The Book Thief

Markus Zusak writes the exciting account of The Book Thief; the book is placed in Nazi Germany. One of the many characters I feel Hans has shown his role as step father/ husband, in a unique way. Hans is Liesel's foster father and one of the great loves of her life. He's a super nice guy. Early in the novel, this is how Death describes him:

To most people, Hans Hubermann [is] barely visible. An un-special person. Somehow and I'm sure you've met people like this, he was able to appear as merely part of the background. He was always just there. Not noticeable.

He is a very tall man who walks upright, plays the accordion, and has silver eyes. His quiet, gentle nature is what wins Liesel over, and Death tells us that he is the one Liesel loves most. He is a painter who doesn't agree with the acts of the Nazi Party, but applies for membership to keep up the appearance of loyalty so that he can protect his family. He has been able to evade Death multiple times, and he is a well-liked man in Molching, except for those who call him a Jew lover. He is a talented accordion player and often plays for patrons in the local bars. Liesel associates his accordion playing with safety. He sits with Liesel and teaches her to read during midnight lessons and also during afternoon lessons by the Amper River. He is there for her whenever she has nightmares. In the absence of Liesel's mother, Hans becomes Liesel's main source of security.

Considering how memorable a character Hans is, Death's statement might seem a bit puzzling at first. But, we see what he means. If we saw Hans walking calmly through town, winging his paint cans and harmonica, we might not see the hero inside him. We might see just another poor man in a dreary, poor town.

But there's more to Hans. Perhaps, it's his gentle humility that hides him from the attention of most. And Hans's ability to be "[n]ot noticeable" (1.22) is a huge asset in this novel. A flashier guy might not have been able to successfully hide a Jew in his basement during the Holocaust. Even when Hans is caught giving bread to the Jewish prisoners marching to Dachau, the authorities don't search his house. Why? Because they can't imagine he would go that far.

Hans has true strength of character, as shown by his hiding of Max and his other acts of resistance against the Nazis. These acts, along with his general kindness, have a huge effect on Liesel and even on Rudy. Hans gives them a positive role model. He's a rare example of an adult that they can really aspire to be like in the ways that matter.

Hans Hubermann is an uncommon person, one who will accept death, although he has miraculously avoided death three times in the book.

Hans' ability to survive and his particular readiness for death have been noticed by many of the characters.