Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, chooses Death to narrate this touching story that follows the lives of a few German residents as they navigate through World War 2. During the conflict Death inevitably collects a significant number of souls; on the other hand, many continued living their lives as normally as they could under the circumstances. This leads us to believe, when wars erupt they have the power to devalue the self esteem of the people and nations involved; however, unlikely bonds are often created. To help us understand how these bonds are established, the lives of a few individuals in Molching will be featured, thereby justifying the notion that bonds can be established in a time of battle. To seek refuge from persecution,
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Not only did she have to separate from her birth mother, she mournfully grieved the loss of her little brother who died as they travelled to Molching. Liesel was not happy to have to live with her new foster parents, Hans and Rosa. Consequently, while living at 33 Himmel Street, Liesel would eventually form unique and enduring relationships with her neighbours “ Insane or not, Rudy was always destined to be Liesel’s best friend. A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship” (48). Throwing snowballs in people's faces was not an appropriate way to introduce oneself, but it worked for Rudy Steiner. When a bomb was dropped over Himmel street, Rudy Steiner was one of the casualties. Liesel was in disbelief, she would had to say goodbye to her best friend while she was overcome with extreme grief. The bond she had with Rudy lasted up to his death. By the same token, Frau Holtzapfel was one of Liesel’s neighbours. Unfortunately, Liesel’s opinion of her was not positive due to her volatile relationship with Rosa. As a result, Liesel would have to clean the door each time she spat on it. Therefore, when Frau holtzapfel showed up at 33 Himmel street, it was with great surprise “I have an offer for you... liked that book you read… so I want you to come to my place and read it to me” (386-387). It is clear that a friendship between Liesel and Frau Holtzapfel has began. In fact, Liesel would continue to read to her in exchange for coffee or
Not only did she have to separate from her birth mother, she mournfully grieved the loss of her little brother who died as they travelled to Molching. Liesel was not happy to have to live with her new foster parents, Hans and Rosa. Consequently, while living at 33 Himmel Street, Liesel would eventually form unique and enduring relationships with her neighbours “ Insane or not, Rudy was always destined to be Liesel’s best friend. A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship” (48). Throwing snowballs in people's faces was not an appropriate way to introduce oneself, but it worked for Rudy Steiner. When a bomb was dropped over Himmel street, Rudy Steiner was one of the casualties. Liesel was in disbelief, she would had to say goodbye to her best friend while she was overcome with extreme grief. The bond she had with Rudy lasted up to his death. By the same token, Frau Holtzapfel was one of Liesel’s neighbours. Unfortunately, Liesel’s opinion of her was not positive due to her volatile relationship with Rosa. As a result, Liesel would have to clean the door each time she spat on it. Therefore, when Frau holtzapfel showed up at 33 Himmel street, it was with great surprise “I have an offer for you... liked that book you read… so I want you to come to my place and read it to me” (386-387). It is clear that a friendship between Liesel and Frau Holtzapfel has began. In fact, Liesel would continue to read to her in exchange for coffee or