Federico DN's Reviews > The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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it was amazing
bookshelves: favorites, perfection, young-adult, historical, adapted

Saumensch.

1939, Nazi Germany. Liesel Meminger is an impoverished and fragile ten years old girl barely scrapping by with her foster parents, the Hubermanns; the ever loving Hans and the deathly strict Rosa. On her spare time Liesel plays with her neighbor Rudy, and secretly steals books, any book she can find. Dedicated studies, work commitment and fierce sacrifices the daily routine; until one day an injured agonizing Jewish man collapses at the doorstep of their home. His mere presence endangering all their lives, if someone ever finds out.

By far the best WWII Historical Fiction I’ve ever read methinks, with an infinity of quotes and moments to remember by. Literary perfection as far as I’m concerned, especially for a lover of words, and a bookworm. A beautifully crafted unforgettable story, equally heartbreaking and heartwarming to no end; exquisitely weaved, with a flawless style of writing. So many terribly endearing characters; Liesel, Hans, Max, Rudy, and even Rosa, sometimes. (view spoiler) Amazing progression and character development. Consistently captivating storytelling, and even sporadically funny at times; with a completely unexpected and devastating ending that I’ll never forget, or get over from. (view spoiler)

A book that for a long time was my very fav No. 1, until I read I Am the Messenger that is, also by the same author. This book came just at the right time, more than a decade ago when I didn’t even know about GR, and picked it up at a local library almost on a whim. And even though I can’t stand WW literature nowadays, still remains solidly among my Top 10.

A must read in life. EXTREMELY Recommendable!

*** The Book Thief (2013) is a lovely adaptation. Superbly capturing most of the essence and best highlights of the book. An outstanding performance by Geoffrey Rush, truly deserving of especial recognition; Sophie Nelisse and Emily Watson were awesome too. Very faithful to the book too, and with an alternative, yet still welcomed, ending. 8.5/10. Recommendable! The book won hands down though. (view spoiler)



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PERSONAL NOTE :
[2006] [552p] [Historical] [EXTREMELY Recommendable] [“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”]
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★★★★★ I Am the Messenger
★★★★★ The Book Thief
★★★★☆ Bridge of Clay
★★★☆☆ Underdogs 1-3

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Saumensch.

1939, Alemania Nazi. Liesel Meminger es una empobrecida y frágil niña de diez años apenas sobreviviendo con sus padres adoptivos, los Hubermann; el siempre amoroso Hans, y la terriblemente estricta Rosa. En su tiempo libre Liesel juega con su vecino Rudy, y secretamente roba libros, cualquier libro que encuentre. Estudio dedicado, compromiso con el trabajo y feroces sacrificios son la rutina diaria; hasta que un día un herido y agonizante hombre judío colapsa en la entrada de su hogar. Su mera presencia haciendo peligrar todas sus vidas, si alguien llega a enterarse.

Por lejos la mejor Ficción Histórica de la IIGM que leí jamás creo, con un sinfín de citas y momentos para el recuerdo. Perfección literaria por lo que a mí concierne, especialmente para un amante de las letras, y nerd de biblioteca. Una hermosamente diseñada inolvidable historia, en igual medida desgarradora y enternecedora hasta el extremo; exquisitamente entretejida, y con un impecable estilo de escritura. Tantos terriblemente entrañables personajes; Liesel, Hans, Max, Rudy, y hasta Rosa, a veces. (view spoiler) Increíble progresión y desarrollo de personajes. Consistentemente cautivante narración, e incluso graciosa a veces; con un completamente inesperado y devastador final que nunca voy a poder olvidar, o lograr recuperarme de. (view spoiler)

Un libro que por mucho tiempo fue mi gran fav N°1, al menos hasta que leí Cartas Cruzadas , también del mismo autor. Este libro llegó a mí en el momento justo, más de una década atrás, cuando ni siquiera sabía de GR, y lo escogí de la librería casi por azar. Y aunque ya no pueda soportar literatura de GM últimamente, sigue permaneciendo sólidamente entre mi Top 10.

