Death recounts an incident involving a young boy who dies while on a train. The boy's mother and sister, unable to do anything, watch as all three of them are forced to disembark at the next station. Death becomes captivated by the girl, whom he has come to recognize as the book thief.
Death glimpses the book thief once again many years later. This time, it happens as Death arrives to collect the soul of an airplane pilot who crash-landed. Instead of describing the event in terms of colors, Death mentions that he sometimes witnesses eclipses when people pass away.
Death spots the book thief for the last time shortly after her street endures a bombing during World War II. The girl has lost a book, which holds immense value to her. Death retrieves the book and extends an invitation to the reader to listen attentively as he narrates the story contained within its pages.
The nine-year-old protagonist, Liesel Meminger, who is traveling by train to Munich in January 1939 with her mother and younger brother Werner. Liesel is caught up in dreams about Hitler when she awakens to the realization that her brother has passed away. Along with her mother, Liesel arranges for her brother's burial in a nearby town.
During the burial, one of the gravediggers accidentally drops his handbook in the snow. Liesel retrieves it and secretly keeps it in her pocket. Following the burial, Liesel and her mother continue their journey to the small town of Molching, where Liesel's mother is unable to care for her due to poverty. Liesel is placed with a foster family, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, whose house is located on Himmel Street, meaning "heaven" in German. Despite initial reluctance, Liesel enters their home with the stolen book still in her possession.
Liesel discovers her real father was a communist who disappeared, while hermother was left destitute and forced to part with her children. Rosa Hubermann, her foster mother, is strict and prone to anger, while her foster father, Hans, takes a gentler approach and teaches Liesel how to roll cigarettes. Liesel adjusts to life in their household but finds herself more drawn to Hans than Rosa.
Liesel experiences nightmares about her deceased brother, but Hans comes to comfort her in the middle of the night, demonstrating his kindness. Rosa, on the other hand, constantly criticizes her husband, their neighbors, and the wealthy individuals whose laundry she does. Liesel falls into a routine of helping Rosa with chores, attending school, and participating in Hitler Youth meetings. The stolen book, The Grave Digger's Handbook, remains precious to Liesel as it serves as a connection to her deceased family members. Although she cannot read, Liesel starts attending the local school to learn.
Liesel's interactions with the neighborhood children. She develops a particular friendship with the boy next door, Rudy Steiner, especially after joining the local soccer team. Rudy is considered eccentric because he once painted his skin black in homage to his hero, Jesse Owens, the American Olympic athlete. As Liesel and Rudy explore the neighborhood, Liesel learns about the Nazi shopkeeper Frau Diller, the foul-mouthed old man Pfiffikus, and the street with yellow stars where Jewish businesses have been closed. Rudy harbors a crush on Liesel and believes that she will kiss him one day, but Liesel denies this possibility.
The story of Rudy's tribute to Jesse Owens. In 1939, Rudy covers himself in charcoal and races around the local track. His father, Alex Steiner, arrives to take him home and explains the political climate to his son. Alex does not hold hatred towards Jews but believes that joining the Nazi party is in the best interest of his family. He advises Rudy never to desire being black or Jewish and instead embrace being a blond, blue-eyed German.
The residents of Himmel Street gather to witness a Nazi march. That night, Liesel has another nightmare and accidentally wets the bed. However, Papa, her foster father, is there to assist her in cleaning the sheets. While changing the bedding, he discoversher stolen book, The Grave Digger's Handbook, and asks if she would like to learn to read it. Despite Papa not being a proficient reader himself, he guides Liesel through an alphabet lesson, writing the letters on pieces of sandpaper.
The nighttime reading lessons persist after Liesel's nightmares subside. Papa takes her to the Amper River during the day to continue their lessons. On days with bad weather, they work in the basement. As
Papa is a house painter, the family has an ample supply of paint despite their poverty. Papa allows Liesel to paint words on the basement walls as she learns them, utilizing the walls as a makeshift chalkboard. Once the walls are filled with writing, the entire basement is coated with a fresh layer of whitewash. The smell of turpentine permeates both Papa's and Liesel's clothes, a scent that Liesel associates with friendship.
Marks the autumn of 1939 when Germany declares war. Liesel advances to the appropriate grade level for her age and finds herself in the same class as Rudy, taught by a strict nun named Sister Maria. Despite her progress, Liesel's reading skills still lag behind those of her classmates. During a reading session where each student is called upon to read aloud, Sister Maria skips Liesel. In a desperate attempt to prove her abilities, Liesel recites a passage from The Grave Digger's Handbook. However, instead of admiration, her classmates mock her in the schoolyard. Ludwig Schmeikel, a boy from her class, torments her relentlessly until Liesel fights back and gives him a severe beating. Following the incident, the other children become afraid to mock her.
