Page 69 - The Book Thief
P. 69
He wrote the word in big letters and drew a misshapen apple under it. He was a
housepainter, not an artist. When it was complete, he looked over and said, Now
for B.
As they progressed through the alphabet, Liesels eyes grew larger. She had done
this at school, in the kindergarten class, but this time was better. She was the
only one there, and she was not gigantic. It was nice to watch Papas hand as he
wrote the words and slowly constructed the primitive sketches.
Ah, come on, Liesel, he said when she struggled later on. Something that starts
with S. Its easy. Im very disappointed in you.
She couldnt think.
Come on! His whisper played with her. Think of Mama.
That was when the word struck her face like a slap. A reflex grin.
SAUMENSCH! she shouted, and Papa roared with laughter, then quieted.
Shhh, we have to be quiet. But he roared all the same and wrote the word,
completing it with one of his sketches.
A TYPICAL HANS HUBERMANN ARTWORK
