The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak

Narrated by: Dennis Olsen

Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

The award-winning novel that established Markus Zusak as an international brand.

It is 1939, Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery.

So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, and wherever there are books to be found. But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jewish fist-fighter in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

©2005 Markus Zusak (P)2006 Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Producer Heather Steen.

Outstanding!

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

Narrator captured the characters perfectly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Book Thief?

The Word Catcher

Which character – as performed by Dennis Olsen – was your favorite?

Rosa! And Hans! And Leisal! And Rudi!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Every part of it.

Any additional comments?

Best narrated book I've listened to - ever!

Superb listening experience

If you could sum up The Book Thief in three words, what would they be?

Terrific book+wonderful narrator=best listening experience I have ever had.
Dennis Olsen does the voice of death so well .

interesting and engaging

the story captured me right from the start. it is touching, engaging , intelligent and an excellent piece of writing

Better through Audible

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

I tried to get into this book with an actual book. It was very heavy to start and I kept putting it aside. Listening to it though was a pleasure! Dennis Olsen did a lovely job and the story is wonderful. It kept me captivated and when it was finished, I had that sad feeling when you wonder what you will possibly read next and enjoy as much. The Book Thief Is a must listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Papa! He was such a lovely gentle man who had patience and a sense of humour, and wasn't afraid to love.

What does Dennis Olsen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

for me, pronunciation of the german words and doing german accents.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it was one that was nice to think about and ponder.

The most beautiful book I've ever read.

Not something I say lightly. But I've never been as deeply touched by a story, by a grouping of words. Simple, beautiful, thought provoking. Zusak is a wordsmith of the highest calibre. Each sentence lingers in my ears, my heart. Mayne tears where shed, mayne giggles escaped my lips, and so much was caught in my throat. Read it, read it again, pass it on, and read it to them.

Thanks you Mr Zusak. Thank you

Over Rated!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, it was a poor story actually, it finished leaving the reader up in the air. I hate this kind of endings

Would you be willing to try another book from Markus Zusak? Why or why not?

No, and I wouldn't get the DVD out to watch either

Did The Book Thief inspire you to do anything?

Not at all!

Sublime

Words.
Well chosen.
Poetically paired.
Sublimely stirred.
This is a book you won’t forget easily.

Sleepy mother of two under two

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

Yes, the narrator gave more realism to the story teller.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hans Hubermann, he represents the type of person we all want to be, loyal, loving and brave.

What does Dennis Olsen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Tone and expression that the author would want you to experience

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

There were several moments in the book when I cried

Any additional comments?

A wonderful book, highly recommended

Instantly moves to my top 5 novels of all time

Holy moly I love this book. I'm going to purchase a copy of the novel too and watch the movie. Cried like a babe in arms a couple of times but it is so rich with heart and so well written and in the case of this audio book, phenomenally well read. would give it an extra star if I could.

Fantastic read

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

Yes, a really engaging story with great naration

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

The Street Sweeper

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I enjoyed it in several chapter pieces