April 1940. Liesel steals her second book as the Nazis have initiated public book burnings. She is eager to acquire another volume and succeeds in taking a book titled The Shoulder Shrug.
The end of 1939 when rationing begins. Liesel's reading skills are gradually improving, and she receives two new books, Faust the Dog and The Lighthouse, as Christmas presents. Curious about how her father acquired them, Liesel asks him, and he reveals that he traded cigarettes with a gypsy in the marketplace.
The difficult times of wartime Germany causeRosa to lose some of her laundry customers. She insists that Liesel should handle pickups and deliveries alone, believing that people will feel sorry for the child and not take their business elsewhere.
Children are instructed to write a letter to someone. Liesel decides to write a letter to her real mother and mails it. Meanwhile, Rosa expresses concern about what the Nazis may have done to Frau Meminger as the wife of a communist. However, Liesel waits for months in vain for her mother's response. She continues writing more letters and resorts to stealing some of the laundry money to pay for postage. When Rosa discovers the theft, she beats Liesel in response.
Depicts the Hubermann children visiting on Hitler's birthday. Hans Junior, who strongly supports the Nazi party, confronts his father, Hans, accusing him of cowardice for not joining the party. Despite his father's pleas to return, Hans Junior runs away from the house. Later that night, Liesel prepares for a book burning event.
Depicts the town's gathering for a book-burning rally. The speaker urges everyone to cleanse their minds and avoid the teachings of Jews and communists. Liesel begins to comprehend the danger associated with communism and realizes that her own family was destroyed because of it.
Liesel waits on the street for her father's arrival. When he appears, she questions him about whether Hitler took her parents away. In agreement, Papa affirms the statement, but when Liesel declares her hatred for Hitler, Papa slaps her and instructs her never to utter those words in
public again.
Liesel and Hans as they make their way home after the book-burning event. They pass by the remnants of the bonfire, which is still smoldering. Hans engages in conversation with an acquaintance, while Liesel observes the cleanup crew. She notices a few books that haven't completely burned at the bottom of the pile. Seizing the opportunity, she steals one of the books and hides it under her coat, even though it is still emitting smoke.
Hans and Liesel walk back from the bonfire site. Hans becomes aware of the smoking book Liesel is concealing, leaving him stunned. Itsparks an idea within him, but the details are not revealed to Liesel. Hans is seen observing something in the distance, but Liesel is unable to discern what it is.
Hans visits the Nazi party office to check on his membership application. While there, he purchases a used copy of Mein Kampf, which will play a role in the idea that has been brewing in his mind.
Later, Liesel, accompanied by Rudy, goes to the mayor's house to collect the laundry. Liesel is anxious because she is convinced that the mayor's wife witnessed her stealing the book from the smoking remains of the bonfire. However, the woman gives no indication that she knows anything, even though she was a witness to the theft. On Liesel's subsequent visit to collect the laundry, the mayor's wife invites her inside and reveals a magnificent library filled with books. Overwhelmed, Liesel refrains from touching anything, expresses her gratitude to the mayor's wife, and leaves.
Stuttgart, where a Jewish man named Max is hiding in a basement. He is starving and has been waiting for several days. Another man arrives, bringing food, travel papers, a book, a map, and a key. These materials were sent by Hans Hubermann from Molching. Max intends to travel to Hans's house for shelter.
Liesel spends her summer reading the book she saved from the bonfire, The Shoulder Shrug, which was written by a Jew and therefore condemned. She also frequents the mayor's library. The mayor's wife, Mrs. Hermann, shares with Liesel that she lost her son during World War I. Her son froze to death on a battlefield, and in her grief, Mrs. Hermann leaves her windows open even in the coldest weather, hoping to share in her son's pain. Liesel also plays soccer during the summer and, along with Rudy, joins a group of teenage thieves due to the scarcity of food. They successfully steal from an apple orchard and indulge in the abundance of fruit.
Liesel and Rudy as they discover a coin on the street. Excitedly, they visit Frau Diller's store, an ardent Nazi supporter, and request to buy mixed candies. Frau Diller smirks and gives them only one piece of candy. Unable to divide it,Liesel and Rudy take turns sucking on the candy until it dissolves.
Max Vandenberg is on a train headed to Molching. He is terrified that someone might recognize his forged identity papers. To prove his loyalty to the Nazi cause, he carries Hans's copy of Mein Kampf. As Max turns the pages of the book, he realizes that the only two words he ever tastes are "Mein Kampf," which translates to "My Struggle."
Liesel and Rudy's decision to ambush one of their classmates who is delivering farm produce to the priests at church. They spread water on a patch of pavement and wait for it to freeze. Once it does, their unsuspecting victim's bike spins out of control, allowing Liesel and Rudy to steal the ham, bread, and eggs he was carrying in his basket. The two thieves then share their loot with the rest of their group.
