The Book Thief Criminality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

Liesel Meminger was a criminal. But not because she'd stolen a handful of books through an open window. (54.134)

Here, Death is referring to Liesel's inability to do what she thinks she should – apologize to Ilsa Hermann. In Liesel's code, failure to apologize is a great crime. So, she does apologize to Ilsa in the long run.

Quote #11

[…] Hans Hubermann held his hand out and presented a piece of bread […]. (58.62)

Feeding the Jewish prisoners on their way to Dachau is obviously considered a crime by the Nazi guards. It can also be seen as an act of non-violent resistance to what the Nazis are doing. It might seem like a small thing, but it was big to the Jewish people who saw it as an act of true kindness.