The Book Thief Criminality Quotes

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

Quote #1

Her brother was dead. (5.24)

Yes, Werner's death is criminal. It could have been prevented. Six-year-old Werner, along with the rest of the family, is being punished for having Communist affiliations. He's being punished with poverty and lack of medical treatment. He is not alone.

Quote #2

The book thief had struck for the first time – the beginning of an illustrious career. (5.119)

Liesel's book stealing never quite qualifies as criminality, unless you're being strict. As Rudy points out, it's almost silly to call taking books from Ilsa Hermann's library "stealing." Her book thievery presents a pleasant counterpart to the very real crimes of the Nazis.

Quote #3

The Star of David was painted on their doors. The houses were almost like lepers. At the very least, they were infected sores on the German landscape. (8.43)

Being a Jew in these times means being a criminal. There is no move a Jew in Nazi Germany can make that isn't considered a crime.