Customer Reviews: Read 328 more reviews...
 Complete Disappointment November 30, 2008
Jennifer Kate (Dorset, England)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
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 and I am also currently studying Nazi Germany, so I have some insight into Germany around the time in the novel. Before I delved into this book, I thought it sounded incredibly interesting; the narrative was different, the setting and date was at a time of interest and the mystery seemed to be lurking from the synopsis on the back. However, instead of feeling like I was connecting with the characters and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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! November 28, 2008
Smart Reader (Birmingham UK)
This book was reommended to me by a friend and 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 and was gripped from then on. A must read for anyone who loves a good story.
A truly beautiful book November 19, 2008
Russ (Siena, Italy)
I can't recommend this book highly enough.
It's true that its very setting fills it with sadness but its originality, delicacy, poetry and 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 November 12, 2008
Rocknrollmommy (Milan, Italy)
This book was accidently left on a bus and 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 humorous in some parts to take off the horrific and sorrowful edge of what really happened in that time of history. It was a lovely read and the description of each character made you feel like you were right there viewing their actions. It was sad in many parts, heartwarming in others and you grew to like all the protagonists. I also liked the fact that many German words were thrown in and explained or simply translated, making an even more realistic Nazi Germany era impact on the reader. The author is highly talented and very clever.
Incredible - quite possibly the best book ever November 12, 2008
Serena (UK)
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 and I found I was carrying the story around with me and thinking about the lives of these characters even when I wasn't actually reading the book. I read most of it on the train and 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 and 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 and even though you are warned at the very beginning that there will be losses and tragedy, it still hits you like you didn't see it coming. I was rooting for Liesel and her friends and family. I was even moved by the Narrator, Death, who in one sense claims he is only doing his job (like so many who worked in the Nazi Regime)but who is still touched by the the sparks of light from the human spirit in a world that is awash with darkness. I have never cried so much over a story, nor been so hopeful and 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 and let it stay with you - discover it for yourself - you won't regret a moment spent on reading it.
|
