Completed on: 16th February 2021
Gifted to me by one of my fellow book lovers, I have truly enjoyed the journey that this novel took me on. The fine focus on the lives of all the characters, the descriptions of the environment, the smells in the air, the beauty in the landscape left me reeling that I hadn't read this sooner.
Narrated by death, the novel depicts frightening moments in Germany during the beginnings of World War Two with a focus on a young heroine (The Book Thief) who is trying to navigate her life in a world of grown- ups, politics, war and power.
There was an ongoing feeling of suspense and danger throughout the novel followed by a sense of humanity and guilt. As one reads on, you will begin to feel empathy towards Death as it narrates its tiresome duty of collecting lost souls; the painstaking task of carrying lost lives and broken souls to where the gone go after death.
I truly enjoyed Zusak's use of foreshadowing throughout the novel. The subtle hints of what's to come doesn't act as a spoiler or deter the reader from reading further. It does the opposite by enticing and encouraging the reader to continue on and discover the full story of what was teased earlier on.
This has been one of those novels that I enjoyed immersing myself into and am sure will read multiple times in my lifetime. The manner in which it is narrated really allows the reader to feel like a fly on the wall in the lives of the characters. There are moments where I held my breath, laughed, smile and even cried with the characters in the novel.
After completing this book, I can see why it is Mark Zusak's best selling novel and an international best seller. I wish it was one of those books that we had to read in high school for English class. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who is looking for a new read as I think we can all learn from the philosophical teachings from Death.
Thank you Dilasha for gifting me this masterpiece.
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