Contents
Chapter 65 - The Next Temptation
Overview
Liesel returns to the Hermann library, finds cookies left for her, and steals The Last Human Stranger. Confronted by Ilsa, she learns the room was Ilsa’s, shared with her late son, deepening their quiet bond. Liesel and Rudy share the cookies, signaling trust and continued, cautious theft.
Summary
Liesel climbs into the Hermann library and discovers a plate of stale Christmas kipferl, clearly left for her. She whispers to Rudy below the window to stand watch and passes him the cookies. Before leaving, Liesel writes a brief thank-you note.
Drawn to a pale-spined volume, Liesel selects The Last Human Stranger. As she prepares to exit, the door opens and Ilsa Hermann appears in a new bathrobe and slippers, both marked with swastikas. Liesel offers a formal “Heil Hitler,” then realizes the cookies have sat for weeks and senses the library is Ilsa’s domain.
Liesel asks if the room belongs to Ilsa. Ilsa admits she used to read there with her son, hinting at grief. They acknowledge that most of the books are Ilsa’s; some belonged to her husband and to her son. Liesel shows the chosen book, and Ilsa affirms it is “not bad,” then urges Liesel to go when she notices Rudy’s waiting silhouette.
On the walk home, Liesel and Rudy eat the cookies and banter over whether Rudy stole any early. They share what remains with Tommy Müller on Himmel Street. Their only remaining dilemma: what to do with the plate.
Who Appears
- Liesel MemingerBreaks into Ilsa’s library, leaves thanks, steals The Last Human Stranger, and shares cookies.
- Ilsa HermannCatches Liesel, reveals the library was hers and her son’s, quietly permits the continued borrowing.
- Rudy SteinerStands lookout, receives and eats cookies with Liesel, jokes about stealing, later shares with Tommy.
- Tommy MüllerNeighbor on Himmel Street who shares the remaining cookies with Liesel and Rudy.