The Book Thief is a superbly crafted masterpiece by author Markus Zusack. Using Death as the narrator, Zusack captures the human tragedy caused by the Nazi ideology in Hitler ruled Germany. Avoiding the previously well documented Jewish perspective the author focuses on the universality and uniformity of death which simply does not discriminate between jews and Germans or for that matter anyone. Its pain, its brutality and its devastation affects all.
The beauty of this book lies in the extremely intimate and sensitive handling of the tragedy, a tightly knit plot and beautifully sketched characters that stay with you even after the final page. The fine combination of these elements make The Book Thief a wonderfully compelling read. Written with great simplicity, the story captures the personal pain and loss felt by the characters in the most poignant and powerful way. Despite the atmosphere of pending doom and gloom, the story never burdens the reader and instead offers some truly touching moments of tenderness, friendship, love and humanity. The book uplifts in moments like these, yet its most powerful statement is in death, particularly at the very end. The ending simply melts the heart and stirs the soul. It takes you in its grip and doesn't let go till the very last word. The Book Thief has several intertwined themes yet perhaps its most prominent one is that of the capacity of the human race for the good and at the same time, the very ugly.
All said and done, The Book Thief is a mesmerising, absorbing and satisfying read. One of the very best I have read in a long time. It is a book that everyone, those who simply love to read and those who enjoy the beauty and joy of good literature, must read.
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