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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a beautifully crafted and heartfelt yet poignant historical fiction novel. The story takes place during World War II in Nazi Germany and follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger living just outside of Munich with her foster parents, Rosa and Hans Hubberman. After being stricken with the tragic loss of her younger brother, her start on Himmel Street seems bleak. But, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, strict yet loving foster mother, best friend Rudy Steiner, and Jewish-fistfighter Max, she learns to love her new home.

Personally, I thought that Liesel was a very interesting and beautiful main character. Throughout the story, she nursed a love of reading with stolen books. The first being a graveyard handbook, the only remnant she had of her former family. This handbook also being what ignited her initial love of words. She showed courage throughout the novel and clearly displayed her kindness and stubbornness. Overall, I truly came to love her as a person.

Another interesting aspect of this novel was the author’s writing style. His writing had a beautiful and surreal quality that catered perfectly to the nature of the narrator...death itself. He was able to provoke so many different emotions, leaving you with a loss for words when done.

I savored every moment of this novel and feel as though it impacted me to a great extent. It has a special place in my heart, I would even go as far to say that it is my favorite novel ever. I recommend this story to anyone and everyone.