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.

Incredible concept

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

This book was broken into a large number of small chapters which made it fast yet interesting . the characters were brought to life by the narrator and the authors style was outstanding. Set in a small German town before and during the 2nd world war Zusak produces a very plausible atmosphere. Death is our narrator (and hero) and Olsen is masterly with his timing and characters. This is a very pleasant book (despite the subject) and I recommend it to you

Magnificent in every aspect

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

The narration is exquisite - mesmerising and equal to the beauty of the written word.

Any additional comments?

This is a must read for all ages - everyone from everywhere would benefit from this story.

An Amazing Story Through Death's Eyes

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

Absolutely. It is well written, engaging - a beautiful story with a beautiful way of being told.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything.

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

Oh he portrayed Death beautifully. When I heard about it I thought it would be a difficult story to pull off, and even more so to read allowed, but Dennis Olsen was seamless.

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

Yes.

Gripping audible book read in a weekend!

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

This was my first audio book. I wasted a lot of time before finally downloading it to my ipod but it was worth it. I read the book while ironing, making rumballs, and other mindless household tasks. I have never read a book in a weekend but as I was doing household tasks felt justified to read it hours at a time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The adopted mother, Rosa was a strange one and difficult to fathom, brutal yet unwavering in her role as mother. Yet as the story unfolded she demonstrated some of her good sense.

What about Dennis Olsen’s performance did you like?

Easy listening with short German passages translated put the reader in the time and place.

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

War in Nazi Germany is a very emotional subject, the author in presenting life at that time cerainly evoked emotion in parts.

Any additional comments?

I haven't mastered the technology of an audible book. There are parts of the book I would like to go back and re read however it is hard to flick back. I made an effort to concentrate because I couldn't go back.
Overall I really enjoyed the audible book experience and will select another soon.

Beautiful Literature

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

Beautifully written & moving

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

The whole book is beautifully crafted and moving however the ending is particularly good.

insight into human nature

Yes, Uncomplicated kindness for others. I liked the narrators slow voice but wondered why he often emphasised the final consonant.

A must read!

Absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. A beautiful story of life, death, love, childhood, family.
Stunning narration - a master story teller. Definitely a must read.

Wow ! Very powerful

What did you love best about The Book Thief?

It took me a while to get used to the style of the writing and the narration but once I did I really appreciated listening to something quite different to anything else I had listened to. I loved the fact that sometimes it was so powerful I had to just stop what I was doing and just listen.

Have you listened to any of Dennis Olsen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to Dennis Olsen before but I will definitely look into it ! He was very theatrical and once I got used to it, I fell in love with him. He added so much to the listening-his last line sent shivers down my spine and I couldn't stop thinking about it all day.

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

Lots of extreme reactions the whole way through the book.

Great book, great move A W E S O M E audio book!!

Totally enraptured by this wonderful treatment of a great, very sad but- must-be-told 20th century tale.
To hear the story from the narrators perspective, with his little asides and commentary and his insights, observations and lessons of the human condition just really bring this work to life.
I loved it.
A must hear for every one!

Brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant!!

It truly surpassed my expectations. It touched me, saddened me, made me laugh and yes, cry. My favourite person was papa - surely. How could he not be. I have recommended this audible book to many of my friends and family, not only because of the different perspective you get from the daily happenings in a street during WW2 but also because the narrator made the book come alive. Well done!