The Whistler
The first book stolen from Ilsa’s library was The Whistler. This book was about a murderer on the run from the police. The narrator makes it evident that Liesel is intrigued with the book as he shares pieces of the story with us. Liesel had been reading this book in Ilsa’s library; before she breaks the news that she can no longer pay Rosa to do her laundry. Ilsa is the last customer they have. In this part we see the most furious side of Liesel. She uses her words against Ilsa and refuses to take The Whistler when Ilsa offers it to her by hand. “I don’t want your miserable book...” (108.) Liesel will now no longer be able to enter Ilsa's library through the door. Instead, she will enter through the window to steal the books.
Liesel steals The Whistler for Rudy, even though he would have preferred something to eat. His appreciation was shown when Rudy victoriously rescues The Whistler from the Amper River, where it has been thrown by Viktor Chemmel. Rudy’s act shows Liesel his love for her. Death tells us, "He must have loved her so incredibly hard, so hard that he would never ask for her lips again and would go to his grave without them” (303). Eventually, Liesel's feelings for Rudy do grow stronger day by day, but Rudy passes away before we can see whether she will act on their situation. In bitter irony, Liesel finally kisses Rudy when he is deceased.
“She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Liesel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner” (358.)This shows regret as another painful emotion on her loving character.
The Whistler is also the first book Liesel reads to the residents of Himmel Street to the bomb shelters. Reading this book to the people helped Liesel’s family, not only financially but also socially. Frau Holtzapfel, their neighbor was willing to trade some of her coffee and not continuing to spit on their floor, for reading time with Liesel. “I’ll stop spitting on your door,” she interrupted. “And I’ll give you my coffee ration.”(261.) this also helped them get to know each other better. As time went by, the families bonds eventually grew stronger.