We re-read the contemporary classic, narrated by Death and first published in 2007.

It is 1939. In Nazi Germany, the country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier - and will become busier still.

By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed forever when she picks up a single object, abandoned in the snow. It is The Gravedigger’s Handbook, and this is her first act of book thievery. So begins Liesel's love affair with books and words, and soon she is stealing from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library . . . wherever there are books to be found.

The Australian novelist talks to Stephanie Merritt, who also writes historical fiction as SJ Parris. Zusak’s latest novel is Bridge of Clay.