The Book Thief: Part 1: Growing Up a Saumensch Summary & Analysis

Death mentions a few details about characters and events that will come up later in the story, and he wonders when was the exact time that books and words became so important to Liesel. She will steal six books in her "career," and have four other important books given to her.

Liesel is undernourished and cold when she arrives at Himmel street. She has lived in cramped boardinghouses her whole life, and the only thing she can remember about her father is the word "Communist." Liesel wonders why her mother has left her behind. She knows that her mother is always sick and has no money, but being abandoned doesn't feel like salvation.

Rosa Hubermann makes the biggest initial impact on Liesel because of her cursing. Rosa yells at Liesel (and Hans) for everything, and calls them saumensch or saukerl (filthy pig). At first Liesel refuses to bathe or get into bed, and Rosa keeps swearing at her.

Hans intervenes quietly and spends a long time teaching Liesel how to roll a cigarette, which puts her more at ease. Death gives a few facts about Hans: he is a house painter, plays the accordion, and has already survived World War I. To most people he doesn't seem noticeable or important, but Liesel sees that there is something special about him. He has kind, silvery eyes.

Death then describes Rosa: she does washing and ironing for a few wealthy families, is a bad cook, and aggravates everyone. She loves Liesel but shows her love in strange, abusive ways. When Liesel finally takes a bath Rosa hugs her violently. She asks Liesel to call them Mama and Papa, but still curses whenever she speaks. Liesel already feels comfortable enough around Hans to think of him as "Papa."