"It's just a small story really, about, among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist fighter, and quiet a lot of thievery..."
Liesel Meminger is sent to Molching, Germany to live with foster parents during the rise of Nazi Germany. On her train ride to Molching Death, the narrator of this story, first meets her. His appointment is not with Liesel though but with her brother.
When she arrives to Himmel Strasse to the household of Rosa and Hans Hubermann she finds an authoritative new "mama" but luckily her new papa comforts her when she suffers nightmares. He is a gentle man who plays the accordion for Liesel and most important of all teaches her how to read, even if the first book Liesel reads is The Grave Diggers' Handbook.
It's touching and beautiful how the young girl's world begins to open up through the power of words. Liesel will also learn much more about life and the human condition as she meets the other residents of Himmel Strasse as the world is heading toward horrific events.
Through Death's narrative the reader gets to know Liesel's best friend and partner in crime, Rudy Steiner. They may argue and commit some petty crimes but some of their best escapades include stealing into the Mayor's house so Liesel can take a book. Rudy is perhaps my favorite character what with his constant requests for a kiss from Liesel to his rebellious nature which sometimes puts him in danger.
Aside from the book thieving, Liesel must also keep a dangerous secret. Her foster parents are hiding Max Vandenburg, a Jewish man, in their basement.
The writing style took me a bit to get used to at first as sometimes it seemed a bit fragmented but once I just let the story take me I was transported to another time and place.
This book evoked so many emotions in me from joy to anger and from compassion to sadness. A very innovative novel which is not to be missed. Just remember to keep a box of tissues nearby. It will pull at your heartstrings - hard.
Added 08/07