Max as he cautiously navigates the streets of Molching in search of the Hubermann house. Hans had sent him the key to the gate. Max is filled with conflicting emotions and questions himself, wondering how he could ask people to risk their lives for him and feeling guilt for being selfish. Despite his hesitation, Max gathers his courage and proceeds to the front door of the Hubermann house.
During World War I, Hans had a Jewish friend named Erik Vandenburg, who taught him to play the accordion. Prior to a battle, Erik informed a superior officer about Hans's exceptional penmanship skills, leading the officer to recruit Hans for writing letters. This decision ultimately saved Hans's life, but Erik lost his own. Hans provided Erik's widow with his name and address, assuring her of his willingness to help whenever she needed.
In later years, Hans defends Jews in Molching, earning the disapproval of the Nazi party. One day, a stranger approaches Hans, seeking assistance in helping Vandenburg's son escape from Stuttgart.
November 1940 when Max Vandenburg arrives at the exhausted state in the Hubermann kitchen. Liesel coincidentally enters the room, but Hans assures Max that there is no need for alarm since she is a good girl. Liesel, however, lies awake in bed, listening to the conversations in the kitchen andsensing that a crucial moment is yet to come.
Max's teenage years in Stuttgart. He had a fondness for fistfights, and his favorite opponent was Walter Kugler. Over time, the two developed a friendship, culminating in their last fight. In 1938, when the Nazis began vandalizing Jewish businesses, Walter intervened to help smuggle Max out of the city. Although Max was heartbroken to leave his mother and family behind, they urged him to go. Max's mother provided him with Hans's name and address, and Walter went to Molching to make the necessary arrangements.
Liesel overhears her foster mother's voice in the kitchen after encountering the stranger. Expecting an outburst, Liesel discreetly observes the situation. Surprisingly, Rosa offers the stranger some soup, leaving Liesel bewildered as she questions the true nature of her foster parents.
Hans takes her to the basement and discloses that the stranger will be staying with them. He expresses his gratitude toward Max's father and emphasizes the importance of keeping Max's presence a secret. Hans warns Liesel that if she reveals the secret, he will burn all her books, which would expose the Hubermanns to punishment by the Nazis and potentially lead to their arrest. Frightened, Liesel begins to cry but promises to keep the secret.
Max remains asleep for three days as Liesel watches over him. Liesel realizes that he, too, suffers from nightmares like she does. When Max finally wakes up, he grips Liesel's arm tightly. Upon witnessing this, Hans enters the room and remarks, "I see you two have met."
Max moving to the basement to ensure better concealment from the outside world. Surprisingly, Rosa becomes more composed and takes charge of the situation. When the weather becomes too cold, Max sleeps upstairs near the fire but returns to his hiding spot during the day.
During this time, Liesel and Max develop a friendship. They share stories of their past fist-fighting experiences and discover that they both suffer from nightmares. Max reveals that in his nightmares, he is always bidding farewell to his family. In an effort to alleviate Max's distress, Hans starts playing the accordion at home, and Liesel collects discardednewspapers for Max to work on crossword puzzles.
On Liesel's 12th birthday, she receives a new book titled The Mud Men. Although Max feels embarrassed for not having a gift for her, Liesel embraces him warmly. Unbeknownst to Liesel, Max secretly resolves to create a present for her.
Max crafts a storybook for Liesel's birthday using torn pages from Mein Kampf. He names it The Standover Man. In the story, Max expresses his lifelong fear of men standing over him. He discusses his years of fighting, his need to flee his town, his nightmares, and his friendship with Liesel. Max concludes that the best "standover man" is not a man at all. Liesel is deeply moved by the gift. When she goes to the basement to thank Max, she discovers him asleep and decides to curl up beside him.
Rudy jumps into a river to retrieve one of Liesel's books. In return, he demands a kiss, which Liesel refuses to give at the time. However, when Rudy dies two years later during a bombing, Liesel finally offers the long-awaited kiss that Rudy had always desired.
Metaphor of rolling dice to describe events occurring in 1941. Death takes each roll in turn, with the ultimate unlucky number being seven.
Roll Number One - The Haircut, Mid-April 1941: Liesel remarks that Max's shaggy hair reminds her of bird feathers, prompting him to ask her to cut it.
Roll Number Two - The Newspaper, Early May: On her way home from the mayor's library, Liesel discovers a newspaper in the trash with an incomplete crossword puzzle. She brings it to Max, who enjoys completing crosswords while Liesel reads in the basement. Their bond strengthens through their shared appreciation for words.
Roll Number Three - The Weatherman, Mid-May: After returning from a soccer game, Liesel visits Max, who asks her to describe the weather outside. This simple act becomes the highlight of Max's day as he remains confined in the basement.
