Page 441 - The Book Thief

The mayors wife tightened. I used to read in here, with my son. But then . . .

Liesels hand touched the air behind her. She saw a mother reading on the floor
with a young boy pointing at the pictures and the words. Then she saw a war at
the window. I know.

An exclamation entered from outside.

What did you say?!

Liesel spoke in a harsh whisper, behind her. Keep quiet, Saukerl, and watch the
street. To Ilsa Hermann, she handed the words slowly across. So all these books .
. .

Theyre mostly mine. Some are my husbands, some were my sons, as you know.

There was embarrassment now on Liesels behalf. Her cheeks were set alight. I

always thought this was the mayors room.

Why? The woman seemed amused.

Liesel noticed that there were also swastikas on the toes of her slippers. Hes the
mayor. I thought hed read a lot.

The mayors wife placed her hands in her side pockets. Lately, its you who gets
the most use out of this room.

Have you read this one? Liesel held up The Last Human Stranger.

Ilsa looked more closely at the title. I have, yes.

Any good?

Not bad.

There was an itch to leave then, but also a peculiar obligation to stay. She moved
to speak, but the available words were too many and too fast. There were several
attempts to snatch at them, but it was the mayors wife who took the initiative.