sadiaa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Death, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Cursing, Hate crime, Genocide, Grief, War, Xenophobia, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
percys_panda_pillow_pet's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I don't know how to feel about this book. It is 2023 and I have finally read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This has been a long time coming. I had heard quite a bit about the book when it became a movie, and many have touted it as a modern classic, some teachers in the U.S. teaching it to their classes alongside Fahrenheit 451 and Romeo and Juliet. It has great critical acclaims and many of my close friends love it a lot.
Still, I cannot help but think I was...not disappointed but perhaps unenlightened, might be the best word here. Forgive me if I get a tad poetic here with my writing, I just think at least in my language I can do justice to a book that has done so much for others that it could not do for me. At this time in my life, I have already read several first-hand accounts of WWII, particularly from either the US or Jewish perspectives. Night by Elie Wiesel that I read in 8th grade comes to mind, a popular reading for school. I just don't think The Book Thief was necessary for me to read now.
Don't get me wrong, the novel isn't terrible by any means, and my star rating will reflect that feeling, but I don't need it. I know there are some out there that do, and that is where the book's value lies. I didn't need it to tell me there were good people in Germany at the time, I didn't need it to tell me there are innocents on both sides, to show me the absolute tragedy war is. I already knew all that and more. Zusak's writing is beautiful, and while the story was a bit slow-paced in the first quarter of the novel, I really zoomed through the rest of it, sitting on the edge of my seat when the tension was the highest. He really is an accomplished author, knowing exactly when to make a new section and ratchet up suspense for the reader. But when all was said and done, I felt myself questioning, "What else?" Sure, it's an important story, no doubt about that. But I wanted to know about the afterward. How do you come back from all that sorrow and anguish and persecution?
WWII books love to go on and on about the Holocaust and its effects, good to learn about absolutely, but I want to know about those who survived the camps, where did they go? What about the propaganda? That doesn't disappear overnight. Neither does the hatred. I'm just sort of done with stories like this, or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I'm done with the pain. I need hope too.
Still, I cannot help but think I was...not disappointed but perhaps unenlightened, might be the best word here. Forgive me if I get a tad poetic here with my writing, I just think at least in my language I can do justice to a book that has done so much for others that it could not do for me. At this time in my life, I have already read several first-hand accounts of WWII, particularly from either the US or Jewish perspectives. Night by Elie Wiesel that I read in 8th grade comes to mind, a popular reading for school. I just don't think The Book Thief was necessary for me to read now.
Don't get me wrong, the novel isn't terrible by any means, and my star rating will reflect that feeling, but I don't need it. I know there are some out there that do, and that is where the book's value lies. I didn't need it to tell me there were good people in Germany at the time, I didn't need it to tell me there are innocents on both sides, to show me the absolute tragedy war is. I already knew all that and more. Zusak's writing is beautiful, and while the story was a bit slow-paced in the first quarter of the novel, I really zoomed through the rest of it, sitting on the edge of my seat when the tension was the highest. He really is an accomplished author, knowing exactly when to make a new section and ratchet up suspense for the reader. But when all was said and done, I felt myself questioning, "What else?" Sure, it's an important story, no doubt about that. But I wanted to know about the afterward. How do you come back from all that sorrow and anguish and persecution?
WWII books love to go on and on about the Holocaust and its effects, good to learn about absolutely, but I want to know about those who survived the camps, where did they go? What about the propaganda? That doesn't disappear overnight. Neither does the hatred. I'm just sort of done with stories like this, or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I'm done with the pain. I need hope too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Violence, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Antisemitism, Death, Death of parent, Child death, Police brutality, and War
Moderate: Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, and Slavery
julesadventurezone's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Death of parent, Mental illness, Deportation, Genocide, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Death, Child death, Sexism, and War
Moderate: Car accident, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Bullying, Medical content, Misogyny, Racism, Domestic abuse, Religious bigotry, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
burnt_amber89's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Although it was hard to read through the tears (especially towards the end), this was a wonderful experience. I absolutely adored all the characters, and reading this while the war in Ukraine just broke out made it all the much more poignant. It really makes the reader understand the effects of war on regular civilians, on kids, on families that just want to make the best of a dire situation, even on the side of the agressor. The innocence of Liesel only emphasizes on the absurdity, pointlessness, and incomprehensibility of war. The figure of Papa brings warmth, justice and humanity to the worst possible situation. Every single relationship Liesel forms with the other characters bring something unique and precious to the discourse, and the tale is told in such a spectacular way that I could barely put the book down.
