The Book Thief is the exact opposite of the Quick Reads that I have been reading lately. It is 554 pages and full of the descriptions and details that I find so tedious. Yet I have to say that it is beautiful written and the metaphors are original and striking. The pictures Zusak crates with words are amazing.
It is a poignantly sad tale, set in German during World War II and gives an interesting insight in the lives and times of the ordinary German people. People who were struggling to make ends meet; people with hopes of a better future; people who were distressed by what was happening in German, yet were powerless to do anything about it. Zusak has written a great story which unwittingly contrasts pride and cruelty with humility and kindness.
I read this book because the movie has recently premiered in Australia and I’m hoping to see it soon. In some ways I often like movie adaptations more than the actual book. The brevity of the medium means movie makers have to “cut to the chase” and thus leave out many of the details that I find unnecessary.
On the other hand, I like to read the book before I see the movie because the book gives a clearer picture of what the characters were actually thinking. Plus movies do sometimes leave out things or change details that I think are important.
I plan to see the movie on the weekend, so I’ll let you know how I find it.
