Michael Holtzapfel hangs himself and leaves a note for Frau Holtzapfel saying that he loves her, but he’s going to meet Robert. Hans has to tell Frau Holtzapfel and stand with her while she hugs her son’s body. Then, he walks her home. Analysis Here, the guilt of living, or […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 10: The Book Thief: The Ninety-Eighth Day

Analysis Here, Death reveals not only the devastation that will come to Himmel Street and to Liesel’s world, but he also illustrates how words are responsible for saving Liesel’s life. Previously, words had saved her by giving her a powerful voice. Now, Death tells us that words will physically save […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 10: The Book Thief: The End of the World (Part I)

Analysis At the start of this chapter, the events that have occurred at 33 Himmel Street’s front door over the past four years are recalled: first Liesel’s arrival, then Max’s, and now Hans’s homecoming. Upon Hans’s return, he continues to fill his role of providing safety and comfort for Liesel. […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: Homecoming

A few weeks later, there’s another air raid. This time Frau Holtzapfel refuses to leave her kitchen table. Michael goes to Rosa and Liesel for help. Liesel goes inside and talks to her, but she doesn’t come. It’s only later, when they’re all in the shelter, and Michael is berating […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: One Toolbox, One Bleeder, One Bear

Analysis With Rudy’s question, Death admits that Rudy has a point, illustrating how so much of life is left up to luck and chance. Why one and not the other? Why lightness and not darkness? Or why darkness and not lightness? While Rudy can be happy for Liesel, he can, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: The Bitter Taste of Questions

Analysis This chapter fulfills what Death has already told us will happen, that Zucker will unwittingly save Hans’s life. Just as Hans was lucky in World War I, he is very lucky here, too. Not only does he happen to not be in his regular seat during the accident, but […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: The Accident

Analysis Liesel’s brother continues to live on with her even though he no longer enters her dreams. She still often thinks of the dead, how they are unchanging in her mind, that Death halts people. This chapter also provides another look at an unguarded Rosa when she prays over the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: The Ageless Brother

Analysis This chapter serves as another example of how the outside world, overwhelmingly the violence from the war, finds its way to Himmel Street and into Liesel’s life. It also demonstrates how Liesel is able to use her gift of reading and words, her accordion, to bring help to others. […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: The Snows of Stalingrad

Analysis This chapter foreshadows how Hans’s life will be saved and who will save it. It also explains Reinhold’s motivations for taking Hans’s seat on that day, and allows Death to discuss how so much of life is left up to chance, that life is full of so many little […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: The Cardplayer

Analysis Liesel feels closer to Frau Hermann after realizing that the library is hers. She recognizes that they both share this love for words and books, and it is more fitting that the library belongs to Frau Hermann and not the mayor. The swastika, though, embroidered on Fray Hermann’s robe […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 9: The Last Human Stranger: The Next Temptation