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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: Death, Violence, Antisemitism, Grief, and War
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, and Gore
Minor: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
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: Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Suicide, Violence, Antisemitism, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Genocide, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and Medical trauma
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: Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Murder, and War
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.„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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail
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 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 but overall an emotional and engaging read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder