80 pages 2 hours read

Markus Zusak

The Book Thief

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, follows Liesel Meminger, a young orphan with a passion for books, who steals them and finds solace in words amidst the horrors of World War II. As she forges relationships, especially with her foster parents and a hidden Jewish man, she discovers the profound impact words can have, culminating in her writing her own story. The novel addresses wartime atrocities and loss.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is lauded for its compelling narrative and innovative use of Death as the narrator, which adds depth to the storytelling. The prose is poetic and vivid, evoking strong emotional responses. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot somewhat predictable. Overall, it is a poignant and memorable read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Book Thief?

Readers who enjoy emotionally powerful narratives, historical settings, and poignant character development will appreciate The Book Thief. Similar in appeal to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and All the Light We Cannot See, it attracts those who are passionate about World War II stories and profound human experiences.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Lexile Level

730L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Literature

Period

WWII / World War II

Topics

Military / War

History: World