The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Open Library readers: 4.16 / 5 from 145 ratings. Separate from ratings here.Catalogue checked 2026-10-02.
The extraordinary, beloved novel about the ability of books to feed the soul even in the darkest of times.
When Death has a story to tell, you listen.
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.
“The kind of book that can be life-changing.” —The New York Times
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About The Book Thief
A few practical answers before choosing a copy.
Bibliographic source: Open Library- Who wrote The Book Thief?
The Book Thief is by Markus Zusak. The catalogue records its first publication in 2005. A later edition may have a different publication date on its copyright page.
- How long is The Book Thief?
The catalogue records 560 pages for a representative edition. Pagination varies with the publisher, format, type size and translation, so check the edition you intend to read.
