High praise indeed, and although I enjoyed it, and it made a strong impression upon me, it took me awhile to commit to it. I did like the main character Liesel and her close friend, Rudy. I loved the story telling aspect, and the descriptions of the sky on particular days. It was a horrible time, and yet, it gave me pleasure to experience the characters small pleasures and joys. The Book Thief celebrates the human spirit and the power of the written word.
Here is a very brief summary:
Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.
