The Book Thief Death Quotes

This refers to the now abandoned and forlorn Jewish section of Molching. If Liesel had arrived in Molching sooner, she would have witnessed the suffering of its previous residents as they were abused and then forcibly removed from their homes.

Much of Max's psychological suffering involves guilt. As we note in the theme of "Criminality," Max can't take a non-criminal step, so long as he's in Germany. Plus, anyone who he makes contact with is an instant criminal. This takes an enormous toll on his psyche.

This theme is repeated over and over in the novel, by anyone who survives. Michael Holtzapfel's guilt over his brother's death (which he had nothing to do with) drives him to suicide.