enough. Almost makes it harder to listen to other narrators after you listen to this one.

If you could rename The Book Thief, what would you call it?

I have no idea! lol But it is a beautiful story of life and how despite all the pain it is still worth living.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. Great entertainment. I miss the book and the characters now.

Bravo

The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Each one has a unique touch that eloquently captures their personalities.

Great read. highly recommended for a glimpse of

highly recommended for a glimpse of the life in Germany for everyday people during world War two

Brilliant story as told with a unique perspective!

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

Yes, the narrator gave the story an extra something that you wouldn't get from reading it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Leizel who was so young and had lived through so much had maturity far beyond her years.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were so many, but maybe when papa was teaching Leizel to roll a cigarette. It was tender and touching.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, it made me think and reminded me not to forget history.

Any additional comments?

This is a book I will listen to many times.

Unique presentation of WW2 Germany

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

Truly unique storytelling. The story of World War 2 Germany is not a new one, but the interesting character and perspective of this narrator will show you something new.

Lovely

I really enjoyed it! Even though it takes place in Nazi Germany, it was well done with compassion. I understand more now.