The poetry of the text is incredible, it is so poignant, and yet extremely accessible. The fact that we know from the very beginning that the ending will be terrible doesn't make it any less dramatic, which is the sign that the book is beautifully written and that the characters are particularly believable. I honestly felt something akin to grieving at the end, and even several times throughout the book.
I had seen the movie prior, and even though I loved it, I can honestly and easily say that the book is far superior, in the sense that words convey so much more meaning than simply images. Words are actually almost a character in their sense, and they play an important role in the story, that I don't think I grasped while watching the movie.
In the book, you get to know the characters intimately, spend a lot of time with them, accompany them through some life-changing events in a way that is even more touching than in the film. The little details, the mundane observations, the everyday poetry really had an effect on me. It gripped me from the very first sentences to the very last ones, and my throat still aches now that I think about it again a few days after I finished this wonderful book. As far as I'm concerned, it's an easy 5*.
The poetry of the text is incredible, it is so poignant, and yet extremely accessible. The fact that we know from the very beginning that the ending will be terrible doesn't make it any less dramatic, which is the sign that the book is beautifully written and that the characters are particularly believable. I honestly felt something akin to grieving at the end, and even several times throughout the book.
I had seen the movie prior, and even though I loved it, I can honestly and easily say that the book is far superior, in the sense that words convey so much more meaning than simply images. Words are actually almost a character in their sense, and they play an important role in the story, that I don't think I grasped while watching the movie.
In the book, you get to know the characters intimately, spend a lot of time with them, accompany them through some life-changing events in a way that is even more touching than in the film. The little details, the mundane observations, the everyday poetry really had an effect on me. It gripped me from the very first sentences to the very last ones, and my throat still aches now that I think about it again a few days after I finished this wonderful book. As far as I'm concerned, it's an easy 5*.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, War, Genocide, Violence, Abandonment, Antisemitism, Child death, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Cursing, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
veganecurrywurst's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Zuerst war ich mir nicht sicher ob dieses Buch was für mich ist, aber ich kann das Buch nur weiterempfehlen.
Das traurige sind nicht die großen Ereignisse in der Geschichte, sondern der Alltag oder das was für die Charaktere Alltag ist.
Die Geschichte wird mich auf jeden Fall noch einen Weile verfolgen.
Das traurige sind nicht die großen Ereignisse in der Geschichte, sondern der Alltag oder das was für die Charaktere Alltag ist.
Die Geschichte wird mich auf jeden Fall noch einen Weile verfolgen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, War, Genocide, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Death of parent, Hate crime, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, and Grief
Minor: Torture, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicide
syd991's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I finally got around to reading this book, after years of meaning to.
I will say the narration took some getting used to, with Death being the narrator and all. I didn’t mind the straight to the point style, however there was something about it that made starting the book slightly difficult for me.
Once I’d gotten past the narration (again, this issue is just my personal preference of style), I started to really enjoy it. The characters are loveable, you feel their joy and pain, and truly understand their triumphs and failures.
This book also makes the list of now 4 books to have ever made me cry (Can you tell I don’t cry often over books?). That’s really saying something, about me personally and the emotion the Zusak puts into this book. It’s truly heartbreaking.
Everyone should read this at least once in their lives. It’s too powerful and well-written for someone to keep it on a shelf.
I will say the narration took some getting used to, with Death being the narrator and all. I didn’t mind the straight to the point style, however there was something about it that made starting the book slightly difficult for me.
Once I’d gotten past the narration (again, this issue is just my personal preference of style), I started to really enjoy it. The characters are loveable, you feel their joy and pain, and truly understand their triumphs and failures.
This book also makes the list of now 4 books to have ever made me cry (Can you tell I don’t cry often over books?). That’s really saying something, about me personally and the emotion the Zusak puts into this book. It’s truly heartbreaking.
Everyone should read this at least once in their lives. It’s too powerful and well-written for someone to keep it on a shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, War, Violence, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Child death, Gore, and Cursing
Minor: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Self harm
sarah_onyxartemis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Suicide, Violence, and War
Moderate: Abandonment, Gore, Genocide, Murder, Religious bigotry, Torture, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Bullying, Blood, Gun violence, Hate crime, Medical trauma, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
greenmugsani's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, War, Violence, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Murder, Medical trauma, and Death
bill369's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was and is what I expected from it. It was emotional, the characters were loveable and the whole story is truly amazing. I love the drawings and overall the whole illustration of the book. It makes me fancy the book even more.
