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This was close to a 5* book.

The only thing holding it back was I kinda lost a bit of focus on the book during the middle stages and found it slow going. However the last 1/3 of the book was to be honest one of the most emotional I have ever read. I really did well up.

So for those that do not know, its based in Nazi Germany during the 2nd world war and the revolves around "the book thief" Liesel who is a brilliant lead character. I'll leave you to investigate it from there but I'll say these points.

I found her relationship with all of her foster family incredibly well written and heartwarming and if you are not cheering for Hans throughout then you have no heart!!! However for me it is the relationship with Max which brought another dimension which was nerve wracking but beautiful as well.

We all know (or should) the horrors of the 2nd world war and this book does not avoid some of them and gives you an idea of the horrors of war. Hearing the air raid siren, hiding in the basement, the fear of death, just sitting, waiting for the all clear. Truly powerful stuff. Written from the perspective of death is a stroke of genius from the author and as I have already said the last 1/3 of the book is simply brilliant.

So if you have not read it (and I know most of the world has) then you should. It is without doubt one of those books I will always remember, and I should think one that I will read again at some point.