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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: 25+ Quotes About the Power of Kindness


Kindness is the quality of being considerate, compassionate, generous, gentle, and caring towards others without expecting anything in return. Often described as a virtue, kindness is also a strength—in fact, it may be one of humanity's greatest superpowers. Whenever you need a little encouragement or gentle reminder, turn to these quotes from authors who understand the power of kindness and express it quite remarkably.

What listeners say about The Book Thief

Average customer ratings
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One of the best books I've read in ages!

This was a rich, compelling story which focused on the most important aspect of life - hope. The narrator was divine - the perfect voice of Death, in Death's most delightful form. The characters had such depth and dimension that I felt a loss at the end of the book. This was a story that I wanted to continue. In fact, the narrator's perspective and the unique portrayal of Death would make a wonderful launch for other stories. I just loved it...

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A bit too long

Got bored halfway. I think the VO could be more powerful. The ending is amazing.

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😭🥰

😭🥰 thank you.This book was a true eye opener. 💋
big hugs and positive vibes to all

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The Book Thief

In The Book Thief, I think it gives a really good perspective of the world around Leisel and her new found community. The author did a great job of describing his characters and their surroundings. Over all I would recommend this book to anyone willing to listen to it!

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  • SM
  • 02-15-21

Gentle for all Readers

The heavy narrative frame made me skeptical. Usually a frame that heavy is used for middle grade books so readers feel more safe, like they have a hand holding them through the story. I must say, I was glad as the story progressed the narrator was there to cushion the story. It will still break your heart, but you will not be left devastated as you might from a Tolstoy novel. Enjoy, I loved and believe you will too!

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Perfection

I believe this is one of the most astounding books I have ever had the honor to read. It was perfection!!

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Unforgettable

I read this book many years ago, and saw the movie. I knew I enjoyed it but also that I would need to read it again for a book club discussion. Listening to it was an incredible experience, rich with emotional life and nuance. A rare and beautiful look into the lives of good people, with the misfortune to be German, during the time of Adolf Hitler. To be reminded that goodness always burns with true light, no matter how deep and terrible the darkness

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The Best Story Ever Written!!!

Don't miss this one!! Excellent story! artistic presentation! All the elements of Pure Perfection! Thank you for for this beautiful gift Marcus Zusak. Wonderful presentation by Allan Corduner: as if it was his story to tell (some of the female voices were awful, but excusable in this case with the story told by a special narrator. Overall best story belongs in every library!

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Best Performance!

Superbly touching story and one of the best reading performances I've experienced on Audible to date!

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Bravo!

I read this several years ago. I love the book and the movie, but I loved Allan Corduner's performance best.

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