Page 434 - The Book Thief

THE ANARCHISTS SUIT COLLECTION

35 HIMMEL STREET,
DECEMBER 24
With the absence of two fathers,
the Steiners have invited Rosa
and Trudy Hubermann, and Liesel.
When they arrive, Rudy is still in
the process of explaining his
clothes. He looks at Liesel and his
mouth widens, but only slightly.

The days leading up to Christmas 1942 fell thick and heavy with snow. Liesel
went through The Word Shaker many times, from the story itself to the many

sketches and commentaries on either side of it. On Christmas Eve, she made a
decision about Rudy. To hell with being out too late.

She walked next door just before dark and told him she had a present for him,
for Christmas.

Rudy looked at her hands and either side of her feet. Well, where the hell is it?

Forget it, then.

But Rudy knew. Hed seen her like this before. Risky eyes and sticky fingers.
The breath of stealing was all around her and he could smell it. This gift, he
estimated. You havent got it yet, have you?

No.

And youre not buying it, either.