Un deber de leer en la vida. ¡EXTREMADAMENTE Recomendable!

*** Ladrona de libros (2013) es una adorable adaptación. Superlativamente capturando gran parte de la esencia y grandes momentos del libro. Una sobresaliente actuación de Geoffrey Rush, especialmente merecedora de reconocimiento; Sophie Nelisse y Emily Watson geniales también. Muy fiel al libro, y con un alternativo, aunque igualmente bienvenido, final. 8.5/10. ¡Recomendable! Aunque el libro ganó por lejos eh. (view spoiler)



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NOTA PERSONAL :
[2006] [552p] [Histórica] [ALTAMENTE Recomendable] ["He odiado las palabras y las he amado, y espero haber estado a su altura."]
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Quotes Federico Liked

Markus Zusak
“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”
Markus Zusak, The Book Thief


Reading Progress

November 1, 2009 – Started Reading
November 22, 2009 – Finished Reading
February 24, 2014 – Shelved

Comments Showing 1-50 of 103 (103 new)


message 1: by Miguel (new)

Miguel Sarkis Great review! Love d movie


Federico DN Miguel wrote: "Great review! Love d movie"

Thank you Miguel! It really is, but the book is even better :D !


message 3: by inciminci (new)

inciminci I really should read this some time. Someone was saying it's the best WW2 story written, goes to show why you like it so much even though you don't like that genre. Great review, Fede!


NILTON TEIXEIRA Great review of a terrific book!


Federico DN inciminci wrote: "I really should read this some time. Someone was saying it's the best WW2 story written, goes to show why you like it so much even though you don't like that genre. Great review, Fede!"

I'd have to agree, for me it was, and still is <3. Although of course not everyone likes it, many call it pretentious. Who knows, I just work here lol. Thank so much Inci! Hope you like it if you give it a go :D


Federico DN NILTON wrote: "Great review of a terrific book!"

Thank you Nilton! Glad yo see you loved it too <3


message 7: by JackieBeau (new) - added it

JackieBeau in a bad reading slump Wow Federico ! Fantastic review ! I am a absolute fan of these kind of books and I have yet not read this one yet ! I will have to read it by the end of this year or next year (the beginning of next year!) I just loved the movie! Another of my favourite is the Tattooist of Auschwitz! That is one that I think everyone should read too ! Have you read it ? Keep up with the great writing!


Federico DN Jackie wrote: "Wow Federico ! Fantastic review ! I am a absolute fan of these kind of books and I have yet not read this one yet ! I will have to read it by the end of this year or next year (the beginning of nex..."

Thank you so much Jackie! I'm positive you'll enjoy it plenty too when you get to it! I haven't read Tattooist of Auschwitz but I've seen it plenty on my he feed to know about it lol. Like I said I can't stand WW literature nowadays but if I ever decide to pick one up again will definitely consider it :D


message 9: by JackieBeau (new) - added it

JackieBeau in a bad reading slump I can’t believe they don’t have the book thief at my local library 😡😡😡😡😡😡i will get it some how!!!


Federico DN Jackie wrote: "I can’t believe they don’t have the book thief at my local library 😡😡😡😡😡😡i will get it some how!!!"

Never give up! Never surrender!


message 11: by Thibault (new)

Thibault Busschots This does seem like a masterpiece in terms of historical fiction. Good review, Federico. Good to know the movie manages to capture the essence of the book, though with a different ending.


Federico DN Thibault wrote: "This does seem like a masterpiece in terms of historical fiction. Good review, Federico. Good to know the movie manages to capture the essence of the book, though with a different ending."

