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"
Image From: himmel street.jpg