Bookseller Reviews
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Reading doesn't get any better.
Quite simply, this is the greatest book ever written and nothing else needs to be said except, you really REALLY need to read this. I've never met anyone y... READ MORE
A keeper!
One of the first things my Dad told me about reading is that no matter how often you read a book, it will be like new to you. You will always discover some... READ MORE
Amazing
This book is a sneak peak behind enemy lines; namely WW2 Germany. Liesel Meminger is an foster child on Himmel Street. We follow her through good times and... READ MORE
Excellent
This is a great book that i wish i had picked up sooner. It's one i had always MEANT to read, but never quite got round to, and i'm glad i finally read it.... READ MORE
The Book Thief
A book of great beauty set in a time of great bleakness - Nazi Germany in 1939. The book thief's story is told to us by Death, in amongst collecting many s... READ MORE
"Exquisitely heart-breaking."
This is a beautiful book. Exquisitely heart-breaking.
Germany is in the hands of the Führer, and Liesel Meminger is a book thief. Both Hitler and Liesel... READ MORE
My Favourite Book of All Time!
Love, History and Heartbreak. This book is utter brilliance!
You get a glimpse into the cruel and utterly terrifying Nazi regime in Germany during the Se... READ MORE
my favourite book of all time
if you read this book, you will understand why it is my favourite book of all time. the story is haunting, the book is narrated by death. Set in WWII, wher... READ MORE
Emotional and heartbreaking but with touches of hope throughout this is a beautiful story and an imperative read.
The Book Thief is one of those books that I have been meaning to read for so many years, and now I cannot believe how I have waited so long.
I remember wa... READ MORE
An important book that everyone should read!
Oh my, I don’t know where to start with this one… When you choose a novel narrated by death, set in WW2 Germany, you should kind of know what you are in fo... READ MORE
Synopsis
Special 10th anniversary edition with exclusive extra behind-the-scenes material from the author
'It is 1939. In Nazi Germany, the country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier - and will become busier still.'
By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed forever when she picks up a single object, abandoned in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, and this is her first act of book thievery. So begins Liesel's love affair with books and words, and soon she is stealing from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library . . . wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times, and when Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, nothing will ever be the same again.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.
Now a major film from Twentieth-Century Fox starring Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
- ISBN: 9781909531611
- Number of pages: 624
- Dimensions: 196 x 129 x 41 mm
- Interest age: From 12 years
- Weight: 434g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allWhy I loved reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book was initially recommended to me by a couple of friends, but at first I dismissed it. I guess I was too wary and afraid to read it, since the quic... READ MORE
Emotional, heartwarming, fantastic!
The Book Thief is written by Australian author Markus Zusak. It is narrated by Death and is set in Nazi Germany, during a time when the narrator states he ... READ MORE
Compelling
Typically, I don't read books about the war, but made an exception for The Book Thief due to all the attention it was getting, and I'm glad I did!
It is ve... READ MORE
Nazi Germany from a whole new perspective
Such a great book. This was the first book I'd ever read by Markus Zusak and I was extremely pleased. The fact that it was told by the perspective of death... READ MORE
new, and exiting- I highly recommend
The book thief' by Marcus Zuzak was amazing. This is based on a girl who is transported to live with other family in WW2. This family helps to hide a Jew i... READ MORE
I rely loved this book and highly reccomend it.
The Book Thief
I was recommended this book and told that once I'd got into it I'd really love it. I found it hard to enter the world of The Book Thief at first, with the ... READ MORE
Love it!!
I have just finished the book and it was great. Had me gripped from the start, very moving.
I cried at the ending beautifully written.
7/10
To put it very generally, this is a WWII book. It focuses on the life of a young orphan girl named Liesel during the war. What’s special about Liesel is th... READ MORE
Brilliant!
It's all been said in the previous reviews.
Read it and you won't be disappointed - brilliant!!!
An emotional roller-coaster (forgive cheesiness)
This book was completely riveting, the narrative voice strangely compelling and the character development heartbreakingly good.
Zusak's choice to write fro... READ MORE
Not for me
I bought this book due to seeing so many brilliant reviews about it and I am sad to say that I thought this book didn't live up to the hype. I found it hea... READ MORE
I Love this book!
Beautiful book! The Book Thief is so perfectly written that it feels as though you are watching the story play out in front of you. I was completely sucked... READ MORE
Fantastic read.Funny, sad, moving, life affirming
Worth reading slowly
Intriguing story set in Second World War Germany in the parts where the Third Reich is not seen to be the Utopia which was painted by the architects of the... READ MORE
The Book Thief
what winter evenings were made for - great book. please read it.
truly touching
its not often that i read a book that truly leaves an impression on me
This book is not only beautifully written, but it stays with you. Captivating from ... READ MORE
One of the all time classic's!
