Liesel Mueller's foster mother is not described as being very nice or as being the best parent for Liesel. Mrs. Hubberman is verbally abusive to Lisel. She tells Liesel "'You filthy pig! Why won't you get undressed?' She was good at being furious. In fact, you could say that Rosa Hubermann had a face decorated with constant fury" (32-33). Calling someone, let alone your new foster daughter, is never a good way to start a solid relationship. I'm guessing that the two of them will not get along throughout the book.
On the complete other side of the spectrum is Liesel's foster father Hans. Many people think he is quiet, but Liesel notices even more about him "Liesel observed the strangeness of her foster father's eyes. They were made of kindness, and silver. Like soft silver, melting. Liesel, upon seeing those eyes, understood that Hans Hubermann was worth a lot" (34). Hans doesn't push Liesel around like Rosa does. Although he won't necessarily tell his wife to back off, Hans does seem to be there for Liesel. I see their relationship growing throughout the book, and I see Liesel leaning into him for support.
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That is interesting how you can feel that even though Hans does not really stop his wife in hurting Liesel, that one can sense that he really is there for her. I am interested in finding out how their relationship develops further throughout the book and if Hans ever speaks up in Liesel's defense.
It is interesting how although the author does not state it directly, the reader is still able to make inferences regarding the relationships between characters. I agree with Emily; it’s odd how Liesel believes Hans cares for her, even though he doesn't help her out.
I agree with Marion; this author is very good at telling the reader things about people or certain relationships without actually telling them. This idea is something that everyone of us should strive to do in our short stories.
Liesel and Hans's relationship reminds me of Dede and Jaimito's relationship. Liesel has found safety and support written in Hans' eyes early on just like Dede always had a future with Jaimito.
It is interesting that Liesel's foster mother is verbally abusing her. You would that she would be very caring towards Liesel and try to be the best mother figure possible. I don't know why she would offer her house up to Liesel if she was going to treat her like this. You picked a very good quote to describe how she treats Liesel. It gets the point across really well. I think Hans on the other hand is such a great foster father to Liesel. You can tell that she really is starting to love him and starts to get closer to him. It will be interesting to see how their relationships grow as the book goes on.
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