Roll Number Four - The Boxer, End of May: Max, seeking a new project, decides to rebuild his weakened body through pushups, reminiscing about his years as a fighter. In a waking vision, he envisions himself entering the boxing ring with Hitler as his opponent, where Hitler calls upon the audience to helphim destroy the Jew.
Roll Number Five - The New Dream, A Few Nights Later: Max confides in Liesel about a disturbing new dream he had, where he triumphs over Hitler in their match.
Roll Number Six - The Painters, Early June: The Hubermanns and Max tear apart the remaining pages of Mein Kampf and use them for whitewashing. Max plans to write a new storybook using these pages, which he names The Word Shaker.
Roll Number Seven - The Showdown, June 24: Liesel goes to the mayor's house for laundry, expecting to continue reading The Whistler, a murder mystery book. However, the mayor's wife apologizes and offers to give her the book instead, as they can no longer afford laundry service. Angry and frustrated, Liesel declines the offer and says unkind words to Frau Hermann. She returns home, anticipating punishment from Rosa, but it doesn't happen. Liesel expresses her fear of going to hell to her father, who reassures her that it won't happen. They find solace together and sleep, symbolizing their bond and resilience.
Rudy and his troubles with Franz Deutscher, the leader of his Hitler Youth troop. Rudy defends the weaker Tommy Muller, attracting Deutscher's anger. As punishment, Rudy is forced to run laps and do pushups in the mud. However, Rudy remains optimistic because apple-stealing season is approaching, bringing him joy.
Liesel and Rudy reuniting with their group of thieves for an apple-stealing adventure. However, they discover a new leader named Viktor Chemmel, who is a cruel and sadistic bully. When Viktor cheats Rudy and Liesel out of their fair share of the loot, Rudy stands up to him, resulting in a fight. Viktor orders them to leave and threatens to seek revenge on Rudy in the future for defying him.
Summer, with Max working on his new book. Instead of a biography, it evolves into a collection of sketches and reflections about his life. Some of the contents of the book frighten Liesel when she catches a glimpse of them.
Liesel and Rudy conspire to carry out another theft. They target the mayor's house, planning to enter through one of the open windows in the library. While Rudy believes they are stealing food, Liesel's intention is to retrieve the copy of TheWhistler that she previously rejected. They narrowly escape being caught, but in the process, Rudy forgets to retrieve Liesel's shoes, which were left outside the window. He risks being caught again to retrieve the shoes successfully. Before parting ways for the night, Rudy bids the "book thief" goodnight, and Liesel secretly appreciates the nickname.
Rudy as he repeatedly finds himself in trouble due to foolish actions.
He attempts to steal a potato from a local market but gets caught, managing to talk his way out of going to the police station. He also provokes Deutscher by throwing a rock at him, resulting in a fight where Rudy ends up being the loser. Additionally, Rudy starts skipping Hitler Youth meetings, risking fines for his parents. Eventually, he successfully transfers to a different division where Franz Deutscher is not in charge.
Liesel and Rudy encounter Viktor and their former gang of thieves near the river in December. Viktor still holds a grudge against Rudy and throws Liesel's copy of The Whistler into the river. Without hesitation, Rudy jumps into the freezing water to retrieve the drenched book. In this moment, Liesel expects Rudy to ask for the customary kiss he always desired, but he doesn't. Death suggests that Rudy was afraid, scared of the book thief's kiss, as he must have loved her intensely, desiring her lips so much that he would go to his grave without asking for them again.
Depicts Death reflecting on the events of the year. Death highlights the most horrifying instances of human devastation, such as the extermination camps, the war on the Russian front, and the Normandy beachhead. These examples are presented to evoke the sense of despair and destruction that permeated Death's existence throughout that year.
Liesel brings snow to Max on Christmas Eve so he can experience the outside weather. She collects more snow in pots and buckets, and eventually, her foster parents join in the fun. Together, they build a small snowman in the basement. However, as the snowman gradually melts in the following weeks, Max falls gravely ill, seemingly due to catching a chill.
Liesel's unwavering determination to save Max. When he becomes unresponsive, the Hubermanns fear that he isdying, but Liesel refuses to give up. She reads to him until he regains consciousness and starts bringing him small presents. These gifts include a squashed soccer ball, a ribbon, a button, a pinecone, a stone, a feather, two newspapers, a candy wrapper, a written description of an unusual cloud, a toy soldier, and a leaf. Liesel's final present is finishing reading The Whistler aloud to Max.
Liesel and Rudy decide to steal another book from the mayor's library. They bring along rusted old bikes for their getaway. Liesel selects a book called The Dream Carrier. While she is excited about her new prize, Liesel grows concerned when her foster parents speculate that Max may soon die. They discuss the issue of disposing of his body, but Liesel reminds them firmly that he is still alive. That night, Liesel has a variation of her recurring nightmare, where her brother's face is transformed into Max's, leading her to worry if it is an omen. A few days later, Rosa interrupts Liesel's lessons at school to inform her that Max has awakened, and she wanted to share the news immediately.
