The Book Thief

Just finished reading Markus Zusak's, The Book Thief, a novel about a young girl living in Germany during the Third Reich. I was reluctant to read this book. I tend to hate authors who place child characters in dangerous circumstances. Children get enough shit in reality, why compound it in fiction? Also reminds me far too much of my childhood.

However, this book drew me. The writing was good. The characters are fascinating and do unexpected things. The descriptions of place and time completely drew me in. There is a certain audacity in describing teenagers who think of their Hitler Youth meetings as boring and tedious. But when I read it, it made perfect sense.

Definitely recommend this book to others.