The Book Thief

I took this book without reading any of the publishers notes, the title was intriguing enough. But oh what a joy once I started to listen, the narration was superb and the rich depth of the voice turned it into a melodic masterpeice. Lisle and Rudi may have been the key players but the characters surrounding them were the secret to the success of understanding. The writer was good enough to include enough German expletives to be able to curse at others under my breath and get away with it. A totally absorbing listen and listen and listen again.

It took me several attempts to get into this book, but it was definately worth it. I thought this was a great listen, really well paced and read by the narrator and an enchanting tale. I liked and engaged with so many of the characters in this book. I finished the story this morning on the tube - Yes I was that woman on the Metropolitan line who was sobbing - and no I wasnt having a life trauma - just finishing a remarkable and very emotional novel. This certainly comes under my 'download without delay' selection.

The main themes of this fantastic novel, (it made me laugh a little and cry a lot) are despair, loss, grief, suffering, hunger, fanatasism and compassion by ordinary German folk in the Second World War. It is narrated by "Death" (who is portrayed as a hero and not a villan) and focuses on the life of an eleven year old girl, the couple who adopt her and the neighbourhood where they live. The relationship between the girl and her adoptive parents gradually develops, and the ending is truly dramatic, (have the tissues ready!) As all talking book fans will appreciate, the narrator can make or break the story, I found the narration excellent, the characters did come alive through my ipod and the accent was spot on. I finished listening to this book on Christmas Eve, which made me acutely aware of how much (especially food and resources) is wasted and taken for granted, while the characters in the story where literally starving, I felt quite sickened going into the supermarkets and having to endure the "trolly rage" which is particularly vile at this time of year!
This is a truly thought provoking novel, which I feel everyone over the age of 15, should read/listen too, at least once in their life. It will always remain one of my favourite books because of the beauty of the writing and the compassion it portrays.

Great characters, warmth and sorrow - lovely narration.

simply brilliant. refreshingly different perspective from ordinary poor german family view.
loved the foster family - wife and husband such characters. the story with the hidden jewish refugee was brilliant.
I cannot give this book enough praise and read at an excellent pace without rushing.

I was hooked from the reading of the first few lines. The narrative from deaths point of view was warm in an unexpected way, you'll have to listen to the book to see what I mean about that one.There are amusing moments and moments that truly make you want to cry. I recently saw the paperback version of this book in the childrens section of a well known large book store and was surprised that they included it in that section considering that it teaches you how to swear in German very well , great for when they steal the sunbeds when your next on holiday ! But joking aside, a tremendous listen highly recommended

As so often, it is the small stories that really bring the big stories to life. This tale of a small girl and the people she loves is funny, charming and agonising, but the real triumph of this book is that it brings a new perspective on the lives of those who lived through Nazism. This is a beautifully written book that had me laughing out loud and, at the end, close to tears. Wonderful.

A great book and the narrator was fantastic. I had actually partially read the book, so the only thing missing is the book's drawings which are just the cherry on the cake for this book.

Couldn't listen to it in public - it occassionally brought a tear to my eye!

Beautifully written, beautifully read! A simple, yet powerful & emotive, story told from a unique perspective. I'll certainly be listening to this book again.

A novel narrated by Death himself needs an authoritative voice to carry it off. Allan Cordunner brings this remarkable story to life, giving each of the characters their own distinct voice. Highly recommended.