The Book Thief by Australian author Markus Zusak, published in 2005, is both a compelling work of historical fiction and a moving coming-of-age story. Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany during the Second World War, the novel is distinguished for its unique narrator, Death, who provides a somber commentary on the human condition. The plot centers on a young girl, Liesel Meminger, who, after the death of her brother and separation from her mother, is placed in the care of foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, in the small fictional town of Molching, near Munich.
While living with the Hubermanns, Liesel is exposed to the brutal realities of the Nazi regime. Her life takes a significant turn when her foster family decides to hide a Jewish man, Max Vandenburg, in their basement, putting them all in grave danger. Throughout the story, Liesel develops a deep love for books, which becomes a form of resistance against the oppressive political environment. She begins to steal books from Nazi book-burnings and the mayor's wife's library, learning to read and share the stolen words with her neighbors, including a boy who becomes her best friend, Rudy Steiner, and Max. The bonds Liesel forms with books, her foster parents, Rudy, Max, and other people around her lead to a journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and resilience.
The narrative does not shy away from the stark realities of war, including the pervasive presence of death. Through Liesel's experiences, Zusak explores profound themes such as the power of words, the impact of love and sacrifice, and the dualities of human nature. Despite the omnipresent threat of death, the novel offers moments of beauty, compassion, and even humor.
Resonating with readers of all ages, The Book Thief has been praised for its lyrical writing style, emotional depth, and examination of the human capacity for both kindness and cruelty. It became an international bestseller and was later adapted into a film and a musical. Through Liesel’s story, Zusak not only captures a harrowing, shameful chapter in history but also reflects the complexities of ordinary people and the profound impact of individual acts of resistance and kindness.
Themes
Loss and grief
Mortality
Courage in the face of oppression
Found family
Compassion for others’ suffering
Personal sacrifice for strangers and the greater good
The power of reading. writing, and words
The impact of individual acts of resistance
Various ways of demonstrating love
Setting
The Book Thief is set in Germany during the tumultous years of World War II, predominantly between 1939 and 1943. This era, marked by the oppressive regime of the Nazis, provides a haunting backdrop to the story’s events, reflecting a period of great political upheaval and human tragedy. The geographical frame primarily encompasses a small town outside of Munich, known as Molching, which, though fictional, mirrors the many real towns and communities that experienced the wrath and indoctrination of the Nazi regime.
The story features various locations within Molching that play significant roles in the unfolding events and the development of the characters. One of the most poignant of these settings is Himmel Street, where the young protagonist, Liesel Meminger, resides with the Hubermanns—her foster parents. This street, whose name ironically translates to "Heaven," witnesses the evolution of Liesel from a grief-stricken girl into a resilient young woman who finds solace and courage in the power of words. Another critical locale is the basement of the Hubermann’s home, which not only serves as a physical shelter for Max Vandenberg, a Jewish man hiding from the Nazis, but also as a metaphorical shelter for Liesel, where she learns to read and write, cultivating her love for books and the strength they provide.
The broader setting of Nazi Germany is ever-present, looming over these microcosms with its ideologies and acts of aggression, including the book burnings and bomb raids that punctuate the narrative. Along with capturing the era’s pervasive sense of fear and loss, these events serve as catalysts for remarkable acts of resistance, compassion, and love. Through the meticulously described setting of The Book Thief, Zusak not only paints a vivid picture of life in Nazi Germany but also explores the dichotomies of human nature against the backdrop of war.
Characters
Death: The narrator of the story, exploring the lives affected by war and the concept of mortality.
Liesel Meminger: The novel’s protagonist, a young girl reeling from the loss of her brother and separated from her mother. Liesel learns the power of words through stealing books and comes to understand the meaning of sacrifice, compassion, and love through her foster parents.
Hans Hubermann (Papa): Liesel’s accordion-playing foster father, who teaches her to read and write and demonstrates courage in resisting the Nazis.
Rosa Hubermann (Mama): Liesel’s sharp-tongued but caring foster mother.
Max Vandenburg: A 24-year-old Jewish fist-fighter hiding from the Nazis in the Hubermanns' basement.
Rudy Steiner: Liesel's best friend and neighbor, known for his rebellious spirit and love for Liesel.
Ilsa Hermann: The mayor's wife, who allows Liesel to read and steal books from her library.
Werner Meminger: Liesel's younger brother, whose death introduces her to book thievery.
Paula Meminger: Liesel's mother, mentioned briefly in the story as being persecuted by the Nazis.
Hans Jr: Hans and Rosa Hubermann's son who supports the Nazi party, causing tension within his family.
Critical reception
Editorial reviews acclaim The Book Thief by Markus Zusak as a masterpiece that transcends age boundaries, offering a blend of grim reality and hopeful resilience. The New York Times Book Review described it as “brilliant” and “startling in many ways,” while Kirkus Reviews declared it “beautiful and important.” TIME magazine praised it as “an enduring ode to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of senseless cruelty and violence,” and The New York Times called it “the kind of book that can be life-changing.”
FAQs
What is The Book Thief about?
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, The Book Thief is a work of historical fiction following the story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger, who survives the harsh realities of war by stealing books and sharing them with others.
What genre does The Book Thief belong to?
