The Book Thief


Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief captivated millions with it’s unique portrayal of German life during the Holocaust. In recent months the novel was adapted into film. With the cinema adaptation came high expectations, which were not met. For instance, in the novel Death’s inquiry of human behaviors forces the reader to question human nature, however this curiosity is not portrayed in the film. Another fatal flaw of the film comes from Hans Hubermann, who in the film does not smoke or roll cigarettes. With this left out the viewer does not truly understand the relationship Hans and Leisel shared. Markus Zusak earned his spot in one of the greatest authors of this generation with this novel. However, what many believed was the centerpiece of the entire book was not elaborated on in the film. Adolf Hitler’s role in the novel is what truly brings the events together however, this is not the case in the movie. The lack of Hitler in the script is what kills the movie. Overall the film was able to snag a few anticipating novelists however, my recommendation is not to support this film at all.