Of all the novels I've read in my life, Death is definitely the most unique omniscient narrator to ever tell me a story. While no one has ever met Death, I feel that Zusak was able to capture the personality of what I assume Death would be like. He is experienced, witty, yet at the same time detached from his horrible fate of eternal life thats only filled with tears and darkness. Its perspective is that of someone who has seen the rise and fall of human kind, the tragic loss of every person, and both the terrible and beautiful sides of the human existence.
Death faces conflicts both internally and externally. Its conflict in this book is stated nearly immediately, when it says that he shouldn't have looked, shouldn't have taken an interest in Liesel, but he couldn't help himself. Death is surprisingly connected to the characters in the book, though it doesn't really fit in the job description. Its opinions on the Nazi regime and the wrath it brought unto the world are not directly expressed, but its comments show remorse for the victims of such tragedies. Death seems to see the hiding of Max as tragic, and seems to find hope in Liesel. It sees the foolishness in the blind obedience put forth by many Germans, and the promise in Hans Hubermann for not giving in.
I personally enjoy the perspective and experience Death brings to the novel. It has been able to see events in history even bloodier than World War II, which allows it to look beyond the shock of millions losing their lives and see human motivations and consider the importance of a young foster child growing up in the middle of all of it.
