Liesel's Encounter with Death

The last time I saw you was at your house. At that time, you still have your foster family living in a close-knit neighbourhood. When you left me a letter about never returning to my library, I was heartbroken. Although you ripped up a book from the shelf, you should not prevent yourself from accessing other books in there.

As a young child, you are very talented when it comes to literature. I would never dare to put your gift into waste. This is why you should try and write your own literature. Hence, the black blank book that I gave you when I last visited you at your house on Himmel Street.

I was relieved that you survived the air raid that night, when the Himmel Street turned into war within seconds. Unfortunately, fate didn’t treat you well, as death has taken away your foster family that same night. Without hesitation, I decided to take you into my home, and support you with the best of my ability.

You haven’t spoken a word since the incident occurred. I did not know what to do to help you during the period of loss and depression. You spoke to yourself a lot into the night, and ate so little. You had me worrying. I understand how it is hard to face the death of a loved one, especially when you’ve lost everyone in your family on the same night. But dear, life must go on. Time will definitely heal your wounds. 

Life of Youth in Nazi Germany (Part 2)

Your Mysterious Visits...

Ever since the day I informed you about discontinuing laundry service from your foster mother, an argument arose between us. Although I insisted you to continue use the library, you decided to do so in a secretive manner: by secretly entering through the window.

It took me a few days later to realize that a book was missing from the library. At first, I thought I misplaced it. After spotting some footprints in certain light patches on the floor, the book’s whereabouts became clear: the book thief must have visited the library.

Not only did I not get angry, I was rather happy that you came back for something that is rightfully yours. Every time you paid a visit to the library, you would only take one book. It will take a thousand of visits for the book thief to take all these books off the shelves. I will much prefer you to enter the library in a more formal manner instead of the window, and use those books without hesitation. Besides, the library would be a waste if you don’t use it to your advantage.

Due to the downhill economy, I wasn’t able to keep your foster mother employed, but the library will still be yours to use whenever you want. Also, with the dictionary and thesaurus with you as you read your stolen books, many words’ meanings will become clear and easy for you to understand. Of course, it will help improve your literacy skills and expand your knowledge of specific terms. I really do hope to hear you knocking at my front door soon.

Life of Youth in Nazi Germany (Part 1)

The Book Thief

The first time I saw you was at the book burning. As mein mann was directing the book burning, I saw a young girl, standing behind him within a short distance.  I watched as you moved forward to the mountain of books. When you hurried away, I saw you holding onto a book. Normally, everyone would not dare to disobey Hitler’s orders. But you, Liesel, was different. Despite her action of thievery that night, I can feel your deep interest in literature.

When you appeared at my front door for laundry a few days later, I knew this was a chance to show you what I have that you can use for your own interest. Instead of sending you away with a bag of laundry, I brought forward a stack of books to show you. I lead the way into my library, and hope you would use it better than I could.

Your eyes became so amazed when you caught sight of various books inside the library. You went through book after book, laughing as if you were in paradise. The joy displayed on your face was timeless. At that moment, I knew that presenting the library to you was the right decision. Ever since Johann went to war, the library has been left untouched. Every book that was in your sight, you touched, pulling out books and flipping through pages of words. Three times you motioned to leave, but the attraction of books on shelves kept you in.

In the following weeks, besides the daily laundry collecting routine, you came and read books from the library. You would simply sit at a desk, and flip through books. Stacks of books were pulled out from the shelves and sits beside you as you slowly got through every single one of them. Sometimes she spends more time on a page than another, as if she is trying to make sense of some words. A dictionary might help.

On a side note, every visit you made lasted no longer than forty minutes.