The Magic in Ordinary: A Review on ‘The Book Thief’
Author: Markus Zusak
Main Characters: Liesel Meminger, Hans Hubermann, Rosa Hubermann, Max Vandenburg, Rudy Steiner, Death
A standout amongst the myriad of World War II literature, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak offers us an unforgettable story. It pushes us to look beyond the horrors of the war and see beauty, the resilience of humans, and the strength of spirit.
It takes us on an emotional journey of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, growing up in Nazi Germany. Surrounded by hurt, violence, and death, Liesel found a sanctuary in something as simple and ordinary as words. The sheer beauty of language and stories becomes her solace, carving out moments of joy, kindness, and humanity amidst the turbulent times.
Tale Told by Death
The story is eloquently narrated by an unconventional storyteller, Death. This in itself, imparts an intricate layer to the narrative. Death is not shown as a scary entity but rather one that is weary, and at times, kind. One could argue that Death, in this book, becomes the personification of Zusak’s message – to see beauty in unexpected places.
Finding Solitude in Language
Liesel Meminger found comfort and escape in stolen words and books. Initially unable to read, she was taught by her foster father, Hans Hubermann, and soon, Liesel became addicted to words. As written in the Guardian, “Words are life, Liesel. All those pages, they’re not just for reading. They’re for filling with your pictures – your colors.
Impact of War on Humans
While the story celebrates the magic of words, it does not shy away from painting a realistic and chilling portrayal of war. The heart wrenching effects of war on individuals and relationships are intricately woven into each character’s narrative. For example, Rosa Hubermann’s harsh demeanor masks her deep love for her family, while Rudy Steiner’s youthful innocence is juxtaposed against the grave realities of their world.
FAQ
What war covered in ‘The Book Thief’?
‘The Book Thief’ is set during World War II, mainly in Himmel Street, a small town in Germany.
Why is the book named ‘The Book Thief’?
The title refers to the protagonist, Liesel Meminger, who starts stealing books as a way to cope and escape the brutalities of her world.
What is the significance of ‘The Book Thief’?
Besides being a historical fiction novel, ‘The Book Thief’ portrays the resilience of humans, the importance of language, and finding beauty in bleakness.
Conclusion
‘The Book Thief’ reminds us that even during the darkest of times, there exists a world of hope, and beautiful things like words, colors, and friendship. It dissects the complexities of human emotions and exemplifies how simple things can offer solace. Markus Zusak has shown that words hold incredible power, to hurt, to heal, to enchant and to make us feel alive even when surrounded by the specter of death.
