The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Publisher: Knopf Year: 2007 Pages: 576
First off, this isn’t a review of Zusak’s marvelous book. It’s a query, of sorts. I suspect many of you out there have already taken the journey into the finely drawn world of this excellent, dark, funny, eccentric novel. I hope so, actually, because I’d like your opinion. While the story centers on young Liesel Memenger and her foster family life during WWII, the tale is narrated by Death, who is himself (itself?) presented as both matter-of-fact in carrying out his day job, but also somewhat wistful and oddly romantic (NOT Twilight romantic…more like Dexter romantic). And the events described can be, well, pretty damn adult. The query is, what makes this book Young Adult in your view, instead of solidly adult? Reviewers have wrestled with this question, and I’m wondering where you come down on the issue. So, if you’ve read The Book Thief, why is this Holocaust dramedy shelved alongside Mockingjay and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter? Hmmmmm…?