Death as a Narrator in The Book Thief

The author of The Book Thief uses the rhetorical device of "point of view" to add an interesting perspective to the storyline of the novel. The book is narrated by a character who claims to be the personified version of death. Death provides a third person narration of the story of Liesel, "the book thief" while also having the ability to inform the reader on the other events occurring world wide during World War II which wouldn't be able to be achieved with a first person narration from Liesel. This perspective from Death showcases the many tragedies of the war and the constant death associated with it. Death narrates in terms of flashbacks seemingly recalling the previous lives of the souls he unfortunately had to take, but also propelling the story forward by recounting the events that may lead to their demise from an an extremely unique view point.
   From a reader's perspective, Death being the narrator of the story always intrigues me and makes me want to continue reading as Death interjects his point of view from the present into his flashbacks. For example, when talking about Hans Hubermann he says, "We'll give him seven months. Then we come for him. And oh, how we come." (pg 128). I found this line making me want to read more because it is foreshadowing Hans' death, but doesn't give away any details as to how he dies.

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Characterization of Hans Hubermann

   In The Book Thief, Hans Hubermann plays a very important role in both the story and in Liesel's life. Hans is Liesel's foster father. He was said to be one of the people in life who are "barely visible" and "fade into the background" lacking importance, but Liesel thinks otherwise. She is immediately drawn to him and accepts him as a father figure; "She would have no trouble calling him Papa"
(pg 35). Hans exudes kindness in every way . He is a gentle soul and an extremely loving and fatherly individual. Liesel is able to see this through his eyes upon first meeting him. Death narrates their meeting in saying, "Liesel observed the strangeness of her foster father's eyes. They were made of kindness and silver. Like soft silver, melting. Liesel, upon seeing those eyes, understood that Hans Hubermann was worth a lot" (pg 34).
   Hans showcases his fatherly character every night when he comforts Liesel and helps her learn how to read. When she experiences night terrors flashing back to the death of her brother on the train Hans rushes in to console and reassure her. These late night moments are when Hans teaches Liesel how to read, every night slowly working through "The Grave Digger's Handbook" helping her to complete her goal of finishing it and being placed in the class with kids her own age.
   I really like Hans as a character and I think that the "father-daughter" bond that he shares with Liesel adds another dimension to the storyline, his kindness making him a lovable character that the reader can appreciate and become attached to.
    Hans' displeasure and dislike for Hitler begins to show when he reads the news paper proclaiming "Hitler takes Poland" and he is described as "slumped into a chair" (pg 74). Being the gentle soul that he is, I predict that as the novel progresses, his discontent will grow and he will attempt to save the Jews from the Holocaust in any way he can.

A picture from the film adaptation of The Book Thief of Hans teaching Liesel how to read.
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Setting

 

 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak takes place in Germany during World War II. The book begins with the main character, "the book thief", Liesel traveling with her mother and younger brother to be dropped off at a foster home after their communist father was taken into questioning at the beginning of the war. As they arrive in the fictional town of Molching, Liesel's brother had passed away during the trip leaving her to say goodbye to her mother alone and travel to Himmel Street, the location of her foster home. This location is the primary setting of the novel.  Himmel Street ironically translates to "Heaven Street"even though it seems to be the farthest thing from heaven. The street is described in saying, "The buildings appear to be glued together, mostly small houses and apartment blocks that look nervous. There is murky snow spread out like carpet. There is concrete, empty hat-stand trees, and try air (pg 27). The setting of Himmel Street brings an overall mood of gloom to the story. It seems like it is a place where everything is on a gray scale, lacking color which is no place for a child. With this setting, it is easy for the reader to immediately begin to understand the struggles and sadness of the life that Liesel is living.

A depiction of Himmel Street from the movie "The Book Thief"
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What's in a name?

    This semester I will be reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The title of this novel caught my attention because it evokes thoughts of adventure and suspense. It makes me think of exciting chase scenes in movies. As someone who hasn't particularly been able to enjoy reading in the past, this title caught my attention because as well as being a popular read, it seemed exciting and interesting.
    Based on the title I'm anticipating to read about a child, maybe in a deprived area, who steals books.  The act of stealing books may be speaking to the importance of books- books have the ability to give insight into another world or another way of life, giving an individual more information and new perspectives. The word "the" in the title implies that it is about one singular and specific person. "Book" gives the information and the focus of the novel, stating what is being stolen, and the word "thief" implies the act of stealing and again emphasizes the singularity of the person completing the act.
    I'm interested to begin reading the book and to see the title unfold and develop deeper meaning throughout the novel.

Image from: The_Book_Thief_by_Markus_Zusak_book_cover.jpg

New York Times Book Review:       http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/14/books/review/14greenj.html