Guilt as a theme in the book is very apparent for various characters. Guilt can have a major impact on a person’s mental health and leave them with an uneasy conscious. It was the cause of many decisions and actions that were made throughout the book. Guilt is a main reason why Max Vandenburg even showed up at the Hubermann house. “‘He saved my life - if there’s anything [Ms.Vandenburg] ever need.’ He slid a piece of paper with his name and address across the table” (Zusak 179), this was Hans Hubermann speaking to the mother of the man he would later hide away in his basement. Hans had felt guilt after Erik’s death for the fact that they had been friends throughout World War I and Erik taught him how to play the accordion. Erik was also the
