Zusak paints a vivid picture of death and war, the horrors perpetuated during Nazi Germany's regime. It was words that gave the Nazi regime its power, its authority to destroy thousands of lives.

The story focuses on Liesel, a young girlwho is sent to a foster family in the small town of Molching. Since she learns how to read from her foster father, Liesel is fascinated with words. She rescues books from the Nazi burnings, and her family hides a Jewish man in their basement; actions which impact their quiet life in the most profound ways. The suspense, tragedy, compassion and love which binds the characters together is expressed so intensely and does not let go.