Its fame is very well deserved imo. Thank you Thibault!


message 13: by Dirk (new) - added it

Dirk I don’t know if I want to read that. Had so many stories from my Grandma. She had been born in 1912 and told a lot from WW2. Nothing nice and most of it disturbing. From Jewish friend to bomb attacks till survival in cellars.


message 14: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 01:12PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Dirk wrote: "I don’t know if I want to read that. Had so many stories from my Grandma. She had been born in 1912 and told a lot from WW2. Nothing nice and most of it disturbing. From Jewish friend to bomb attac..."

Yeah I feel you Dirk! There's a point where you have enough of the subject. That's why I seldomly read about it anymore, and only accidentally for picking books blindly :p.


message 15: by Rosh (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rosh Literary perfection! Best WWII fiction! Unforgettable!
*Nodding my head vigorously through this review* :D
So glad to see this in your 5 stars list, Federico! Reading your enthusiastic review took me back to my experience with this book. :)


message 16: by Srivalli (new) - added it

Srivalli Rekha Oh, many friends love this book. On my list (as always). Brilliant review, Federico. :) The movie got a high rating too!


message 17: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 01:52PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Rosh wrote: "Literary perfection! Best WWII fiction! Unforgettable! *Nodding my head vigorously through this review* :D
So glad to see this in your 5 stars list, Federico! Reading your enthusiastic review took..."


So fantastic Rosh! One of the best books EVER <3! Because of it I ended up reading all of Zusak's books xD.


Federico DN Srivalli wrote: "Oh, many friends love this book. On my list (as always). Brilliant review, Federico. :) The movie got a high rating too!"

Thank you Srivalli! Movie is good but the book is ten times better. Hope you enjoy it when you get to it! I'm confident it'll not disappoint you :D


message 19: by Emma (new) - rated it 5 stars

Emma I absolutely adore this book. Glad you liked it too


Federico DN Emma wrote: "I absolutely adore this book. Glad you liked it too"

Thank you Emma! Glad to see you too. One of a kind <3


message 21: by Kay (last edited Oct 08, 2023 02:19PM) (new)

Kay Loved this movie and I'm glad to know it was a near perfect adaptation. Another book I should read! Terrific review Federico!!❤️


message 22: by Anne (new) - added it

Anne Dragovcic This book 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 🤍🤍🤍


Federico DN Kay wrote: "Loved this movie and I'm glad to know it was a near perfect adaptation. Another book I should read! Terrific review Federico!!❤️"

Thank you Kay! The movie is good, but the book Kay!! It's like NO contest.


message 24: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 02:26PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Anne wrote: "This book 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 🤍🤍🤍"

I know! It's THE ONE 🤍🤍🤍


Laura L. Van Dam Yo lo empecé justo ahora en audio libro! Para escuchar cuando vuelvo del trabajo. Me está gustando bastante más de lo que pensaba


Federico DN Laura wrote: "Yo lo empecé justo ahora en audio libro! Para escuchar cuando vuelvo del trabajo. Me está gustando bastante más de lo que pensaba"

Uuy genial! Espero que el narrador sea bueno y no lo arruine porque ese libro es perfecto <3! Que lo disfrute mucho Laura!


Susan Just an amazing book, isn’t it? We share favs! I loved this so much but have to say that I Am the Messenger still stands as an all time favorite. Mind blowing writing! Isn’t it so wonderful to read an amazing book?!!


message 28: by A. (new)

A. Este es uno de esos libros que todos leyeron menos yo. Un día de estos voy a tener que decidirme.
Muy sentida reseña, Fede. Muchas gracias por compartirla.


message 29: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 03:20PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Susan wrote: "Just an amazing book, isn’t it? We share favs! I loved this so much but have to say that I Am the Messenger still stands as an all time favorite. Mind blowing writing! Isn’t it so wonderful to read..."

Thank you Susan!! So glad we share so many favs lol. "I Am the Messenger" is my No.1 fav of all-time <3. Zusak is the best ever! Read everything he wrote I think xD


Debra Love that you loved this! This is my favorite book of all time! Great review, Federico!


