One of the few books i wanted to keep reading. Every page of the book has a gem on it. It is superbly crafted. Its’ words are enchanting and poignant in a sweet and precious way.

It’s a story of a girl whose adolescence coincides with the times of Nazi Germany. She lost her brother, her mother, her home and gained a new foster home with a father who taught her to read and instilled a love of books to last a lifetime. The books saved her from daily ordeal. The books saved her from death.

The story is narrated by Death. It made me shiver at the beginning to read his words. By the end of the book I got to like this very wise character: “I am all bluster- I am not violent. I am not malicious. I am a result”.

The book is transformational as it makes you see the Other Germany, which had people who would risk their lives by feeding and sheltering the persecuted Jewish.

This anniversary edition comes with insights of the author on the process of writing. Very valuable for writers beginners. There is also a movie by the same name, directed by Brian Percival. Enjoy!