The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

This is a small story about, among other things:

• A girl
• Some words
• An accordionist
• Some fanatical Germans
• A Jewish fist-fighter
• And quite a lot of thievery

It's just a small story really, about, among other things: A young girl named Liesel Meminger, who is living in Nazi Germany during World War II. After losing her brother and being given up by her mother, she is taken to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, on Himmel Street.

Hans, a kind-hearted painter and accordion player, teaches Liesel to read, and a bond forms between them. Rosa, though harsh and abrasive, has a big heart and cares deeply for Liesel. They struggle to make ends meet but find joy in small things, including books.

One day, Hans agrees to hide Max Vandenburg, a Jewish man, in their basement. Max and Liesel form a close friendship, sharing stories and dreams. Max writes and illustrates a book for Liesel, expressing his gratitude and hope.

Meanwhile, Liesel discovers her love for books and begins to steal them, first from a Nazi book-burning and later from the mayor's wife's library. She shares these stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, providing comfort and distraction.

The war intensifies, and Himmel Street is bombed, killing many of Liesel's loved ones, including Hans and Rosa. Liesel survives and is found by the mayor's wife, who takes her in. After the war, Liesel reunites with Max, who has also survived.

Years later, Liesel lives a long life and dies of old age. Her story, narrated by Death, highlights the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.