The Book Thief By Markus Zusak

Throughout people’s lives, they will encounter various obstacles and trials that can cause them to tremble under the weight of their burden but with faith, they can overcome it all. Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, a World War II coming-of-age novel, presents ways to handle spiritual warfare and adversity from a Judeo-Christian perspective. The characters all face various troubles such as loneliness, abandonment, grief, depression, and anxiety which they handle in healthy and unhealthy ways. Amid challenges, some of the characters resort to spirituality and religion which provides them comfort and safety. Markus Zusak demonstrates ways to handle suffering through hope, prayer, and sacrifice, establishing strength and joy in times of tribulation

Prayer is a powerful tool when going through a difficult season of life especially in war. When Hans is sent to fight in World War II he joins the LSE and witnesses many people die and their family members looking for them. After one of the air raids, Hans hears a woman cry out the name Rudy which makes Hans nervous. However, Hans tries to stop worrying by praying “Into a sky he couldn’t see, let Rudy be safe”(Zusak 437). War can cause people to be anxious due to the mass destruction and death. However, prayer can help people to receive peace and hope by trusting that God will protect them and has a plan. Zusak promotes not worrying but praying and remembering one’s blessings. During war, Hans has so much to worry about but his simple prayer reminds him that he doesn’t have to worry. Zusak uses Hans's prayer as an example that God is present and will comfort those in distress. In hardship, some people lose hope and struggle to pray amid adversity but Zusak demonstrates true strength and perseverance lie in prayer. Furthermore, prayer reminds people they still have hope, peace, and joy even when life is hard. While Hans is away, Rosa and Liesel are upset and lonely but Rosa constantly prays for his protection and safety which gives her peace to know Hans is being watched over by God. Liesel believes Rosa’s “prayers” are so powerful “that [they] helped Papa survive”(Zusak 474). During a season of loneliness and fear, Rosa demonstrates prayer as a source of strength, comfort, and peace. Zusak portrays prayer as a selfless action that focuses one’s attention on God and the needs of others. The majority of times Zusak depicts prayer in The Book Thief are prayers for other people rather than prayers for one’s self. Rosa’s prayers highlight the selfless