The Book Thief-the writing

[Liesel]

"The words landed on the table and positioned themselves in the middle." Page 330 of "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak.

Just one of the thousands of pictures of language contained in "The Book Thief."

Reading this book is like looking at a painting and someone is narrating. You move from scene to scene. Of course, in all books you do, but in this one, because the character's dialogue is described as if the character's spoken words have physical mass, weight, or energy, you literally are getting a new perspective on language. In addition, the narrator sees colors for the particular actions -- tells us from the outset he does -- and this is a perfect backdrop then in which one can see the words as colors, or shapes, or mass.

As I pondered this, I thought of another great book which did this: The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster. Miles "jumps to the Isle of Conclusions."

It would make a great stage play in a black box theater, unless you really wanted to go with the colors; then maybe a true big stage would be needed.

[Maud Fitch]

Brilliant book, love it.

[Gannon]

Me too. It is in my top ten favourites of all time. I love how death is the narrator.

[Liesel]

Glad you all love it, too. It is beautifully written, but not in the classic sense. I love the short sentences, and that it includes "notes" or phrases, or lists.

[Robin jackson]

yeah i agree , this is one of my favourite book ..

[ilovebooks2]

This is my favorite book of all time. You have to read it.

[willowrose]

I am definitely adding this to my request list. I can't wait to see what all the fuss is about. ;p