preview

Markus Zusak's The Book Thief

Decent Essays

After reading Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, and watching the film adaptation, I strongly believe that my peers should read the book before watching the film. The Book Thief was originally intended to be read, therefore it is necessary to properly understand the film. Because the film was created after the book, some scenes that occur in the book were cut from the film, disrupting the themes. Finally the book is narrated by Death, providing an unusual insight that is missed in the film. Markus Zusak wrote The Book Thief in 2005, the film adaptation premiered 8 years later. The film, while accurate, lacks certain detail and the ability to properly introduce the situation; that the book clearly explains. Watching the film without a basic understanding of the plot makes it difficult to follow. For example, in the film, the introduction of Max is confusing and easy to misunderstand beginning simply with Max asking Hans if he still plays the accordion. Hans Huberman's debt to Max’s family is illustrated very clearly in the novel when he tells the story of how he met Max’s family,

Dhaliwal 2
HE SURVIVED LIKE THIS
He didn’t go into battle that day.
For that, he had Erik Vanderburg to thank.
-The Book Thief, pg. 176

Erik Vanderburg, Max’s father, was the only reason Hans survived. …show more content…

Her brother appearing beside her supports the theme of guilt. The movie version cuts out this scene, altering a major theme. The film version also belittles the love between Liesel and Hans when they are reading. In the novel, the ability to read and write that Liesel learns from Hans supports the theme of love. In the film the education of reading is greatly diminished in importance. Many major themes are altered in the film adaptation. Because the movie changes several themes, and the overall message, I believe you should read the book

Get Access