This has to be one of the best books i've ever read.
A book that grips you from the start,with characters brought to life so beautifully you feel you are r... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This has to be officially the best book I have ever read! Now, I don't say that lightly as I love books in general but this one is something different, som... READ MORE
Fantastic read
Exceptionally written and so much better than the film
WOW
Just finished reading "The Book Thief" By Markus Zusak , I dont think ill ever be able to find a book which can even be close to this one ! i mean the narr... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This book was one of the best I have read in a long time. It contains some of the most poetic sentences I have ever read. I wish I had not read it, just so... READ MORE
Beautiful
This book was recommended to me by a work collegue, and I today finished reading it for the second time. I adore the style of writing - although it always ... READ MORE
The Book Thief
By far the best book I have read.I put this book at the back of my pile to read, but as soon as I started I wished I had read it sooner.I was put off at fi... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This is the poignant tale of four years in the life of Liesel, a 10-year-old when she arrives to live with a foster family in Germany during WWII. Liesel's... READ MORE
Stunning.
Quite frankly, this is superb. Never has a book gripped me so quickly and held me in its grasp throughout. An unusual narrative with the story being told b... READ MORE
Utterly Brilliant
This rates amongst the best books I have read. Written with genuine warmth and affection for the characters, which are believable and solidly down to earth... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I actually found this a really challenging read at the begining, however it really grew on me. The characters were so human and real. The story was compell... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I was listening to this book as an audio book and it grabbed me from the first moment, I just had to continue listening. The voice of death, telling the st... READ MORE
The Book Thief
An unusual book, a little slow at the start- however upon reflection i think this helps to set the scene and the reader to form a relationship with the cha... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Amazing book, one of the best I have ever read! I would reccommend this to anyone and will do to my friends. "The Book Thief" is uniquely written... READ MORE
Emotional but EXCELLENT :)
Description
Story of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany narrated by Death. Told from a perspective of an fascinated observer, the girl's interaction w... READ MORE
The Book Thief
this is one of the best books i have ever read and i cannot recommed it highly enough.
One of my favourite books
The Book Thief
Gripping and, despite knowing the ending, enthralling and just a fantastically well written book
The Book Thief
A great book. A friend recommended to me and I was unsure that this would be good.Much better than it sounds, its really gripping, and takes you into the... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This book is truly a masterpiece. It is written from the viewpoint of the grim reaper which is in itself a clever device. The story, despite being aware ... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I found this book more than a little pretentious. Yes, it was moving in places and I felt for the characters but I didn't like Death as the narrator. The... READ MORE
The Book Thief
A book written by the devil. A strange but wonderful book. Some very sad parts but also very interesting angle. It was hard to put down.
The Book Thief
Absolutely fantastic! I can't rememer the last time I book made me cry so hard, but I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Amazing
Unusually, I bought this because I'd already read it, having borrowed it from the library. Was alerted to it on the shelf by a quiz question on Eggheads, n... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I bought this book about a month ago and I tried reading it - I managed to read the first few pages of the prologue but it really didn't grab my interest l... READ MORE
A Must Read.
This is one amazing book, that I would definitely recommed as a great read. It is very cleverly written and as its narrator is death, it makes it very uniq... READ MORE
A magical journey of family, friendship and death.
Devastatingly beautiful and I couldn't hold back the tears towards the end. Told from a unique viewpoint with some poignant quotes and moments. I found it ... READ MORE
Perfection in 560 pages
If you read one book this year, for your own sake make it this one. The plot is well-paced and never dull, the concept of the narrator is original and work... READ MORE
Loved this book
What a great read! A real page turner I could not put this down. The way the story was narrated bought a different perspective and feel to this book. There... READ MORE
Beautiful
This book is one that I really think that everyone should read, whether adult or child. It is brilliantly written, and the passionate description, along wi... READ MORE
Amazing book, totally unique!
I love the way this is written through the eyes of Death it gives a totally unique narrative to the book and well worth a read.
Hauntingly beautiful story of Nazi Germany
This is the story of Liesel, a young girl whose parents have disappeared and her brother has died, who is sent to the foster home of Hans and Rosa, who see... READ MORE
The book thief
The book thief is a book which explores the lives of Germans in Nazi Germany. It follows the tale of Liesel, a nine year old girl. Separated from her mothe... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I struggled to put this book down as I loved the whole thing but ask me particularly what I liked and I'd struggle to tell you. Initially not keen to read... READ MORE
The Book Thief
A very worthy book which deserves to find a wide readership (it's books like this which would be almost impossible to categorise under proposed age-banding... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This book was unusal in the fact it is narrated to you by Death, but the way Markus Zusak has written the story is brilliantly done.
