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The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak
Narrated by: Allan Corduner
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Publisher's summary

Don’t miss Bridge of Clay, Markus Zusak’s first novel since The Book Thief.

The extraordinary number-one New York Times best seller that is now a major motion picture, Markus Zusak's unforgettable story is about the ability of books to feed the soul. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

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)

“Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.” (USA Today)

©2006 Markus Zusak (P)2006 Random House Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group
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Critic reviews

  • Book Sense Book of the Year Award, Children's Literature, 2007

"The astonishing characters, drawn without sentimentality, will grab readers." (Booklist)
"Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers....An extraordinary narrative." (School Library Journal)
"The Book Thief will appeal both to sophisticated teens and adults with its engaging characters and heartbreaking story." (Bookmarks Magazine)

Featured Article: The 10 Best WWII Audiobooks for Every History Buff


World War II, although well-documented through various mediums, is the basis for a wide range of little-known stories from Europe and beyond that deserve to be heard. From firsthand accounts of soldiers on the front lines to stories of brave women behind the scenes, these are impactful stories of humans coming together in this time of global conflict. We’re sure you’ll find something captivating on our list of the best WWII audiobooks.

What listeners say about The Book Thief

Average customer ratings
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the best ya ever written

This, in my opinion, is the best young adult novel ever written. It's not my favorite but everything about it is so good and touching. The ending makes me sob every time

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What a story what a narrator

The narrator understands perfectly What Markus is trying to say in this emotional journey. The story is what you expect from a war novel but with a character and depth. You will live with them in Himmel street, you will hate it and love the people and hate them and the journey will break your heart.

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The Best Audiobook I have ever listened to!!

I absolutely loved this book. The performance was perfect and the story was incredible. I laughed and cried so many times during this book. It is now my new favorite book of all time.

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Having completed this story today I am compelled

Having finished this book in these last few moments I am compelled to immediately write a review. My heart is deliciously heavy with both sorrow and happiness. Being an avid reader rarely does a book leave me feeling this way. The story is not one I would normally choose but how glad I am that I did. I could not imagine now how I could live my whole life without knowing Papa, Rosa, Lisel and all the other wonderful characters in this book. The narrator was sublime (of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe) and made me feel the emotions of all the characters including Death. Please don't live your life without listening to this wonderful story!

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Life

One of the best books I have ever read about all the sides of humans. Excellent book.

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Finally!

My friend recommended this book to me 10 years ago. Since then it's sat on my bookshelf as I could never bring myself to donate it without having read it. I'm so glad I finally heard this story. I truly loved this book.

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Sorry I waited so long to listen to this

I hesitated to read this book because the Holocaust breaks my heart. I'm sorry I waited this book was fantastic!

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Incredible, Amazing, Moving

It’s hard to put the experience of this book into words. I was so moved and awed by this book and its story and narration. I don’t know if I can listen to another book now as I’ll compare all against this one. Outstanding book.

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Haunting

Allan Corduner is a masterful narrator. The story was achingly beautiful. This story will stay with me for a long time.

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Love, love, love! !!

I can't imagine a better voice to tell this incredibly beautiful, yet tragic story. It happens to be the book I listened to and now I am hooked. The telling of this story I have recommended even to friends that have already read the book on their own, because it is performed so perfectly.

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