In this arresting World War II tale, Death narrates the story of the resourceful and curious Liesel (young French actress Sophie Nélisse).

Liesel is a girl like any other, separated from her mom during World War II. On the train ride to her new home with the Hubermanns, her brother dies in her mother’s arms. When Liesel finally arrives, the Hubermanns take her in without hesitation and she becomes like a daughter to them. As German as they are, the family of three doesn’t believe in their country’s politics and must hide the fact that they are a hidden treasure amongst ruins.

The Book Thief artfully reminds us that when life takes a toll, the only thing to do is adjust to what is given. During the war, when the world was a cruel and dark place, hiding was the only option. The person Liesel calls Papa, Hans Hubermann (Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush) believes he has to help those who’ve helped him, so when Jewish Max (Ben Schnetzer) comes to live with them, Liesel befriends him and he becomes the brother she once lost.

Even though reading certain books is illegal, Liesel’s curiosity gets the best of her, and with Hans’s help her skills evolve. When Max gets sick, she wants nothing more than to entertain him with her words, and with them she helps him heal.

War movies are sad and lonely, because the outcome invariably involves death. However, here, death stays with the audience for the entire film, guiding Liesel’s soul through a world that should never be seen again.

The Book Thief was written by Markus Zusak, and the novel has become a classic throughout the years. The film, by director Brian Percival, comes out November 8^th and will hopefully find its well-deserved place among other World War II films such as Life is Beautiful and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.