The Book Thief
Only 2 words required to describe this book- stunning and unputdownable
Captivating.
This book transports you back to Nazi Germany, but you see Hitler's country through the eyes of a very unusual narrator: Death. The story is written in suc... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I just finished reading this book not 5 minutes ago on my lunch break and i just had to say some thing about it. Its an amazing work and i had already rec... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This book was had a slow start, but once it get's going you can't put it down and are definatly rewarded for hanging in there during the first few chapters... READ MORE
The Book Thief
One word describes this book and that's Brilliant! It was slow to start off with but as you read through you will appreciate it. The way the book is writte... READ MORE
The Book Thief
It was a bizzare description given to my by a friend - "It is a book written by Death"...... but my word, what a book! I couldn't bring myself to... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I love this book! It's one of those books that is impossible to put down!
The Book Thief
The Book Thief
This book has made it into my top 10 if not top 5 reads. It was beautifully written and so moving. I am so sorry that I had finished it - I cried at the ... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Despite the slow start, the book does draw you in, personally I couldn't put it down after the first couple of chapters. It really is a great read
The Book Thief
I bought this book because I am a huge Terry Pratchett fan and I liked the front picture - Death dancing with a little girl. I thought that any book narrat... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Simply brilliant. This story is beautifully written..makes you cry like a baby..
The Book Thief
fab
The Book Thief
The best book I have ever read. WIthout doubt.
Stunning
First book to ever get me in tears ... Beautiful story
unforgettable
this is by far one of the best books i have ever read. the way it is is written is just astonishingly good, i was unsure at first about the little italic e... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I could not put this book down. A fantasic story written by death. I really enjoyed the fact that its not just another book about the war from an English p... READ MORE
Its really touching
I loved it and it was the first ever book that reallly touch
The book grabbed my attention form start to end where i bursted in tears
IT IS MAGNIFICENT
The Book Thief
This was one great book. Death, the Grim Reaper, call him what you will guides us through the life of the Book Thief from the time she was taken by her mot... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This book is beautiful, amazingly well written and gives you a look at one life as only an impartial outsider can view it. There is so much about this book... READ MORE
The Book Thief
DEATHLY STORYOriginally intended for children, with his book German-Australian author Markus Zusak has created a wholly original story. First, the narrator... READ MORE
The Book Thief
DEATHLY STORYOriginally intended for children, with his book German-Australian author Markus Zusak has created a wholly original story. First, the narrator... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Love it ! I found this book truley inspiring, you really admire the story and its characters. Masterfully written :D
The Book Thief
This Book Is Only Describable In One Word - Amazing. I Abosolutely Loved It - I Could Feel Like I Was In Himmel Street, It's So Descriptive, And It Gives Y... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Just breathtaking! I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. The Book Thief has everything a great novel should have - a unique narrator, beautifully... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I was a bit unsure about this book - until I started reading it! Absolutely brilliant, page turning stuff. I would highly recommend this to all.
The Book Thief
I was given this book by my Gran who told me it was extremly good.When i started the book i wonder what is this? death telling a story? the whole thing ma... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Extremely well-written. A humane and heart-breaking story narrated by Death. Unforgettable.
The Book Thief
Fantastic This is beautifully written book told through the eyes of death. May sound strange but it's definitely worth a read.
Beautiful, the best read for 2009
I bought this book based on the reviews and eveybody was totally right about this book. Read it and enjoy.
Simply incredible.
This book is quite amazing. Told from the point of view of Death you would think it would be depressing, and while there are some difficult moments, it is ... READ MORE
Deserves SIX stars, probably more!
Having read quite a lot of fiction I would say this is one of the best books I have ever read and possibly one of the best books ever written.
A much writt... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This is an amazingly beautifully written book that will make you smile, laugh, cry, hold your breath with anticipation and everything in between. Zusak has... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Best book i've ever read!!!!
The book thief is a story filled with horror, nerve, love, and understanding. It is basd during the war and death is very busy. Liesel is keeping busy too.... READ MORE
The Book Thief
The tone of this book really grabbed me. Although it was informal and relaxed, it was unusual, and the narrative voice of death, unusual though it was, gav... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This book is amazing, i love the way that Markus Zusak writes. I was crying by the end, but to say why would spoil the story !!!A MUST READ!!
