The Book Thief Death Quotes

Death

Quote 58

Still in disbelief, she started to dig. He couldn't be dead. He couldn't be dead. He couldn't – (5.60)

The death of Liesel's brother causes her great suffering. It also seems to create empathy and prepares her to understand Max's suffering.

Death

Quote 59

There was a chaos of goodbye. (5.83)

This tiny sentence helps us feel Liesel's utter dismay at being forced to leave her mother on the same day she buries her brother.

Death

Quote 60

Every night, Liesel would nightmare. (7.2)

These nightmares are bitter-sweet kind of suffering. They terrify her. She can't control them. But, they bring her just a little closer to her dead brother. A major turning point for Liesel is when she lets go of the nightmares and learns to carry Werner in her heart and memory.