The Book Thief by Markus Zusak chosen by Imogen Rayfield
I was pretty late to the game picking up The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. But better late than never! Narrated by Death, who has a very matter-of-fact yet poetic voice, the story follows a young girl (and book thief) called Liesel Meminger as she comes of age in Germany during one of the most horrific times in recent history.
One of the main reasons I recommend this book is because of its unique perspective of the Second World War. Death tells of the harrowing persecution of the Jewish people with Max Vandenburg’s storyline (who is hidden from the Nazis by Liesel and her family) but he also recounts how the people of Germany became victims of the war.If you know someone who likes a slow burner, doesn’t mind books that don’t have happy endings, and loves to care about the characters they read about, this is the book for them.
For those who like a book with twists and turns, doomed love and masterful prose, give them The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. And if you know a true crime fan, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara is a compelling account of the Golden State Killer. Just make sure you tell them to avoid reading it when they’re home alone…
