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Did anyone read this book besides me? If so, please chime in, otherwise I'll be talking to myself!
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I read the book, but I want to think about my answers.
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I loved it! Having Death as the narrator showed me a whole new perspective, I guess. It was very interesting. I think Death's "haunted by humans" because some cause so much destruction and chaos and others bring peace, so we probably confuse the heck out of him. We're complex, multi-faceted, i think. We contradict ourselves. People confuse me, come to think of it! ; )
My favorite character would have to be Rudy. :-D He's so stubbornly loyal. He loves Liesel to death at first sight, but she finds him slightly irritating, so he has to persist a little to win her friendship. I think the constant "Will you kiss me now?"s are very cute. And he's funny. Who wouldn't love Rudy Steiner?
As for the biggest act of courage, I think Liesel's whole life fits the bill. She's given up by her mother, watches her brother die before her eyes, is sent to live with strangers, looses her best friend to a bombing and kisses his dead lips afterward, everything she's gone through takes an enormous amount of courage.
Sorry that I didn't answer all the questions, nor did I answer Question #1 completely. Hope you liked my contribution. ; ) I loved this book!
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Sue M
- Friday, July 4 2008
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I loved the book. It was surprising and moving. In answer to part of your first question Amy, I think that having Death serve as the narrator gives us a 'fly on the wall' point of view. Death definitely finds humans fascinating, to the point that he (?) empathises with some of the protagonists. In some ways he is dispassionate, but I love the way he describes the tenderness with which he carries of the 'soft souls'. I think he definitely sees some people are more beautiful (inside) than others, but he can see that even grumpy Rosa is really a soft-centre inside a tough shell. We are also meant to assume this by the fact that 'beautiful' Hans loves her. I will ponder the others...
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I thought having Death as the narrator was brilliant Sue. I especially like how he described taking up the soft souls. It was lovely really.
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QUESTION #2
Who is your favorite character? Why?
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Rudy, hands down is my favorite character. He lent allot of humor to a story that was set in such a horrific time in history.
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Sue M
- Sunday, July 6 2008
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Hans, for me, as he is so loving, patient and yet human. Who wouldn't want him for a papa?
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Hans was absolutely incredible. Especially since he was technically a foster father. My favorite character may have been Max. I love how he did amazing things with his limited resources - like the book he made for Liesel.
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All of the main characters were so beautifully drawn, it's difficult to choose a favorite. If I change the criteria to which one was the most memorable, I might choose Rosa, as she turned out to be so much more complex than we originally thought at the start of the book.
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Sue M
- Thursday, July 24 2008
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Emeraldeyes, I agree about Rosa, she has hidden depths!
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QUESTION #3
In the book there are many, many instances of courage. Which act (and by whom) best illustrates courage?
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I should think it is Liesel mother. After all she had to give up her daughter, knowing she would probably never see her again. And all that after losing both her husband and then her young son.
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Sue M
- Thursday, July 24 2008
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I think it is Hans chasing after Max as he walks past on his way to the camp. He just can't help himself, even though he knows it's going to create problems for himself. Perhaps that's not courage but overwhelming emotion. He did display incredible courage though in hiding Max for so long.
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Hans was very brave when he gave bread to the man in the Jewish parade. I don't think many would have the guts to do that.
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QUESTION #4
Liesel believes that Hans Hubermann's eyes show kindness, and from the beginning she feels closer to him than to Rosa Hubermann. How does Hans gain Liesel's love and trust?
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Well, it looks like this was kind of a bust - we haven't had much participation in this discussion. I probably won't be adding any more questions ...
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Thanks anyway, I'm glad you started it as I really enjoyed the book!
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I did too and would never have read this book if it were not for the group read. So thanks for letting me in on this great book. I now find myself recommending this book to allot of my family.
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I'm glad to hear it, thanks you two!
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