In the end the many deaths of the novel become overwhelming and the reader is given a glimpse into the mind of Death, who is weary of working, horrified by war, and 'haunted by humans. Hans Hubermann helps Max Vandenburg because of his debt to Max's dead father, Ilsa Hermann grieves for years for her dead son, and Michael Holtzapfel commits suicide over guilt for surviving the war when his brother did not. Liesel's brother dies at the start of the story and his death haunts her throughout. Most of the characters deal with the death of a loved one, and they then struggle with survivor's guilt. This creates a different kind of suspense, where the reader knows some of the story's end but still wants to know how the characters arrive there. The narrator also reveals the fates of most of the characters beforehand, particularly the details of their deaths.

Part 10: The End of the World (Part II)ĭeath himself is the narrator of The Book Thief, and the setting is Nazi Germany during World War II, so there is a constant feeling of danger and suspense in the story.

Then a journalist named Daniel Kinder walks into Saltern police station and confesses to the murder.

Part 10: Ilsa Hermann's Little Black Book Now: a woman is viciously stabbed to death in the upmarket kitchen of her beautiful house on the edge of the marshes.

Part 9: One Toolbox, One Bleeder, One Bear.

Part 8: The Anarchist's Suit Collection.

Death expresses tiredness and remorse as the novel progresses.

Part 5: Three Acts of Stupidity by Rudy Steiner The narrator of The Book Thief, Death is at first sarcastic, with a darkly wry sense of humor.

Part 5: The Gambler (A Seven-Sided Die).Death is usually portrayed as a heartless and cruel character, but in the story the author shows a. Part 4: A Short History of the Jewish Fist Fighter Death shows compassion and feels sorry about Rudys death.Part 4: The Accordionist (The Secret Life of Hans Hubermann).Part 1: The Heavyweight Champion of the School-Yard.

Part 1: The Kiss (A Childhood Decision Maker).

Death book thief