A lot of books get called a “modern classic” but in the case of “The Book Thief” it’s completely justified. Markus Zusak wrote a story that everyone should read at least once in their lives. 

As is often the case with historical fiction, it can be difficult for an author to work in their research and make sure the characters sound believable to their time period. I’m often pulled out of books because the author couldn’t manage it but never had that problem with Zusak’s work. Everything felt so authentic that I felt like I was walking with Death—our narrator—as he told me the story of Liesel Meminger and Himmel Street and collected the souls of so many who died during World War II. 

“The Book Thief” manages to blend timeless childhood experiences— playing soccer with your friends, standing up to bullies, having a crush on your best friend—with the harsh realities of war—not having enough to eat, fearing the next air raid, struggling to keep your loved ones safe while still doing the right thing. The conversational narrative tone told the story in a mostly chronological order but gave hints or small spoilers as the story unfolded, leaving the reader to simultaneously eagerly anticipate and dread the final chapter and the epilogue. 

The themes of Zusak’s debut novel stay with the reader long after they’ve closed the book or stopped the audiobook. The primary theme is the power of words, of course. The duality of humans, capable of such kindness and cruelty, is another key theme. There are both small and large acts of kindness woven through the story and the same with cruelty. It’s something the characters constantly have to overcome, and something for the reader to reflect upon. 

There’s so much to say about “The Book Thief,” but I’m no Liesel or Max so my words would be ineffective. I highly recommend you read, or even reread, “The Book Thief” for yourself and experience the story.