When it comes to audiobooks, the narrator can make or break the listening experience. And in the case of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Allan Corduner’s narration takes this modern classic to a whole new level. With his flawless delivery, Corduner captures the heart and soul of Zusak’s story, bringing to life a young girl’s journey through war-torn Germany. In this review, we’ll delve into the plot, the characters, and of course, Corduner’s narration, to give you a comprehensive overview of why The Book Thief audiobook is a must-listen.
Where to Listen to The Book Thief Audiobook
Before we dive into the details, let’s first discuss where you can listen to The Book Thief audiobook. The good news is that this audiobook is widely available across several platforms. You can listen to it on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Google Play Books, and many other audiobook platforms. Moreover, you can also borrow it from your local library or download it from websites that offer free audiobooks.
the book thief summary
| Chapter | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Death and Chocolate | Introduces Death as the narrator and sets the scene in Molching, Germany during World War II |
| 2 | The Woman with the Iron Fist | Liesel arrives at her new home on Himmel Street, meets her foster parents, and experiences her first brush with death |
| 3 | The Kiss | Liesel attends her first day of school and makes friends with Rudy Steiner |
| 4 | The Jesse Owens Incident | Liesel steals her first book from a Nazi book burning and begins to read with the help of her foster father, Hans Hubermann |
| 5 | The Other Side of Sandpaper | Liesel continues to steal books and befriends Max Vandenburg, a Jew hiding in the basement of her home |
| 6 | The Smell of Friendship | Liesel and Max become close friends and share their love of words and stories |
| 7 | The Gamblers | Hans and Liesel have a close call with the Nazis, and Liesel wins a bet against her classmate |
| 8 | The Floating Book (Part I) | Max leaves the Hubermanns’ home and Liesel receives a book as a gift from the mayor’s wife, Ilsa Hermann |
| 9 | The War Maker | Hans is drafted into the German army, and Liesel continues to read to her neighbors during air raids |
| 10 | Way of the Words | Liesel writes her own story, and Max returns to the Hubermanns’ home, gravely ill |
| 11 | The End of the World (Part I) | The war reaches Molching, and Liesel and her family take shelter in a basement |
| 12 | The Ninety-Eighth Day | Liesel continues to write her own story, and Death reflects on the importance of words and stories in the face of war and destruction |
| 13 | The Book Thief | Liesel steals a book from a pile of rubble and is caught by Death, who reflects on the power of books and their ability to transcend time |
| 14 | The Last Color | Liesel and Rudy discover a crashed plane and its dead pilot, and Death reflects on the impact of war on innocent lives |
| 15 | The Gamblers (Second Time) | Death reflects on the fates of the characters and the power of their stories to live on beyond their deaths |
| 16 | The End of the World (Part II) | The Hubermanns and Max are killed in an air raid, and Death collects their souls |
| 17 | Epilogue | Death reflects on Liesel’s life and the impact she had on those around her |
Audiobook Summary
The Book Thief is set in World War II Germany and tells the story of a young girl named Liesel. After her brother’s death and her mother’s inability to take care of her, Liesel is sent to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Despite the harsh realities of war, Liesel finds solace in books, which she steals and shares with her neighbors during bombing raids.
As the war progresses, Liesel’s world is turned upside down, and she’s forced to confront the horrors of the Nazi regime. But through it all, she finds hope and resilience in her relationships with Hans, Rosa, and her friend Rudy.
The Characters
The Book Thief is a character-driven story, and Zusak has created a cast of characters that are both memorable and relatable. Liesel, the protagonist, is a strong and resilient young girl who learns to navigate the complexities of war and loss. Her foster parents, Hans and Rosa, are equally well-developed characters, with their own struggles and vulnerabilities. But perhaps the most interesting character of all is Death, the narrator of the story. Death’s observations and insights add a layer of depth to the story, giving us a unique perspective on the events unfolding in war-torn Germany.
Allan Corduner’s Narration
Now let’s talk about the narration. Allan Corduner is a seasoned actor and audiobook narrator, and his performance in The Book Thief is nothing short of brilliant. He perfectly captures the nuances of Zusak’s writing, bringing each character to life with his impeccable timing and delivery. But what makes Corduner’s narration truly exceptional is his portrayal of Death. He imbues Death’s character with a wry sense of humor and a hint of sorrow, giving the story a unique and unforgettable voice.
Things to Learn from “The Book Thief” Audiobook
| Things to Learn from “The Book Thief” Audiobook |
|---|
| 1. The importance of literacy and education |
| 2. The impact of war on civilians |
| 3. The power of words and storytelling |
| 4. The complexity of human relationships |
| 5. The ability to find hope in dark times |
| 6. The consequences of blindly following authority |
| 7. The strength of individual resilience |
| 8. The value of friendship and community |
| 9. The role of empathy in understanding others |
| 10. The reality of mortality and the importance of cherishing life |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Book Thief audiobook is a must-listen for anyone who loves a good story. Markus Zusak’s writing is beautiful and poignant, and Allan Corduner’s narration takes it to new heights. The characters are relatable and memorable, and the setting of war-torn Germany adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a great audiobook to listen to, The Book Thief is a timeless classic that should not be missed.
quotes from the book thief
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak is a powerful novel that explores the life of a young girl named Liesel during World War II in Germany. The novel is filled with thought-provoking quotes that will leave a lasting impression on readers. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from “The Book Thief”:
- “I am haunted by humans.” – Death
- “I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” – Liesel Meminger
- “The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.” – Rudy Steiner
- “She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Leisel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like regret in the shadows of trees and in the glow of the anarchist’s suit collection. She kissed him long and soft, and when she pulled herself away, she touched his mouth with her fingers…She did not say goodbye. She was incapable, and after a few more minutes at his side, she was able to tear herself from the ground. It amazes me what humans can do, even when streams are flowing down their faces and they stagger on…” – Death
- “The consequence of this is that I’m always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both.” – Death
These quotes provide a glimpse into the depth and beauty of Zusak’s writing. They offer insight into the characters and themes of the novel and leave readers with plenty to ponder long after they have finished the book.
FAQs
Q: Who is the author of The Book Thief audiobook?
A: The author of The Book Thief audiobook is Markus Zusak.
Q: Who narrates The Book Thief audiobook?
A: The Book Thief audiobook is narrated by Allan Corduner.
Q: What is the duration of The Book Thief audiobook?
A: The duration of The Book Thief audiobook is 13 hours and 56 minutes.
Q: Is The Book Thief audiobook available on popular audiobook platforms?
A: Yes, The Book Thief audiobook is available on popular audiobook platforms such as Audible, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Amazon.
Q: Is The Book Thief audiobook suitable for children?
A: The Book Thief audiobook deals with themes of war and death, and may not be suitable for young children. It is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Q: What is the genre of The Book Thief audiobook?
A: The Book Thief audiobook is a historical fiction novel with elements of drama and coming-of-age.
Q: What are some other audiobooks similar to The Book Thief?
A: Some other audiobooks similar to The Book Thief in genre and themes include “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr, “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah, and “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
Q: Can I listen to The Book Thief audiobook for free?
A: The Book Thief audiobook is available for free with a trial membership on Audible or with a library membership on platforms such as Overdrive and Hoopla.
About Author
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