Death recalls a bombing raid in Cologne that resulted in the death of 500 people. Death mentions how children collected empty fuel containers left by their enemies, while Death himself continued to collect humans. Exhausted by the constant task of taking lives, Death reflects on his weariness and the fact that the year is not even halfway over yet.
Liesel is playing soccer with her friends when she learns that Nazi officials will be inspecting the basements on Himmel Street to assess their suitability as air raid shelters. Sensing the urgency, Liesel fakes an injury during the game and rushes home to warn her foster parents. When the inspector arrives, everyone anxiously waits to see if he will
discover Max, the Jew hiding in the basement. Fortunately, Max remains hidden behind a drop cloth beneath the stairs, and the inspector leaves without finding him.
Rudy comes to Liesel's house to check on her supposed injury. However, Liesel sends him away, assuring him that everything is fine. From her perspective, it is indeed a moment of relief because the Jew inthe basement has not been discovered, her foster parents have not been taken away, and Liesel herself feels that she has played a significant role in protecting them.
June 23, 1942, where Death claims a group of French Jews who have just been gassed. Death expresses weariness and desolation, having witnessed the relentless slaughter in the death camps and on the battlefields. Death describes watching the sky as it changes from silver to gray to the color of rain, with even the clouds seeming to try to escape the horrors unfolding below.
Liesel's involvement in helping Hans with his painting business during the summer of 1942. With air raids looming, many people in town need their window blinds painted black for protection. As business booms, one customer is unable to pay Hans in cash but offers him a bottle of champagne instead. Liesel also gets a glass of champagne to enjoy. These moments of happiness and togetherness bring joy to Liesel, but Death foreshadows that they won't last, hinting that hard times are approaching.
August, when a Hitler Youth carnival takes place. Rudy aims to win four gold medals in various races, just like his idol, Jesse Owens. Rudy
successfully wins three events, but intentionally gets disqualified in the fourth race by making a false start. Liesel ponders his motivation for doing so, considering that three medals may have been enough to showcase his skills or he may have been afraid of losing the final race. Liesel seizes the opportunity to steal another book from Mayor Hermann's library, completing her trilogy of summer happiness. She takes "A Song in the Dark." Later, she discovers another book left at the library window, which she takes as a sign to continue her book thefts.
Hans purchases a second-hand radio to be alerted in case of an air raid. However, the family is caught off guard when the sirens go off for the first time, and they rush to a nearby basement for safety. Max stays behind in fear of being discovered. After a tense wait, it turns out to be a false alarm, and everyone returns home relieved but aware of the impending danger.
September 19. The community gathers in a shelter, and Liesel brings "The Whistler" with her, reading aloud to provide comfort and distraction during the raid. Her reading has a calming effect on the listeners, and they express gratitude for her presence and the story she shares.
Frau Holtzapfel, a neighbor with whom Rosa has been feuding for years. Despite their animosity, Frau Holtzapfel promises to stop spitting on the Hubermanns' door and offers her coffee ration in exchange for Liesel coming to her house to read the rest of "The Whistler" over several days. Intrigued by the story, Frau Holtzapfel wants to know how it ends. Liesel accepts the offer and heads to Frau Holtzapfel's house to continue reading.
Depicts a concentration camp convoy passing through the vicinity of Himmel Street on its way to Dachau. The guards decide to make the Jewish prisoners walk the remaining distance to the camp, giving them some fresh air. The residents of Himmel Street gather to witness the parade of Jews being marched past their homes. Liesel and her father are shocked and horrified by the deplorable condition of the prisoners. Overwhelmed by pity, Hans offers a crust of bread to one of the Jews, but a guard beats the man and Hans as a consequence. Hans realizes his mistake as he has now been singled out as a sympathizer of Jews, putting Max in danger if the Nazis search the Hubermann house.
11 pm that night when Max decides to leave the Hubermann home. He informs Liesel that he has left her a present which she will not receive until she is ready. Hans arranges to meet Max four days later at a designated location farther down the Amper River. However, when Hans arrives at the meeting point, he only finds a note saying, "You've done enough."
Hans as he anxiously waits for days, expecting the Gestapo to come for him at any moment. Feeling foolish and kind-hearted, he admits to Liesel that he wants them to come for him as he cannot bear the waiting anymore. The next day, when Hans sees two men in dark coats walking down the street, he assumes that they have come for him.However, he soon discovers that they are actually searching for Rudy.
