The Book Thief

It is not often than we read a book narrated by Death. However, the character of Hans Hubermann fascinates me. When Liesel first arrives at her foster home she would not get out of the car even though Rosa keep telling her to. It surprised me that Hans could coax her out and she could trust him more than another woman. Again, Rosa tries to give Liesel a bath and she refuses to listen to her until Hans convinces her to. I would be more afraid of Hans but the way he and Liesel interact in these scenes tell us that they have an extraordinary relationship that continues through out the novel. From the beginning we get a sense that Hans is not like other German citizens; this becomes more clear when he and his son argue about his membership to the Nazi party. Hans does not support the Nazi's although he has filled out paperwork for membership into the party. Hans Jr. calls his father a coward, leaves the house, and never returns.

Later on in the novel we are introduced to Max who hides in the Hubermanns  house. I think that the story of his father and Hans shows the reader why Hans does not really want to be a member of the Nazi party. I think that Hans feels like he would be betraying the Jews if he joined the party because Max's father was a Jew and he saved Hans' life while he was killed in battle.

Hans does not agree with the subjugation of the Jews. Death shows us this when the Hubermanns take Max under their wing and hide him in their basement. Hans also paints over the nasty remarks and racial slurs on the doors of Jewish homes. Another example of Hans' reactions to the mistreatment of Jews is when the Nazis march them through Himmel Street. A frail old man continuously falls down every couple of steps and it is obvious that he is very weak. Hans leaves Liesel's side and offers the man some bread. When an officer sees this he comes over and whips both Hans and the man. This shows that Hans believes that Jews are not bad people and they don't deserve what's happening to them. Because of his actions, the Hubermanns do not want Max in their house anymore incase the Nazis search their house. Three weeks pass and no one comes to search their house and Hans feels aweful for kicking him out for nothing .


I really like Hans. He is gentle with Liesel yet not too sensitive. He keeps secrets with Liesel that neither of them would talk about to Rosa. He is a kind hearted man and always wants the best for everyone. What I like best about Hans is that you never really know what he is going to do next, there's always some surprise around the corner. I am anxious to see what is going to happen with him through the rest  of the novel.