Set against the haunting backdrop of Nazi Germany, The Book Thief by Mark Zusak is a novel that explores the enduring power of words in a world shadowed by silence and oppression. Though many writers have explored this period of history, The Book Thief stands out as truly unique. It is a rare story narrated by death which also presents the war from the perspective of a young German girl. Within the first chapter or two, it becomes evident why it’s hailed by many as a modern classic. This distinctive blend brings a deeply moving narrative of life during one of the darkest times in history.
Liesel Meminger’s early life
The story takes place in the fictional town of Molching, on Himmel Street, during World War II, beginning with the heartbreaking journey of ten-year-old Liesel Meminger. Her story begins when she is sent to live with her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, after her mother’s capture and the death of her younger brother, Werner—a
loss that haunts her throughout the novel. Liesel arrives with nothing but a stolen book, The Grave Digger’s Handbook, taken from her brother’s burial site which marks the beginning of her fascination with words, books, and their ability to preserve memories. As Liesel adjusts to her new life, she forms a close bond with her foster father, Hans Hubermann, her gentle and supportive father who nurtures her spirit with kindness and patience. In contrast, Rosa is described as a hot tempered woman who may often seem harsh yet harbors deep-seated love and care for Liesel.
Life on Himmel Street
Liesel struggles to fit in at school, where her classmates mock her for being unable to read or write. Plagued by nightmares about her brother and the determination to learn to read, she starts taking midnight lessons from Hans where she learns by using the The Grave Digger’s Handbook. Hans, a painter by trade employs several engaging methods to help Liesel learn using paintbrushes and colours. In these scenes, Zusak beautifully captures the warmth and tenderness of their relationship.
Liesel’s Friendship with Rudy and the Book Thefts
Liesel soon becomes friends with her neighbor, Rudy Steiner, a spirited and mischievous boy known for his admiration of Jesse Owens, the Black American Olympic runner. Rudy becomes her best friend, joining her in various adventures, including acts of petty thievery.
Liesel’s growing fascination with books leads her to steal from unlikely places- from Nazi book burnings, from the mayor’s library, and from anywhere they’re accessible. Each stolen book becomes a new symbol
of defiance and freedom, and her actions earn her the title “The Book Thief” from Death.
Rudy’s loyalty and care for Liesel makes him an endearing character in the novel. His innocence and courage bring moments of joy to the narrative, lightening the somber tone with his bold declarations of love to Liesel and their amusing adventures.
Max Vandenburg
Liesel’s world changes with the arrival of Max Vandenburg, a Jewish man whom they hide in their basement. Max, the son of a friend who once saved Hans’s life, is welcomed into the Hubermann home, despite the dangers it poses for them all. He feels extremely guilty for being a burden to the family which was saddening. Both Liesel and Max form a close bond due to their haunting memories- Liesel about her brother’s death, and Max about his family’s suffering under Nazi persecution.
Max writes two stories for Liesel, The Standover Man and The Word Shaker. Through these stories, Max and Liesel find comfort and a sense of purpose, each helping the other to process their traumas. Max’s stories, illustrated in the book, may seem somewhat comedic but actually are proof of his resilience in the face of Hitler’s harrowing rule.
Death’s Narration
Throughout the novel, Death describes its role as exhausting and sorrowful, especially during the war, where it must constantly collect souls. Watching Liesel grow and endure, Death feels both admiration and sadness. It states that it is”haunted by humans”. This adds a layer of melancholy and beauty to the novel, as Death highlights how living can at times be far worse than dying.
Death does not leave any room for suspense and tells readers early about all the devastation that was to happen in the novel. However, the narration can at times feel drawn out and unnecessarily long.
Hans’ resistance to Nazi rule
Hans being a German detests Hitler’s policies and refuses to join the Nazi party. He also helps Jews putting his own life at risk. His disdain for Hitler influences Liesel, who comes to understand the evils of the regime and shares his opinion. Zusak boldly challenges stereotypes by showing a German character against the Nazi rule and reflects Hans’ compassion and moral values.
Increasing tensions
As the war progresses, Himmel Street beings to feel the weight of Nazi Germany’s brutal policies. The townspeople endure air raids, rations, and increasing fear. Hans and Rudy’s father are drafted into the army for not complying with the instructions of the Nazis. Rosa and Liesel cling to one another during Hans’ absence, trying to stay hopeful despite their fears. These events also change Rudy’s personality making him a more serious character.
Max is also forced to leave the Hubermanns’ basement, further devastating Liesel. The war inches closer to their doorstep, and the Hubermanns are left to grapple with the mounting losses surrounding them.
Bombing of Himmel Street
In a devastating turn, Himmel Street is bombed. In a single night, Liesel loses nearly everyone she loves—Hans, Rosa, and Rudy. Liesel survives by chance, having been in the basement writing her own story, titled The Book Thief. Heartbroken, she wanders through the rubble, searching for her parents, kissing Rudy’s lifeless body and clutching her
beloved book. Death, observing the devastation, reflects again on the beauty and tragedy of human life, underscoring the novel’s theme of love amid despair.
While The Book Thief was adapted into a film, the rawness of the bombing scene in the novel surpasses the portrayal on screen. It is hard to explain the feelings I had while reading the bombing scene in words. It was heart-wrenching having that many characters taken away in such a horrible way.
The Book Thief is a haunting fictional piece about life in Germany during World War 2. It weaves a complex relation around words, showcasing how they can be both life-saving and destructive, altering lives in unchangeable ways. For Liesel, they were liberating and a source of comfort but they were also instrumental in the spreading of the Nazi propaganda which leads to ruin and suffering.
“I have hated words and I have loved them and I hope I have made them right”
By: Archisha
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