Rudy playing dominoes with his siblings while a conversation between the Gestapo and his parents takes place in the kitchen. Due to Rudy's exceptional athletic abilities and academic achievements, the Nazis have taken an interest in him. They want to recruit him for a special school and offer him a future within the party. However, Rudy's parents firmly refuse this proposition. This decision will have consequences for the
entire family in the near future.
Reflection by Death on a physical examination that Rudy and two other students underwent weeks prior to the Gestapo visit. The examination was thorough and embarrassing. The doctor and nurse discuss the candidates' Aryan potential, a concept that Rudy doesn't fully grasp. When he later recounts the experience to Liesel, she becomes fixated on the image of Rudy standing naked in the examination room, finding it disconcerting yet unable to stop thinking about it.
Hans's actions in helping the Jew bound for Dachau. He receives a notice stating that he has been allowed to join the Nazi party and has been drafted. Similarly, Rudy's father receives the same message for refusing to surrender Rudy to the Gestapo. Rudy's mother laments the situation, emphasizing that they were expected to comply when asked to give up one of their children.
Night before Hans and Alex Steiner are scheduled to report for duty. They become heavily intoxicated at a local tavern. Following their departure, both families become somber and quiet, with even Rosa forgetting to scold. Rudy, filled with anger, suggests leaving town to find Hitler and kill him. Eventually, Liesel manages to calm him down, and they return home. One night, Liesel observes her mother sitting on the bed with Hans's accordion strapped to her chest. However, Rosa never plays a note and falls asleep in that position.
Depicts the assignments given to Rudy's father and Hans by the Nazis. Rudy's father is assigned to repair uniforms, which aligns with his tailoring profession. Hans, on the other hand, is assigned to air raid
patrol, where he must search through bombed areas to repair structures, rescue survivors, and retrieve bodies of the deceased. Theseduties are grim, and Hans witnesses the anguish of people searching for their lost loved ones. Many survivors die in his arms, but he finds it difficult to describe the sadness in his letters home.
Between October and December of 1942. Another procession of concentration camp prisoners passes through the streets of Molching. Rudy and Liesel devise a plan to throw bread onto the road and hide in the bushes so that they won't be seen by the soldiers. Rudy has transformed into someone who selflessly gives away bread instead of stealing it for himself. Many of the starving prisoners eagerly devour the bread before the soldiers have a chance to intervene. Liesel almost gets caught, but a compassionate soldier allows her to escape.
Rosa giving Liesel a book as an early Christmas present in 1942. The book is the one Max created before he left, containing his random thoughts and sketches. Among its contents is a children's story titled "The Word Shaker." In this story, Max portrays Hitler as a man with a brilliant plan to rule the world through the power of his words. He describes how these words and symbols would be planted among the people and grow like forests. Those who climb the trees to shake down more words become known as word shakers. The story revolves around a young girl who understands the power of words and forms a friendship with a despised man. Her tears of sorrow cause a new tree to grow, which Hitler attempts to chop down but fails. The girl and her friend protect the tree from the axe men, and when they climb down, the tree falls, creating a new path in the forest.
Christmas Eve. Liesel decides to give Rudy his Christmas present and takes him to his father's tailor shop. She chooses a new suit for him and
declares that she is stealing his present rather than buying it. While in the tailor shop, an opportunity arises for Liesel to kiss Rudy, but she hesitates at the last moment.
Rudy playing dominoes with his siblings while a conversation between the Gestapo and his parents takes place in the kitchen. The Nazis have taken notice of Rudy's athletic abilities and academicachievements, and they want to recruit him for a special school and a future position within the party. However, his parents adamantly refuse, which will soon have consequences for the entire family.
Death, who reflects on a physical examination Rudy and two other students underwent weeks before the Gestapo visited Rudy's home. The examination was thorough and embarrassing. The doctor and nurse discuss the Aryan potential of the candidates, although Rudy is uncertain about the meaning behind their words. When he later recounts the experience to Liesel, she becomes fixated on the image of Rudy standing naked in the examination room. She feels a sense of dread, particularly when he was forced to remove his hands, but she can't stop thinking about it.
Hans Hubermann. He finally receives his true punishment for helping the Jew bound for Dachau when he receives a notice allowing him to join the Nazi party and informing him that he has been drafted. Rudy's father faces a similar fate for refusing to surrender Rudy to the Gestapo. As Rudy's mother later remarks, in such circumstances, one is supposed to say yes when they come and ask for one of your children.
Night before Alex Steiner and Hans Hubermann are scheduled to
report for duty. They become heavily intoxicated at a local tavern before leaving for the army. After their departure, both families are subdued and quiet. Even Rosa forgets to scold. Rudy, consumed by anger, suggests leaving town to search for Hitler and kill him. Liesel manages to calm him down, and they return home. One night, Liesel observes her mother sitting on the bed with Hans's accordion strapped to her chest. Liesel waits for Rosa to play a note, but she falls asleep slumped over the instrument. The image of Rosa and the accordion remains in Liesel's mind as she waits for sleep to suffocate her.
