It isn't often a book moves me to superlatives - but this is certainly one of the best things I've read recently, or in a long time for that matter.  It is " a small story, about: a girl, an accordianist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fistfighter and quite a lot of thievery."

Narrated by Death, it is unsentimentally poignant, keenly observed and tantalsingly skillful in its langauge.  Strange, yet mesmerising, metaphors; words, and their power, which I think is at least part of a possible subtext, shine through this story.  For me, anyway, part of the wonder was the elegant form of the langauge, the richness of description and the gentleness of the narration by Death.

Indeed, Death comes out of this story as a vulnerable, gentle being, tasked with an endless unrelenting task of gathering human souls.  If another subtext is to challenge our attitude to Death (or death) I think it's done incredibly.  I've no idea if the author was familiar with the Franciscan inspired hymn 'All creatures of our God and King" but the character echoed these old words...

And now, most kind and gentle death,

Waiting to hush our fading breath,

Now praise him, alleluia!

And leading home the child of God

Along the way our Lord has trod...

(This version: BPW 28)

Defintely well worth reading - almost 'un-put-down-able' and despite being almost 600 pages is actually very easy and quick to read.  Don't skim it though - the richness demands proper reading.  You may need a few hankies for this one, and even if not, a few pauses to draw breath will be wise.

I'd like to say'enjoy', but somehow 'experience' seems better...