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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

by
October 2005, no. 275

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Picador, $35 pb, 588 pp, 033036426X

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

by
October 2005, no. 275

The Book Thief marks a departure for Markus Zusak. It is his first novel for adults, has broader concerns than his earlier work, and makes clearer his ambitions to be considered a serious writer. His first three novels, for young adults, were primarily focused on the masculinity of the boys in a working-class Sydney family. His next book, The Messenger (2002), foreshadowed the development we see in The Book Thief. Presented for young adults, The Messenger could easily have been marketed as a ‘crossover’ novel. It took Zusak into new and strange territory with a story about a young man mysteriously chosen and directed to intervene in other people’s lives.

Lorien Kaye reviews 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Picador, $35 pb, 588 pp, 033036426X

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Comment (1)

  • Lorien, this isn't a particularly remarkable review and does little to contribute to an already mediocre text. I would have appreciated slightly more literary insight and further discussion beyond the general plot points of the novel.

    Kate
    Posted by KateKing
    26 March 2023