The Book Thief is classified under historical fiction. It also incorporates elements of a Bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story. Though written for all ages by its Australian author, Marcus Zusak, it was marketed in the United States as a Young Adult novel.
Why is Death the narrator of the story?
Death is chosen as the narrator to provide a unique and omniscient perspective on the events of the book, exploring themes of mortality, the fragility of life, and the human condition during a tumultuous time in history.
What significance do books and literacy play in the novel?
Books and literacy are central themes that signify hope, resilience, and escape for the characters, especially Liesel. They represent freedom and rebellion against the oppressive Nazi regime, showcasing the power of words to feed the soul and change lives.
Who is Liesel Meminger, and what is her significance in The Book Thief?
Liesel Meminger is the protagonist of the story, a young girl who finds solace and empowerment in stealing books. Her journey encompasses growth, loss, and the discovery of the transformative power of reading, writing, found family, and unexpected friendships amidst the horrors of Nazi Germany.
How does Liesel's love for books and words develop?
Initially unable to read, Liesel learns from her foster father Hans and becomes fascinated by the power of words, leading her to steal books and share them with others during the war.
What role does Hans Hubermann play in Liesel's life?
Hans Hubermann, Liesel's foster father, plays a crucial role in her life as a source of love, security, and education. He teaches Liesel to read, thereby opening a world of freedom and expression to her and strengthening their bond.
Who is Max Vandenburg?
Max is a Jewish man who takes refuge in the Hubermanns' basement, forming a close friendship with Liesel and sharing his love for words and storytelling.
How does The Book Thief explore the theme of mortality?
The theme of mortality is explored through the omnipresence of Death as the narrator, who provides insights into the lives and deaths of the characters. The inevitability of death during wartime and its impact on individuals and their relationships highlight the value of life and the human aspects of loss and grief.
How does the book portray the horrors of Nazi Germany?
While focusing on the resilience of characters like Liesel, the book also depicts the tragic realities of war, including book burnings, persecution, and loss of life.
What is the significance of the book's title?
The title refers to Liesel's habit of stealing books, which becomes a means of survival and resistance against the oppressive Nazi regime.
Has The Book Thief received any awards or recognitions?
Yes, The Book Thief has received numerous awards, including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book (South East Asia & South Pacific). It was named School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and included in TIME magazine’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time.
What adaptations have been made from The Book Thief?
The Book Thief has been adapted into a major motion picture, released in 2013, and a stage musical, which premiered in 2022.
Quotes
“Like most misery, it started with apparent happiness.”
“It kills me sometimes, how people die.”
“He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry.”
“The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.”
“Usually we walk around constantly believing ourselves. ‘I’m okay’ we say. ‘I’m alright.’ But sometimes the truth arrives on you and you can’t get it off. That’s when you realize that sometimes it isn’t even an answer–it’s a question.”
“Somewhere, far down, there was an itch in his heart, but he made it a point not to scratch it. He was afraid of what might come leaking out.”
“If only she could be so oblivious again, to feel such love without knowing it, mistaking it for laughter.”
“A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.”
“Imagine smiling after a slap in the face. Then think of doing it twenty-four hours a day.”
“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”
Quick facts
The first draft of The Book Thief took Markus Zusak three years to write. After submitting it to his publishers, he felt it wasn't good enough and spent an additional year rewriting it entirely.
Death as the narrator was not Zusak's first choice. Initially, he struggled with a more conventional third-person narrative, but the story only came to life for him when he took the bold step of letting Death tell the tale.
Zusak has cited his parents’ experiences during World War II in Germany and Austria as direct inspiration for the book. Their stories of the sky lit by bombings and of Jews being marched through their towns significantly influenced the novel.
Before its success, The Book Thief was rejected by numerous publishers. Its unique narrative perspective and the complexity of its themes were seen as risks. However, its eventual publication and subsequent acclaim proved the risks were worth it.
The character of Rudy Steiner was based, in part, on the legendary African-American athlete Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, much to Adolf Hitler's dismay. Rudy's admiration for Owens and his act of defiance in blackening his body and running the 100 meters at the local sports field is a key moment in the book.
A film adaptation was released in 2013, bringing the beloved characters and their stories to the screen, and in 2022, a musical adaptation premiered.
The Book Thief has been translated into 63 languages and sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, showcasing the universal resonance of its themes—especially the power of words and humanity's capacity to be both cruel and kind.
About the author
Markus Zusak is an internationally celebrated Australian writer. Born in 1975, the youngest of four children to a German mother and an Austrian father, he grew up in Sydney, Australia, fascinated by his parents’ stories of life during World War II. Educated at the University of New South Wales, he briefly taught high school English, further nurturing his passion for storytelling.
He is the author of six novels to date, including The Book Thief, which spent more than 500 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, and The Messenger (known as I Am the Messenger in the United States), an international bestseller. His successive works, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, When Dogs Cry (also known as Getting the Girl), The Underdog, and, most recently, Bridge of Clay, have all garnered critical acclaim. Among accolades, he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2014, recognizing his contribution to Young Adult literature.
Aside from his writing, Zusak has engaged with audiences through public speaking, including a notable talk at TEDxSydney, called “The Failurist,” where he shared insights into his drafting process and literary journey. As of 2023, Zusak lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Mika, and their two children.