My favourite character is Rosa Hubermann, she's relatable, got a big heart and is incredibly strong. I admire her, I like her and I wish to have someone in my life like her. Although she may seem way too strict and cold, she's not. By every page you find out who the real Rosa is and, let me tell you, she is fabulous. I love most of the characters in the book a lot, but Ilsa Hermann is also the one worth mentioning. I adore the relationship between her and Liesl because it was and is full of ups and downs and despite all the odds they found their way to each other.
I like historical fiction, therefore I enjoyed the theme. The book managed to show life in Germany at that time from many POVs, which made it quite objective, meanwhile, the book was still likeable and emotional. Despite all this, it is the writing that made this book be this great, not the theme itself like it sometimes does in books. I say that because the theme isn't unique and was done quite a few times and still this book is the one known and the one I read.
My favourite lines are on page 500. I believe it was one of the happiest moments, maybe the happiest moment, Liesel and Ilsa have had. Sure there were many other happy and very sad moments, but since I've grown to like Ilsa a lot, this is my favourite one.
The ending destroyed me. I was doing so well throughout the whole book, but at the end, I burst into tears. It is a lot and it's devastating. However, I like that we got to know a little how Liesel's life went after Himmelstraße. It was still sad, but it gave me some closure. I can't say I liked the end, but it was okay. It was clear what happened and I even got to know what happened after. I'm content with these facts.
This is a 5-star book because I don't think I will forget it. It really got to me. And yes, there are books, which got to me more, but that doesn't mean this can't be a 5 star. Plus I can't think of anything I disliked, which is a good sign of a 5-star read. I think it's a bearable book and I would recommend it. Actually, I think you should read it because it has a great story plus it will give you some insight into the life of a German citizen during the second world war.
My favourite character is Rosa Hubermann, she's relatable, got a big heart and is incredibly strong. I admire her, I like her and I wish to have someone in my life like her. Although she may seem way too strict and cold, she's not. By every page you find out who the real Rosa is and, let me tell you, she is fabulous. I love most of the characters in the book a lot, but Ilsa Hermann is also the one worth mentioning. I adore the relationship between her and Liesl because it was and is full of ups and downs and despite all the odds they found their way to each other.
I like historical fiction, therefore I enjoyed the theme. The book managed to show life in Germany at that time from many POVs, which made it quite objective, meanwhile, the book was still likeable and emotional. Despite all this, it is the writing that made this book be this great, not the theme itself like it sometimes does in books. I say that because the theme isn't unique and was done quite a few times and still this book is the one known and the one I read.
My favourite lines are on page 500. I believe it was one of the happiest moments, maybe the happiest moment, Liesel and Ilsa have had. Sure there were many other happy and very sad moments, but since I've grown to like Ilsa a lot, this is my favourite one.
Spoiler
„Shall we use the door or the window?“ Liesel suspected it was the broadest smile Ilsa Hermann had allowed herself in years. „I think we'll use the door. It's easier.“The ending destroyed me. I was doing so well throughout the whole book, but at the end, I burst into tears. It is a lot and it's devastating. However, I like that we got to know a little how Liesel's life went after Himmelstraße. It was still sad, but it gave me some closure. I can't say I liked the end, but it was okay. It was clear what happened and I even got to know what happened after. I'm content with these facts.
This is a 5-star book because I don't think I will forget it. It really got to me. And yes, there are books, which got to me more, but that doesn't mean this can't be a 5 star. Plus I can't think of anything I disliked, which is a good sign of a 5-star read. I think it's a bearable book and I would recommend it. Actually, I think you should read it because it has a great story plus it will give you some insight into the life of a German citizen during the second world war.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, and War
Minor: Genocide, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
leocmd17's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A few issues with the structure of the novel but overall an emotional and engaging read
Spoiler
such as Death witnessing things he had no way of knowing or any way for Liesel to have known (Hans tripping over the child’s dead body?), and his morbid obsession with Liesel despite only meeting her three times before he finds her book. Why did he stay to watch her cry over her family and friends when he’s never seen doing that before and actively states he doesn’t like to do so. Slight plot issues which bugged me
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Racism, Police brutality, Murder, Hate crime, and Genocide
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