Summary and Analysis
Part 5: The Whistler:
The Whistler and the Shoes
Summary
It's October 1941. Rudy comes home from Hitler Youth covered in manure; their running field had been fertilized, and Franz Deutscher made him run. He tells Liesel that he wants to steal something without Chemmel and the gang. Liesel decides she wants to steal from the mayor's house. They check for the open window into the library each day, and finally one evening it's open. Liesel climbs in through the window and steals The Whistler. The Hermanns start coming downstairs so she and Rudy, who is waiting outside, leave in a hurry, but Rudy leaves her shoes behind. He returns to get them and brings them back to her. Rudy gives Liesel her official title that night: the book thief.
Analysis
This chapter illustrates how Liesel is ready to take her book stealing to the next level. That Rudy is there to share this experience with her is important: Not only does book stealing contribute to the development of their relationship, but it also allows Rudy to give Liesel her title.