Rudy's father and Hans by the Nazis. Rudy's father is assigned to repair uniforms, a task aligned with his tailoring profession. Hans, on the other hand, is assigned to air raid patrol. This duty involves scouring bomb-damaged areas to repair structures, rescue survivors, and retrieve the bodies of the deceased. The nature of Hans'swork is grim, as he witnesses the distress of people searching for their lost loved ones. Many survivors die in his arms, leaving him unable to fully describe the profound sadness in the letter he writes home.
Between October and December of 1942 when another parade of concentration camp prisoners passes through the streets of Molching. Rudy and Liesel collaborate to throw bread onto the road while hiding in the bushes to avoid detection by the soldiers. Rudy has transformed into someone who selflessly gives away bread rather than stealing it for himself. Many of the Jews eagerly grab the food and stuff it into their mouths before the soldiers have a chance to intervene. Liesel almost gets caught, but a compassionate soldier allows her to go free.
Rosa giving Liesel the book that Max created for her as an early Christmas present in 1942. The book primarily contains Max's random thoughts and sketches, but it also includes a children's story titled "The
Word Shaker." In the story, Max describes Hitler as a man with a brilliant plan to rule the world solely with the power of words. These words and symbols would be planted among his people, growing like forests that require numerous individuals to maintain them. Those who climb the trees to shake down more words become known as word shakers. Among them is a young girl who truly comprehends the power of words. She develops a friendship with a man who is despised by her people. When the girl sheds a tear of sorrow for this outcast man, a new tree sprouts and grows tall. Despite Hitler's attempt to chop down this tree, he fails. The girl bravely climbs to the top and protects it from all the axe-wielding men who follow. Finally, her outcast friend joins her at the top, and after their reunion, they both climb down together, causing the tree to fall and creating a new path in the forest.
Christmas Eve. Liesel expresses her desire to give Rudy his Christmas present, and they enter his father's tailor shop. Liesel selects a new suit for Rudy, but she insists that she is stealing the gift rather than purchasing it. While they are in the shop, an opportunity arises for Lieselto kiss Rudy, but she hesitates at the last moment.
Liesel and Rudy's next attempt to steal a book from the mayor's library a few weeks after Christmas. This time, there is a plate of cookies on the desk. Liesel manages to climb in and encounters Frau Hermann, who reveals that the library belongs to her, not her husband. Frau Hermann used to read to her son in that room. Liesel chooses The Last Human Stranger as her next book to steal, and the two thieves successfully take the book and the cookies with them.
Death. It tells of the card games played by men on the air raid detail, where they gamble with cigarettes. Hans is generous when he wins, which earns him the resentment of Reinhold Zucker whenever he loses.
Death reflects on how if Zucker hadn't lost his cigarettes to Hans, he might not have despised him, leading to a chain of events that ultimately results in his death.
January of 1943. Liesel arrives to read to Frau Holtzapfel but instead meets her son, Michael. His hand is bandaged because he lost three fingers while fighting in Stalingrad. Michael reveals that Liesel's foster brother was also stationed there but is alive. Death gloomily recounts the death of Michael's brother and the countless others who perished in the harsh winter conditions of Stalingrad. Despite the somber atmosphere, Liesel continues reading, finding solace in being able to do something good in the aftermath of the snows of Stalingrad.
A few weeks before Liesel's 14th birthday in February 1943. Liesel returns the cookie plate to the Hermann residence and reflects on her deceased brother, realizing that he will forever remain six years old. Despite the sadness, she makes an effort to smile. That night, she doesn't have any nightmares about him but is visited by apparitions of all the people who are missing from her life. The next morning, Liesel overhears her foster mother praying for Hans's safe return.
Men of the air raid detail climbing into their truck. Reinhold Zucker rudely takes Hans's seat, and Hans, being the older man, concedes. However, shortly after the truck begins moving, a tire blows out,causing a crash. Hans suffers a broken leg, while Zucker tragically dies. Hans's sergeant informs him that he will be transferred to a desk job in Munich for the remainder of the war.
Liesel and Rosa receiving a letter informing them that Hans will be
coming home on leave before starting his desk assignment. Rudy expresses his happiness for Liesel but also wishes that his own father could return as well.
Rudy preparing a toolbox with the intention of robbing a wealthy home. He includes one of his sister's stuffed bears in case he encounters a child during the burglary. Rudy feels the need to take something back after having so much taken away from him. Liesel accompanies him, but Rudy ultimately can't go through with the crime.
