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Creative Background

The Book Thief is a novel by Australian author Markus Zusak. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the book follows the story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger, who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. The novel is narrated by Death, providing a unique and poignant perspective on the human condition during one of history's darkest periods. Zusak's inspiration for the novel came from stories his parents told him about their experiences during the war, including the bombings of Munich and the Jews being marched through his mother's town. The book explores themes of the power of words, the impact of war on humanity, and the resilience of the human spirit.