Analysis of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry - Book Report/Review Example

Summary of Number the Stars Number the Stars is a story developed and presented in the context of a young character by the name Annemarie. This story is based in the Copenhagen city of Denmark. It is dated back in the year 1943, when the main character and her best friend face soldiers as they get home from school. The encounter of the two friends with the German defense forces raises points of concern to their parents, who even consider that their children should take an alternative route to and from school (Lowry 11). The turn of events has captured Annemarie’s curiosity. This makes her relate a number of events that have taken place in her life through flashbacks. On the same note, the actions and eventualities that are coming up are shocking but Annemarie is not in a position to figure out what exactly is happening around them. This is expected given the age of this girl. She is only ten years old and therefore in a position to contemplate so much of what is observed in the city. The characters presented in the book by this time are quick to make observations of changes around the neighborhood, although there is no specific explanation as to why such changes are taking place. The actual change of circumstances at this time seems to be unfavorable to the non-Germans but the motive behind it is yet to be clear. The mood is tense and variant across different people. However, for the Jews, things are not as usual. There is then a social gathering that brings Annemarie, Peter and Annemarie’s parents together. News about the war is reaching out to many, and Annemarie is not an exception. It is now learnt that the Jews may not be in good terms with the Germans. This explains the reason why the neighborhood shops had been closed. As a matter of fact, Jewish stores are closed and forceful eviction of certain groups is experienced (Lowry 61). Specifically, the eviction activity is depicted when the Rosens flee. Annemarie’s friend does not leave with her parents, but instead is housed at the Johansens. The eviction act, referred in the book as “relocation” is primarily targeting the Jews. After the Rosens flee, the Nazis are not reluctant and still dig deeper to determine the location of fleeing Jews. That night after the Rosens fled, the Nazis come to Johansen’s residence, demanding to know the whereabouts of the fleeing Rosens. However, Mr. Johansen is not willing to disclose the location of the Rosens. Mr. Johansen’s refusal to let the soldiers know the location of the Rosens compels them to carry out a thorough search in Mr. Johansen’s apartment. Although they do not find anything, they are convinced that Ellen, Annemarie’s friend is a member of the Johansens. However, Mr. Johansen is able to convince them otherwise using a baby picture of his daughter. The soldiers leave contented that actually a death has occurred. However, this is not the case. At the Johansens, there are three girls and Annemarie’s parents. After the soldiers left, everything goes back to normal and they spend the night without much ado. The next day is characterized by some activity as Mrs. Johansen moves the three girls to Henrik’s home (Lowry 84). Henrik works as a fisherman in Gilleleje, the same place where his home is. The girls’ encounter in this new home is of great worth to them. It is peaceful and off war-like activities. However, bad news hit the home when the death of Birte is announced. Birte is a great-aunt to both Mrs. Johansen and Henrik. Quick planning is observed, evidenced by the fact that a service for the dead is scheduled for that same evening. However, there is a looming challenge when Annemarie doubts the news about aunt Birte. This girl is persistent that the truth be told, while her uncle insists that it is only advisable to know too much with prior bravery. This means that whatever is happening is beyond Annemarie’s understanding, although she feels compelled that something is going on. The service of the dead is held with a crowd of people in attendance. Silent moments are observed, perhaps to honor the dead. At this point, in the midst of the present crowd are Peter and the Rosen family. Ellen is reunited with her parents. Soldiers are drawn to the house by the event taking place. When they get to the house, they order that the empty coffin be opened. A problem emerges since the coffin is empty, but Mrs. Johansen saves the day by being quick to lie. The soldiers leave after they are told that the cause of the death is highly contagious. The death was faked and the reason why is now clear. Henrik’s fishing boat serves another purpose this time round as people as moved to the boat after the soldiers leave. The Jansen and the Rosen families follow. People in danger are simply being fled to safety in a neighboring country. This activity is not without its challenges. Mrs. Johansen breaks her ankle. At the same time, there is a package needed at the boat so that fleeing lot can leave. Annemarie by now understands the unfolding events and becomes actively involved in that process. Although the soldiers stand on her in a bid to deliver the required package, she makes it in due time. Everything looks calm and the broken ankle has been nursed. Henrik and Annemarie seem to get along quite well. Annemarie, instructed by Henrik learns how to milk a cow (Lowry 111). Memories of the day’s eventualities emerge and both of them are now recalling all the activities that characterized their day. Annemarie now learns that all the passengers on the boat were ferried successfully. At this point, the sole purpose of the package that was delivered to Henrik by Annemarie is revealed. Since passenger were hid in cargo sections of the boat, they could not be seen from outside. However, the soldiers sniffer dogs could be evade without a trick. The handkerchief was used to keep the smell of the humans suppressed so that the dogs could not only smell the handkerchief and not the humans. This trick allowed Henrik to ferry the passengers to the safe destination. An assurance of safety is made when Henrik tells Annemarie that Ellen is in safe hands. Their friendship is not due to fade away because of the distance, and Henrik is sure that Annemarie and her friend Ellen will meet again. Amid the circumstances, there is hope for the best. Annemarie’s brave actions and consequent contribution has results to take heart in. The month of May marks the end of the war. Streets are flocked with parades of people. The Danish flag is flying high and there is a sense of liberty in the air. The forcefully evicted persons can now be expected back home. In her thoughts, Annemarie is thinking about the Rosen family. The Rosens among other people who fled to Sweden for safety are highly expected to return home. Amid the celebrations, Peter’s death is announced. He was shot dead in a public square, following his involvement in the Resistance (Lowry120). A moment of truth has come. Annemarie’s parents are now ready to let Annemarie know what befell Lise. Annemarie learns that Lise was a Resistance member and she died in the line of her involvement with the group and not an accident as earlier claimed. This is not easy for Annemarie to deal with. Her mind now focuses on Lise and Ellen. She is disturbed and cannot help it. To get herself some solace, she can only do something that keeps her hopeful that her friend Ellen will turn up someday. Among Lise’s stuff in her room is a Star of David pendant. Annemarie has safely kept this pendant for Ellen in hope that she will return. After hearing Lise’s encounter with the Germans, she decides that until that time Ellen will show up, she will wear the pendant herself (Lowry 128). Work Cited Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam, 1989. Read More