The Most Important Line Is...

I don't know about you guys, but when you read that one line in a book, it sticks with you. I am not even half way done reading The Book Thief yet, but there is one line that has stuck in my head. It doesn't have much to do with the characters themselves, but with their society during this time period. The narrator of the book stated, "Each night, before the descent into sleep, she would hear Mama and Papa in the kitchen, discussing what had been done, what they were doing now, and what needed to happen next" (Zusak 178). To me, this quote is very powerful. It addresses the past, present, and future. These are three things that the characters are all worried about. Like us, they have dreams and desires, but that is where the similarities end. While we are concerned about our future education and possible job paths, the Hubermann's are concerned about the Jew, Max, that is hiding in their basement.

Keeping Max hidden and secretive, while not getting caught is their main concern. Of course, this is a hard task during the time period of Nazi Germany. Which is why Mama and Papa are discussing how they will get by the next day, every night. This is significant to the entire book because the whole book is about the struggles of not being a Nazi, in the Nazi environment.

Max

If you had to choose now, what is your biggest dream or desire?... probably not hiding a Jew in your basement.