War, books and humanity

“Every coin has two sides, but the truth lies in between.”

War is not only a frequently explored theme in Uzbek literature but also in world literature. Among all the books I have read so far, the ones that have left the deepest mark on my heart, inspired me to reread them, and encouraged me to share their stories with others are those about wartime and the people who lived through it. The characters in these stories are unique—their fates, dreams, and inner struggles are entirely different from those in ordinary narratives. One such novel is The Book Thief, written by renowned Australian author Markus Zusak. The very title of the book immediately captures the reader’s attention. This novel portrays life in Nazi Germany during World War II, depicting the country’s political and social conditions through the story of a young girl named Liesel. 

Before reading this book, I had never truly considered the lives of Germans during the war—people from the very nation that instigated World War II and brought immense tragedy upon the world. However, The Book Thief revealed that Germans, like other nations, also endured hardships. It showed that ordinary people longed for peace, that they lived through extreme difficulties, and that they sometimes had only one bowl of pea soup a week. The exposition of the novel begins with Liesel Meminger, the main protagonist, being sent to live with a foster family by her mother. On the way, her younger brother dies, and at his burial, she steals her first book from the cemetery. The novel’s composition is masterfully structured, with a seamless sequence of events that keeps the reader emotionally engaged until the very end. The plot revolves around Liesel’s life with her foster family, her father Hans Hubermann teaching her to read, her growing passion for books leading her to steal more, and the hidden Jewish man living in their basement. The story ultimately culminates in a heartbreaking conclusion.

What is the turning point of the novel? One could argue that it is the moment when Liesel’s family decides to shelter a Jewish man, risking their own lives in Nazi Germany. And the resolution? Death. At the end of the novel, Liesel loses her entire family and closest friends. Death takes away her unfinished story. The most emotionally intense moment—the climax—occurs during the bombing that kills Liesel’s family. Interestingly, the novel is narrated from the perspective of Death itself, which adds a unique and haunting depth to the story.

So, what does this remarkable novel teach us? The Book Thief is not just about war. It delves into themes of racial and religious discrimination, the devastating consequences of war and conflict, and the profound impact of books on human life. Above all, it teaches us that even in the darkest times, friendship, kindness, and compassion are the greatest courage.

Ochildiyeva Shahnoza

 Journalism and Mass Communications University of Uzbekistan

Faculty of International Relations and Social Humanities, 1st-year student