The Book Thief tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a foster family in World War II Germany. The score was composed and conducted by John Williams...

Ah, another score from one of my favourite composers - and the reason I got into collecting scores back in the early '80s after picking up the soundtrack for Raiders of the Lost Ark. It's sad, every time a score is released by Williams I always wonder if it will be his last. At 81 years young, I'm dreading the time when he hangs up his baton for good.

In recent years I've started to wonder if he's farmed some of his work out... scores like War Horse, while beautiful, did sound like someone referencing the golden years of Williams's music and mining the nuggets.

With The Book Thief, while unmistakably Williams, it's as though he's been given a whole new lease of life. This is a beautiful score and some of the music here is easily up there with the best of his work over the years. It's one I've been listening to almost none stop for over a week and there's always something new and beautiful awaiting your discovery - no matter how many times you listen to it. It's busy and intricate, beautiful and relaxing, easily one of Williams's best scores of late.

I'd argue that 'The Train Station' is this album's most beautiful track and ends on such a bittersweet note. But other tracks of note include 'Max and Liesel'; 'Finale' and 'The Book Thief'.

This is a beautiful score and one that every soundtrack collector should own.

10

Darren Rea