The Book Thief
Possibly the book I'd say left more of a mark on me than any other. Perfectly written. Zusak reveals what will happen before going through how it happened ... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I love this book so much, it is one of the best books i have ever read!
The Book Thief
This book is about death. And hate, and war, and persecution. And it is also about life, and love, friendship, and hope. And it is about words.Incredibl... READ MORE
Not for me...
I was a little intimidated to read this book because it seems to be on EVERYONE'S favourite book list, every bookshop I go in it's up there on the MUST REA... READ MORE
Beautifully written, will stay with you forever
This book is one of the best I have ever read. It is beautifully written, with the quirk of being narrated by Death himself. I didn't find this a difficult... READ MORE
Extraordinary!
This is one of my favourite books. Initially, the perspective of it being narrated by death put me off a little as I found the introductory pages a little ... READ MORE
Simply stunning
'Death' is a wonderful story-teller, full of wit, wicked humour and some very astute observations. His telling of Liesel's story made me laugh out loud, se... READ MORE
Perfection itself!
I have honestly never – considering the amount of books I have actually read – read a book as beautiful and well-written as this one. Never. At all. Nope. ... READ MORE
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is probably the best book of this century.
Both my hubby and I read this and were totally moved by it.
IWe can't recommend it highly enough...... yo... READ MORE
Best book ever!
This book is one of the greatest works of fiction i have ever read. The twists, turns and overall presentation were amazing. Markus Zusak is one of the bes... READ MORE
A must read book!
Well with my five star rating you can already imagine what I'm going to say about this book!
What made this book so extraordinary was the way in which it ... READ MORE
The Book Thief
An innovative and engrossing read, I really enjoyed the characterisation of death and his sardonic humour. The Book Theif is a book which heartbreakingly d... READ MORE
The Book Thief
After reading this book, everything afterwards seemed bland.The book sets out in such a way that you already know the major plot endings. However, Zusak s... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I love reading, because i love how the author can be so talented and so uniqie when writing.When i found this book, i found another reason why to love read... READ MORE
The Book Thief
Powerfully written and incredibly moving. I'd certainly recommend this title to anyone looking for something 'a little different'.
The Book Thief
Has to be one of the best books I have ever read, it really was impossible to put down. Really is a fantastic read
wow.
fantastic and utterly moving.I cried. yeah. It's that good.
Superb!
Markus Zusak uses a very original style of writing for this story. I have never come across anything quite like it before.
As for the story, I actually en... READ MORE
Beautiful
I've read so many books, yet none have haunted me as this one has. Zusak writes not only in a beautifully accomplished style, but he tells a story which is... READ MORE
Fantastic!
I absolutely adore this book! It is by far the best book I’ve ever read, I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written, I love how you become attached to the... READ MORE
The Book Thief
An amazing read. I could not put the book down. Beautifully written.
Stunning. Just Stunning.
I have to admit that I have read a good number of books, but few have made me feel the way this one did. I know it's become sort of cliche now to say that ... READ MORE
Breathtaking
This is simply one of the most incredible books I have read. The characters are beautifully written and will pull you in to their war-stricken world, wheth... READ MORE
The Book Thief
a great read could not put it down was sorry when i finished it, would recomend it to anyone.
bring your tissues
everyone told me going into this book to make sure i was prepared to cry but for the majority of the book you can feel the sadness through the harrowing re... READ MORE
Page turning, eye opener of a story
I've never read a book that was seen through the eyes of Germans in Natzi Germany through the WW2. Writing from.the perspective of death, it shone a light ... READ MORE
The Book Thief
I completely agree that the synopsis does not do any justice to the book. I was quite scared to read it at first..because of the synopsis. On the contrary ... READ MORE
Obligatory reading!
I read this book and loved every page of it. My Dad, who fought in the 2nd World War and spent most of the time in Europe told me many stories about the Ge... READ MORE
The Book Thief
This is a fantasicly brilliant book!! It's wonderfully written and will make you laugh and will make you cry (sometimes at the same time). The humourus nar... READ MORE
The Book Thief...Immense
This is one of my all time favourtie books. Out of all the books I have read, and I have read alot of them (around 3 books a week), this has to be one the ... READ MORE
Superb, compelling
I read this when it first came out and I was captivated. I know it's been made into a film now and I'll probably watch it, but please take the time to read... READ MORE
Moving Story
Book Thief – Tissues Required.
The marketing people at Kleenex have missed a trick with the re-issue of the Book Thief by Markus Zusak ahead of the film o... READ MORE
This book stole the title of the best book
I cannot fathom the words to express how utterly impeccable this book is. I read it last year during my GCSE's (oops), and it blew me away. I've never read... READ MORE
One of the best books I've ever read.
