A great read!
I love the way this story is told by the character 'Death' and it reminds me slightly of Terry Pratchett's character 'Death'. This story focuses on the characters lives and relationships and doesn't go into details about the war, which is refreshing. The characters are portrayed very well and the ending is absolutely brilliant. Highly recommended read.

worth the effort
Not my usual sort of book I don't really know why I started to read it - the reviews I suppose! Set during World War II it deals with familiar issues but with a fresh look. It took me a little while to get into it as the style of writing is a little disjointed and certainly unusual. But you soon get used to the different descriptive style and the characters suck you in and make you their friend. A beautiful book that will stay with you forever. The ending is bitter sweet, inevitable but gives true closure to the story. What are you waiting for, read it!

a fantastic read
This is definitely one of the most beautifully written books i have ever read. i had my doubts about this book before i read it, due to the fact it was centred around the inhabitants of germany during the second world war. i didn't think i could feel any sympathy for the characters, but after reading the book thief my whole perspective on WW2 has changed. the main character, Liesel, is adorable and I loved the realtionship betwwen her and her best friend Rudy, and the hilarious one between her foster parents. the end of the book is heartbreaking and will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

Absolutely Brilliant!
I read this book for book club and have to admit to having been a bit cheesed off when it was chosen as the favourite buy the others in the group.

I've read alot in the past about the holocaust and get very upset and wouldn't outrightly choose a book that was going to leave me feeling unsettled, this book however is so nicely written that although deeply touching the sadness did not affect me as I would have thought. I loved the characters which is so important and felt like I new Himmel street and it's occupants. I could feel Max's cold and Rudy's hunger and loved the characters and what a lovely man Hans Huberman was!. I did cry towards the end but at the same time I was thinking what a great story it was.
People can behave so atrociously to others but others in this book behaved so lovingly as well. It had a warmth that got me through the sad bits and was very funny in places.
I want to re-read it again now and I only finished it today.

Almost Perfect
This has been the most enjoyable book I have read for ages. Few stories can bring me to tears, but this story has been so well written, using such an unusual concept as death being the narrator. You are completely engrossed in Leisel's (the main character) life that it's hard not to feel the exact same emotions she experiences. I'm sure I will be reading this book again, which I rarely do.

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