Himmel Street is not the same. Everyone’s hearts are heavy. Weeks pass and Rudy comes over to Liesel’s house and asks if she’s coming with him. She doesn’t know where they are going, but she follows. They walk for miles, and she finally asks where they’re heading. Rudy says he’s going to kill the Fuhrer. It’s getting dark. Liesel turns around and Rudy’s angry. Eventually, he catches up with her and they finish their walk home, pausing to relive some of their memories. Rosa and Barbara Steiner are waiting for them, worried and angry, when they return. That same night, Liesel wakes to find Rosa sitting on the edge of her bed with Hans’s accordion pressed to her chest. She remains like this and falls asleep this way, snoring.

Analysis

This chapter serves not only to describe the changes that have come to Himmel Street, but also to provide a bit more examination of Rosa Hubermann’s character. She tries to remain strong around those she loves, which she demonstrates by dumping cold water on Hans to get him up and ready for his train ride. But after he leaves, Liesel sees her in a softened state, holding Hans’s accordion to her body. Liesel can see the great amount of love that she has for Hans, how worried she is about him. This chapter shows a rare look at Rosa’s vulnerability.

It also shows the anger that’s growing in Rudy, how he would like to take on the Fuhrer in much the same way that Max used to take him on in his dreams.