Federico DN A. wrote: "Este es uno de esos libros que todos leyeron menos yo. Un día de estos voy a tener que decidirme. Muy sentida reseña, Fede. Muchas gracias por compartirla."

No se quede atrás Lady A, que si algún libro lo vale tiene que ser este. Estoy plenamente confiado que le va a gustar cuando decida leerlo. Un placer como siempre y que la pase lindo!


message 32: by A. (new)

A. Federico wrote: "A. wrote: "Este es uno de esos libros que todos leyeron menos yo. Un día de estos voy a tener que decidirme. Muy sentida reseña, Fede. Muchas gracias por compartirla."

No se quede atrás Lady A, qu..."


OK, Fede. Le vamos a hacer caso...


message 33: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 03:25PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Debra wrote: "Love that you loved this! This is my favorite book of all time! Great review, Federico!"

Thank you Debra!! So glad you loved it too! My top fav for many many years too <3, until I read his other book. Zusak is other-worldly!


message 34: by Tim (new) - rated it 2 stars

Tim Great review


message 35: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 03:59PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Tim wrote: "Great review"

Great book Tim! TY :)


message 36: by Alexandra (new)

Alexandra I've heard so much about this book! (But I haven't read it yet...) It's great to see that you loved it. Wonderful review!


message 37: by Karen (new) - added it

Karen Wow, what an amazing review Federico! 🙂 Okay, if you say it’s a must-read, I’ll read it AND watch the movie.


Federico DN Alexandra wrote: "I've heard so much about this book! (But I haven't read it yet...) It's great to see that you loved it. Wonderful review!"

Thank you so much Alexandra! I'm sure whatever you heard is true. It's the real deal <3


Federico DN Karen wrote: "Wow, what an amazing review Federico! 🙂 Okay, if you say it’s a must-read, I’ll read it AND watch the movie."

Thank you Karen! I can't see it disappointing you, but it happens lol. All the best for both <3 !


message 40: by Catherine (new) - added it

Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - behind yet again!! Excellent review, Federico! This one has been on my list for far too long, I need to get to it soon!


Rachel Hanes Oh no! Please forgive me for saying this, but when I read this several years ago, I just didn’t care for this book all that much (maybe now as my tastes have changed, I may like it more). However, I am glad that you enjoyed this book so much, and as always you gave a fantastic review Federico!! <3


message 42: by P.B. (new)

P.B. Flower Such a beautiful review, Federico !


Federico DN Catherine wrote: "Excellent review, Federico! This one has been on my list for far too long, I need to get to it soon!"

Thank you Catherine! All good things come in time, maybe this is it ;)


message 44: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 05:20PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Rachel wrote: "Oh no! Please forgive me for saying this, but when I read this several years ago, I just didn’t care for this book all that much (maybe now as my tastes have changed, I may like it more). However, ..."

Thank you so much Rachel <3 ! Sadly it happens. No shame in that :). Did you try the movie? Sometimes it lands better lol.


Federico DN P.B. wrote: "Such a beautiful review, Federico !"

Thank you P.B. :D!


Rachel Hanes Federico wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Oh no! Please forgive me for saying this, but when I read this several years ago, I just didn’t care for this book all that much (maybe now as my tastes have changed, I may like it m..."

Federico, I think I will try the movie. It probably will land better with me. :)


message 47: by Federico (last edited Oct 08, 2023 06:24PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Federico DN Rachel wrote: "Federico, I think I will try the movie. It probably will land better with me. :) ..."

Fingers crossed :D !!


message 48: by Nora (new) - rated it 5 stars

Nora Currie I absolutely loved this book when I read it several years ago in college. It made me sob profusely. Beautiful review, Federico!


Federico DN Nora wrote: "I absolutely loved this book when I read it several years ago in college. It made me sob profusely. Beautiful review, Federico!"

Thank you Nora! It's heartbreaking alright. So glad you loved it too <3


message 50: by Christy (new) - added it

Christy fictional_traits Wonderful review. It’s on my tbr. I just need to prioritise it!


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