On March 9, an air raid occurs in Molching, and everyone rushes to the bomb shelter except Frau Holtzapfel. Liesel threatens to stop reading to her if she doesn't join them. Frau Holtzapfel's wounded son Michael becomes distraught until she finally complies. Liesel reads throughout the night until the raid ends. When they emerge, they discover a crashed plane near the Amper River, and Rudy places the stuffed bear on the pilot's shoulder until Death arrives to collect him.
In early April, when Hans is released from the hospital with a partial cast on his leg and returns to his family. The reunion brings joy to everyone, and Death notes that it is a great night to be Liesel Meminger, with a sense of calm, warmth, and tenderness that will last for approximately three more months, although her story will span a total of six.
A glimpse into the future as Death foreshadows the destruction of Himmel Street. On October 7, 1943, the street is flattened by bombs. Liesel is the only survivor because she was in the basement, writing, at the time of the attack.
Ninety-eighth day after Hans's return in April 1943. On July 24, Michael Holtzapfel hangs himself due to the guilt of wanting to live while those around him are dying. Hans delivers the devastating news to Michael's mother, Frau Holtzapfel. According to Liesel's account, Frau Holtzapfel holds thebody for nearly an hour before returning to Himmel Street, where she sits down in the blinding sun and is unable to walk any longer.
Pursuit of war and the extermination of Jews. Death acknowledges Hitler's iron will and the continuation of war efforts and the persecution of Jews. Max is still among the remaining Jews being sent to concentration camps.
August 1943. Liesel has been eagerly watching the parades of Jews passing through Molching, hoping to spot Max. When she finally sees him, she runs to speak with him, sharing that she has read The Word Shaker. They have a tearful reunion before both of them are whipped by the guards. After being pulled away, Liesel breaks free and returns to Max, risking further beatings. Rudy intervenes and saves them. They watch as the march continues and the people gradually disappear.
A few days after the incident in the street. Liesel confides in Rudy about Max hiding in the basement and shows him her copy of The Word Shaker, where Rudy is depicted. They both realize the depth of their feelings for each other, but Death ominously notes that Rudy's death is only a month away.
Mid-August. Liesel enters the Hermann library through the window and feels overwhelmed by despair. She tears apart a book out of frustration and leaves a note apologizing for the destruction. Three days later, Frau
Hermann visits Liesel and gives her a bound black notebook. The pages are empty, symbolizing the start of Liesel's own writing journey. Frau Hermann advises her not to punish herself and encourages her to write her own words.
Liesel's continued writing throughout the summer. Despite air raids and time spent in the shelter, she perseveres and completes her book by October 2. Her concluding lines reflect her complex relationship with words, expressing both love and hatred for them and hoping that she has done justice to them in her writing.
An unexpected air raid that catches the inhabitants of Himmel Street off guard. Without any warning, everyone on the street dies in their beds. Death collects their souls, but Liesel is sparedas she was editing her book in the basement. She is buried under the rubble but is eventually rescued by an air raid detail.
Liesel is in a state of shock and disorientation when she realizes that everyone she knows and loves is now dead. She finally gives Rudy his long-awaited kiss when she finds his lifeless body. Liesel pleads with the soldiers to salvage her father's accordion, and she has a final vision of her father playing the instrument before Death takes him as well.
As Liesel is being dragged away from the bombed site, her book is left behind and tossed onto a garbage truck. Death, however, quickly retrieves the book before the truck departs.
Liesel lives to a ripe old age and eventually dies in a suburb of Sydney, Australia. In her final moments, she envisions her children, grandchildren, husband, and the multitude of lives that intersected with hers.
After the bombing in 1943. Liesel is taken to the police station temporarily until they can find a suitable place for her. The mayor and his wife come to claim her, and Liesel moves into the guest bedroom of the mayor's mansion. Initially, she spends hours mourning and talking to herself, neglecting personal hygiene. She attends the funerals of her own family and Rudy's.
Alex Steiner, Rudy's father, visits Liesel at the mansion after discovering his own family's demise. Liesel confesses to him that she kissed Rudy after his death, despite feeling embarrassed about it. She believes that Rudy would have wanted to know, and there are wooden teardrops and a sense of nostalgia in her words.
After the war, Alex reopens his tailor shop, and Liesel spends time with him each day. They decide to walk to the nearby concentration camp at Dachau, but they are denied entrance by the Americans. In October 1945, a man enters the tailor shop looking for Liesel, and to their surprise, it is Max. Liesel and Max embrace, crying and falling to the floor in each other's arms.
When Death finally arrives to claim Liesel's soul, he shows her The Book Thief, which he has been carrying with him all these years. Liesel is astonished and asks Death if he understood the book after readingit. Death is perplexed and doesn't have a clear answer. Contemplating the human race, Death expresses his bewilderment at how something can be both ugly and glorious, and how words and stories can be both damning and brilliant. He admits that he is haunted by humans and their complexities.