The Book Theif By Markus Zusak

The Book Thief addresses the core themes of death and dying, literature, guilt friendship, man versus society and the beauty and brutality of humanity. In trying to find beautiful moments in an ugly time in, the thirty year old Zusak wrote this book purely for himself, rather than with a particular audience in mind, see this you tube interview.

Dennis notes Kusak’s “light handed touch”, and the author does allude to that age group that the readership might include, as this spare writing style does give the book a wide age range readership wise. Leanne, although more critical of the book, points out the authors ability to sustain the “voice” of an eleven year old girl.

The book raised discussion about the raising of the value of books, and knowledge in general, when scarcity arises. This juxtaposes interestingly against today’s plethora of information, and the effect that this has.

Scores were:

Mark 8.5
Mary 9
Raj 8.5
Leanne 7
Dennis 7
Kevin 8
Kate 7.5

Average 8

A warm BBC welcome to Kate and we look forward to seeing more of you in the future.

The next book is Raj's choice, and is Isak Dinesen's (actually Baroness Karen von Blixen-Finecke) "Ehrengard". Isak Dinesen also wrote Out of Africa.

Amazon Info

The meeting will be at Raj's place on Wednesday 23^rd Sept