The cover and back of the book are soupy red (Like later described at the beginning of “The Flag p.13”, or the 3rd and final sighting of the book thief.) which is often associated with anger, blood, love, passion, as well as crime/thievery. This is an allusion to the book’s thrilling nature.

It is stated from the beginning that Rosa Hubermann does love Liesel but shows her love in unconventional ways. Rosa asks Liesel if she is dressed warm enough but then insults her. Rosa suppressed love for Liesel is symbolic of the thoughts of many Germans at the time. Hitler’s rule was tyrannical, and for his laws to be enforced, he needed to abolish any form of uprising, no matter how small. This is why Hans slapped Liesel for speaking against Hitler. He depended on fear of the population so strong that they would alienate and disassociate any who disagreed with his politics. An example of this is in “The contradictory politics of Alex Steiner” who can be regarded as an average obedient German citizen. “Point 5: someone, far down, there was page 62”