What Happens to Liesel?
By the end of the book, Liesel has endured countless hardships and losses. However, her resilience and love for books have never wavered. After the war, Liesel survives and continues to live in Molching, Germany. She works hard, grows older, and eventually fulfills her dream of becoming a writer. Throughout her life, Liesel never forgets the impact that books and words have had on her, and she shares her passion for storytelling with others.
Does Max Survive?
Max Vandenburg, the Jewish man whom Liesel’s foster family hides in their basement, also manages to survive the war. After leaving the Hubermanns’ house, Max travels to Stuttgart, where he lives in a Jewish orphanage for a while. Eventually, he moves to Sydney, Australia, and rebuilds his life under a new identity. Max never forgets the kindness and love shown to him by Liesel and her family, and their friendship stays with him forever.
What About Liesel’s Foster Parents?
Despite the dangers they face for sheltering Max, Hans and Rosa Hubermann initially survive the war. However, tragedy strikes when Himmel Street, the neighborhood where Liesel grew up, is bombed by the Allied forces. Hans dies in the attack, leaving Rosa devastated and alone. Rosa eventually moves to a small apartment, trying to cope with her grief and the loss of her beloved husband.
The Fate of Other Significant Characters
Rudy Steiner: Liesel’s best friend and steadfast companion, Rudy tragically dies during the bombing of Himmel Street. His death leaves Liesel broken-hearted, but she carries his memory with her always.
Ilsa Hermann: The mayor’s wife, who had a complicated relationship with Liesel, also survives the war. After her son’s death on the Eastern Front, Ilsa retreats into solitude and seclusion. However, she eventually reaches out to Liesel, sharing her library of books and inspiring Liesel’s writing career.
Death: The narrator of “The Book Thief,” Death, continues his eternal duty of collecting souls. Throughout the book, Death reflects on Liesel’s life and is deeply impacted by her story, as well as the countless other lives he encounters during the war.
Markus Zusak’s “The Book Thief” concludes with a bittersweet yet hopeful ending. Liesel survives the war, becomes a writer, and continues to share the power of words with others. Max also survives and finds a new life in Australia, forever grateful for Liesel and her family’s kindness. While the Hubermanns and Rudy meet tragic ends, their impact on Liesel’s life is everlasting. Through Death’s narration, Zusak reminds us of the strength of the human spirit even in the darkest times and the transformative power of words and books.
- Liesel Meminger survives and becomes a writer.
- Max Vandenburg escapes to Australia and rebuilds his life.
- Hans Hubermann dies during a bombing attack.
- Rosa Hubermann moves to a small apartment to cope with her loss.
- Rudy Steiner tragically dies during a bombing attack.
- Ilsa Hermann survives and reaches out to Liesel later on.
- Death continues his eternal duty, reflecting on Liesel’s story.
And that brings us to the end of Liesel Meminger’s journey in “The Book Thief.” We hope you have enjoyed this post and it has provided closure to any unanswered questions you may have had. Happy reading!