Marcus Zusak - The Book Thief

This book is set in Germany in 1943 and is written by Death.  But given that, the book is a complete surprise as it is written with such a light touch and is so full of life.  The quality that makes it very special is the language – it has the most beautiful figurative language with words and phrases good enough to eat.  In my book club we all gave it 10 out of 10, except for one who gave it 11! 

It is published by Black Swan 20007