Customer Reviews
Complete Disappointment - By: Jennifer Kate, 30 Nov 2008 
Due to the acclaims given to this novel, I expected something truly unique; especially due to the interesting narrative - death. However, I couldn't be more disappointed if I tried.
I have read my fair share of books & I am also currently studying Nazi Germany, so I have some insight into Germany around the timein the novel. Before I delved into this book, I thought it sounded incredibly interesting; the narrative was different, the setting & date was at a time of interest & the mystery seemed to be lurking from the synopsis on the back. However, instead of feeling like I was connecting with the characters & enjoying the story line, I felt like I was being taught a History lesson into Nazi Germany all over again.
Now don't get me wrong, Zusak's style of writing was innovative & imaginative but I believe there was a lack of flow to the book. Especially with the, oh so many, parts.
The protagonist of the novel, Liesel; is a somewhat boring character compared to the likes of Max & her foster parents. I suspect many people will disagree when I say that the only relationship I found to be of any emotional meaning was between herself & Max, especially when they reunite towards the end. Oh, don't get me started about the end! What an anti-climax that was.
I never say time is wasted, because that is an impossibility, however I would have much preferred to have spent my time reading something more worthwhile. This book was a huge let down to the enormous amount of hype it received & I wouldn't recommend anyone to be put through the struggle of reading it.
Pick something else :)
The best book I've read in years! - By: Smart Reader, 28 Nov 2008 
This book was reommended to me by a friend & I wasn't disappointed - it was a real treat. Different from most books - informative as it tells you about the 2nd World War from the view of a german family living through it. I cried reading the first chapter & was gripped from then on. A must read for anyone who loves a good story.
A truly beautiful book - By: Russ, 19 Nov 2008 I can't recommend this book highly enough.
It's true that its very setting fills it with sadness but its originality, delicacy, poetry & certainly humour make it a very special book indeed.
I's one of those books that risks making you unpopular as you try desperately to convince everyone you know to read it.
What a gifted writer - By: Rocknrollmommy, 12 Nov 2008 This book was accidently left on a bus & I wasn't even one quarter through. What did I do? I re-purchased it of course, also thanks to the fact that I purchased it both times with a great discount price, how could I not have? I would have missed out the opportunity to read such a good though tragic story. The author makes the story somewhat humorousin some parts to take off the horrific & sorrowful edge of what really happenedin that time of history. It was a lovely read & the description of each character made you feel like you were right there viewing their actions. It was sadin many parts, heartwarmingin others & you grew to like all the protagonists. I also liked the fact that many German words were thrownin & explained or simply translated, making an even more realistic Nazi Germany era impact on the reader. The author is highly talented & very clever.
Incredible - quite possibly the best book ever - By: Serena, 12 Nov 2008 I finished this book last night, rather poignantly on Armistice Day. I was blown away. I had no idea that this was a book for "young adults" but I certainly recommend that everyone of any age reads it. This novel is beautifully written & I found I was carrying the story around with me & thinking about the lives of these characters even when I wasn't actually reading the book. I read most of it on the train & decided to finish it off at home last night - good job I did too because I was literally sobbing my heart out by the end. I don't mean my eyes welled up with tears & I sniffed a little, I mean I was bawling my eyes out. I think quite simply that this is the best book I have ever read - the characters become real & even though you are warned at the very beginning that there will be losses & tragedy, it still hits you like you didn't see it coming. I was rooting for Liesel & her friends & family. I was even moved by the Narrator, Death, whoin one sense claims he is only doing his job (like so many who workedin the Nazi Regime)but who is still touched by the the sparks of light from the human spiritin a world that is awash with darkness. I have never cried so much over a story, nor been so hopeful & uplifted at the same time. I should also mention, by no means as an afterthought, that it is also very very funny, with extra points going to Rosa Hubermann, Liesel's Mama. Please read this story & let it stay with you - discover it for yourself - you won't regret a moment spent on reading it.
