The Book Theif

Over the weekend I needed to disconnect and get away, so I dove into a novel. I’ve long had a fascination with World War II, so I gravitate to novels that take place in that era of history. I just find the entire thing interesting, but I’m most fascinated with how one man was able to do so much harm, to sway so many people. The Book Theif by Markus Zusak delves into that world from a new perspective for me, a girl who is trying to survive and doesn’t even always understand what is going on outside of her street in a suburb of Munich.

The book is narrated by Death, which was quite amazing, he leads us through the destruction of so much with care for the girl and her street. But really, the book is about a young girl’s discovery of the power of words. Because as we’ve seen in the events of recent weeks, words have power. They can be violent, they can be soothing, they can lead to a war.

The book is beautiful, haunting, and wonderful. All the things I needed this weekend, including a good cry at the end.

I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right. (p 528)