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Saturday 24 January 2015

The Book Thief {My jumbled thoughts}


I don’t actually know how I am going to express my thoughts and feelings on this one.

It took me quite some time to actually pick it up and start reading. All the hype and reviews keep playing in my mind and shouting for me to start, they would not leave me alone! I completed The Book Thief at the beginning of January (after spending a few months on it..) and I gave it a 5 stars. I remember, after I finished it, sitting there and knowing that I have so many books to choose from (for my next quest), but I just could not bring myself to do it, because I was processing. I messaged my friend straight away and told her “oh gosh I feel changed”! (Keep in mind, this friend of mine lives in Australia and when I finished that book it was already the start of the next day seeing that they are 6 hours ahead. That’s how changed I felt!)

I am not a fan of historical fiction, I find myself rather going for the “nowadays” stuff, if you know what I mean. I also struggled getting into the book. At one point I did put it down and then I picked it up again. It was when I picked it up again that I could not put it down. It is one of those books that actually needs all of your undivided attention without any interruptions. 

Now, if you don’t know what The Book Thief is all about, go read the summary H E R E and also check it out the reviews on GoodReads 

The writing style was easy to follow, easy to read and just overall the book is wonderfully written. This book is narrated by Death. How cool is this?! His point of view is totally different and it also gives you another perspective on the characters’ lives. I loved how the characters developed throughout the book and that the characters were relatable (Well, I have never been part of a war, but they were “human”. I hope this makes sense.).

What struck me is the story had two sides (well, actually many), the Jews and Germans (well, every story does but I don’t always think about this particular situation i.e WWII). It also struck me that there were Germans who tried helping as best they could and who sacrificed their safety in the process. I never thought of that. I know this is fiction based on a true “event”, but still, I don’t always think about everything. It also hit me that although the Jews really suffered, so did the German families. Fathers had to leave and go do their “duty”. Mother and child were left behind, Germany were bombed as well (Well, of course Germany was bombed.  It was after all a war and a lot of parties were involved.)

I probably sound like a total idiot, but just bear with me. We learned about the WWII at school, but not in a lot of detail and very selectively. Now that I am older, it makes a difference. WOW!

This book was filled with emotions. I laughed, I felt sad, I felt anger, I cried and I had compassion and sympathy with the characters. The story still plays in my mind from time to time and someday I will re-read it.

It just had an impact on me that I cannot put into words. I think this is the best it is going to get. I will recommend this book to anyone actually. It is different than your usual war stories. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you have read this book, please leave a comment below and tell me what you thought about it.

Speak to you soon...or sooner!
xoxo 

  

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