The Book Thief Movie vs. Novel
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While I was writing my last book review, I suddenly remembered The Book Thief — and the movie it inspired. And I thought, “Hey, that was actually a pretty good adaptation”. So, naturally, I decided to write about it. Because god forbid I have opinions.
If you somehow missed this gem, here’s a quick refresher:
About the Book
Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Year: 2005
Genre: Historical, Young Adult
Summary: By her brother’s graveside, Liesel’s life changes when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It’s The Gravedigger’s Handbook, left behind by accident—and it becomes her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she’s stealing books from Nazi book burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library —wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times. When Liesel’s foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement, her world opens up — and closes down. (From Goodreads)
Buy it here: The Book Thief — Amazon
About the Movie
Title: The Book Thief
Year: 2013
Director: Brian Percival
Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Sophie Nélisse
Genre: War Drama
Summary: While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being protected by her adoptive parents. (From IMDb)
Buy it here: The Book Thief Movie — Amazon
Why watch it?
If you’re here, it’s probably because you’ve read the book and want to know if the movie is worth watching.
The short answer: Yes. Go watch it.
But if you want a more elaborate answer, keep reading. I can’t guarantee it’ll be deep, though.
Expectations vs Reality
One thing I didn’t see coming was the narrator’s voice. While reading the book, I always imagined Death as a woman—probably because in Spanish, La Muerte is feminine. I know Death doesn’t have a gender, but that was my first instinct. So hearing a deep male voice narrate the film was quite a surprise.
The other detail that caught me off guard was Mr. Hubermann’s profession. Don’t laugh —there’s an explanation for it. In Spanish, the word pintor can mean either “painter” (as in an artist) or “house painter,” depending on the context. I just assumed he was an artist! I only realized my mistake when I watched the movie and saw that he’s the kind of painter who paints houses. Silly me.
Apart from those two details, everything plays out almost exactly as I imagined it while reading the book.
Comparison (Spoilers)
For what it’s worth, it’s a remarkably faithful adaptation. It doesn’t stray far from the book that inspired it, though it changes a few minor details you might not even notice on your first viewing (I know I didn’t).
There’s one thing, however, that I’d consider more than a “minor detail”—but harmless enough not to be a true plot change. It happens right at the end, after the bombing.
In the book, when Liesel goes to check on Rudy, he’s already dead. But in the movie, he’s still (barely) alive and manages to say his last words to her: “I love you.” If I remember correctly, he doesn’t finish the whole sentence, but it’s clear to anyone who has been paying attention. She then gives him the kiss he always asked for right after he dies.
It’s a heartbreaking scene—more so than in the book. At least there, he never said it; he didn’t break my heart any more than everyone else’s death did. I tear up just thinking about it.
Conclusion
All things considered, The Book Thief (2013) is a beautifully done adaptation. It captures the emotional core of Markus Zusak’s novel without losing its subtlety or magic.
We should have more adaptations like this one — faithful, heartfelt, and made with respect for the source material.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. What about you? Did you like the movie? Did you imagine Death as a man or a woman? Let me know in the comments!
See you soon — probably with another strong opinion.
Image credits
The Book Thief © Knopf Books for Young Readers
The Book Thief poster © Twentieth Century Fox