A young girl, alone and frightened in Nazi Germany. Taken in by a fierce but loving woman and a gentle yet courageous man. A s tory told by death, of frien... READ MORE
Probably my favourite book, ever
Just LOVED this book. Beautifully written. Took my breath away. Set in desperate times, about a girl in uninmaginably sad circumstances, it didn't sound li... READ MORE
Moving WWII story with interesting narrator!
This is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl in Nazi Germany, who having watched her family disintegrate, is fostered by the kindly Hans and Rosa Hub... READ MORE
Reaches my Top 10!
Beautifully written, heart wrenching. I like the fact that it is written by Death and from a 1st person perspective makes this book a lot more personal and... READ MORE
Amazing
I brought this book and the next day I was already half way through it. Just amazing and the writing has really made me think about how I write. I really l... READ MORE
Unputdownable
The Book Thief
This is the second time of reading. It is a compelling read. All the characters and situations are very believable. To say I enjoyed it isn’... READ MORE
The Book Thief
It is difficult to put into words how much this book moved me as it is undoubtedly a god send for the literary world.It is guaranteed to stir emotions in e... READ MORE
The Book Thief
The Book Thief. Do I even have the words? And that’s what it’s all about, really. Narrated by Death, The Book Thief is a moving tale of young Leisel Meming... READ MORE
Beautifully Heartbreaking
The Book Thief is uniquely written- the story of childlike innocence told by the bearer of cruel reality. It's beautifully heartbreaking. I fell deeper in ... READ MORE
Incredible
I first heard of the book a few years ago, when we read an extract from it in school. I was intrigued and, after seeing it in my local Waterstones branch l... READ MORE
Emotional story, sometimes awkward narration
Has anyone got a mop and bucket for my tears? I sure could use one right now. What a read and what a last part to the book, I don’t think I drew breath. In... READ MORE
Beautiful
this book is beautifully written the ending broke my heart
The Book Thief is a multiple award winning work and deservedly so
I am embarrassed to admit that I cannot say how I acquired this book but I have to say that I am delighted that it entered my possession. Let me explain. W... READ MORE
Beautiful & yet heartbreaking!
In my top 3 reads of 2020! So interesting to read a story of the hardships of the other side of WWII. Relatable characters & a visceral story line that had... READ MORE
boyfirnddm
my boyfriend liked it, I like the part where she steals a book idk I never read if
Captivating
I could not put this book down, I felt every emotion and became so invested. 'The Book Theif' is now one of my all time favourites. A must read!
Loved this!
My boyfriend recommended me this book, I was unsure at first but so glad I got it. I could not put it down!! Well worth the read :)
Tears were shed
I rarely cry reading books but this one got me in the end! The story is so beautiful and is written in such a wonderful way. I would recommend this to anyo... READ MORE
When Death comes calling......
What makes this story unique and a novel enjoyed by both young and old is due primarily to two outstanding elements. First, is the use of "Death" as the n... READ MORE
WOW...
So I just finished this book and I'm speechless. WHAT A BOOK. Before starting this book, what I knew about it was that death is the narrator. It took me on... READ MORE
This made me cry
This book was witty, moving, insightful and sad and made me cry at the end. It is written beautifully, narrated by Death, giving it a new, and interesting,... READ MORE
Quite simply a very heart-warming and heart-wrenching story
This book had me crying and laughing, the character development is so good, making it easy to connect to the characters and to understand them. Thos is you... READ MORE
amazing story.
I don't want to lose the true scenery but this is a masterworks and a cruel reminder of what the human can do in the wrong hands!!! A message from Outlook ... READ MORE
Verified Purchase
A beautiful story with a unique narration
This book for me will remain in one of my top 10. This story is unique as it is narrated and told by 'death', and not in the way that we know it. To begin ... READ MORE
Compelling
Couldn’t put it down, such a great presentation of lisel and the world around her at the time. I would recommend this 100%.
Heartbreaking
Beautiful book. One of the best I have ever read and will read over and over again!
A WW2 book everyone should read
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak has been sitting on my TBR (to be read) list for a long time, so it was rather nice to tick it off. I had very little knowle... READ MORE
Wow!!!
This book was honestly my favourite read in 2025. I loved the way it was written, and truly enjoyed the fact that death was narrating the book. It's a touc... READ MORE
Not for me
I waited a long time to read this book and was delighted when my book club chose it as their next read. I had high hopes all of which were dashed. I realis... READ MORE