Short Summary: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a historical novel set during World War II in Nazi-occupied Denmark. It tells the story of Annemarie Johansen, a young Danish girl who, along with her family, becomes involved in the underground effort to help Jewish families escape from Nazi persecution. When the Germans begin rounding up Jews for deportation, Annemarie’s family hides their Jewish friends, the Rosens, and helps them flee to safety in Sweden. Throughout the novel, Annemarie learns about courage, sacrifice, and friendship as she faces the challenges of living in a time of danger and oppression. The book explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the power of ordinary people to make a difference in the face of overwhelming evil.
Book Information:
Title: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
ISBN: 978-0395510607
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, War Fiction
Published Year: 1989
Detailed Summary:
The Setting and Background:
The novel begins in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1943, during the height of World War II. The city is under Nazi occupation, and life for the Danish people is increasingly difficult. Jews are being rounded up by the Nazis and taken to concentration camps. Annemarie Johansen, the protagonist, is a ten-year-old girl who lives with her family—her parents, her older sister Lise, and her younger sister Kirsti. The Johansen family is patriotic and supportive of the Danish resistance movement, though they maintain a relatively quiet existence to avoid drawing the attention of the German soldiers.
The story also introduces Ellen Rosen, Annemarie’s best friend, who is Jewish. Annemarie and Ellen have grown up together, and they share a close bond. However, Ellen’s Jewish heritage makes her a target of the Nazis, and the Johansen family becomes embroiled in the dangerous task of protecting Ellen and her family.
The Nazi Occupation and the Danger to the Jews:
As the German occupation of Denmark intensifies, the Nazis begin deporting the Jewish population, with plans to transport them to concentration camps. In response, the Danish resistance works to help Jews escape to neutral Sweden, where they will be safe from the Nazis. The Johansens are aware of the risks, but when they learn that the Rosens are in danger, they make a courageous decision to help.
One night, Annemarie and her family are forced to hide Ellen when German soldiers come to their apartment. To prevent Ellen’s Star of David necklace from revealing her Jewish identity, Annemarie quickly pulls it off her neck, and Ellen is able to pass as a Christian. This incident marks the beginning of Annemarie’s involvement in the underground efforts to save the Jews.
The Plan to Save the Rosens:
As the Nazis’ crackdown on Jews intensifies, Annemarie’s family becomes more deeply involved in the resistance efforts. The Johansens are asked to help the Rosens escape to Sweden. The plan involves a dangerous journey through the woods, where the Jews will be hidden and smuggled across the sea to safety.
Annemarie’s uncle, Henrik, is a fisherman who lives in the rural town of Gilleleje, near the Swedish border. He plays a key role in the escape plan, providing the necessary boat to transport the Jews. When Annemarie’s parents are called away on a mission to aid the resistance, it is up to Annemarie, along with Ellen, Kirsti, and other members of the resistance, to ensure the success of the mission.
Before the journey to the coast, the Johansens must hide Ellen and her family in their apartment and create a plausible cover story. Annemarie’s mother instructs Annemarie to act bravely and to keep a cool head if any Germans come by to ask questions. The Johansens are also assisted by their neighbors, Peter Neilsen, a member of the resistance, and Mrs. Johansen’s old friend Lise, who was killed by the Nazis years ago.
The Journey to Gilleleje:
Annemarie is tasked with delivering an important package to her uncle Henrik. The package contains the secret to smuggling the Jews: a handkerchief soaked in a special substance that can neutralize the scent of humans. This is vital for hiding the Jews from the German dogs that might be used to track them. On the journey to Henrik’s house, Annemarie faces a dangerous confrontation with Nazi soldiers. She is stopped by a German officer, who questions her about the contents of the package. Using her quick thinking, Annemarie remains calm and insists that the package is nothing more than a handkerchief for her sick uncle. She is able to avoid suspicion and successfully delivers the package to Henrik. This moment is a key turning point for Annemarie, as she is now fully involved in the resistance effort, and her courage is tested.
The Escape and Climax:
Once the Rosens arrive at Henrik’s house in Gilleleje, they are hidden in a secret room in the attic. Annemarie’s selflessness and courage come into full play when, during a German search of Henrik’s house, she is forced to act swiftly to protect the Rosens. Annemarie is put to the test when a German soldier arrives and begins questioning her about her uncle’s whereabouts and the people in his house. She uses her wits and her acting ability to keep the soldier distracted and prevent him from discovering the hidden Jews.
As the soldiers leave, Annemarie feels a deep sense of relief, but she knows that the danger isn’t over. The Rosens, along with several other Jewish families, are transported across the sea to Sweden, where they will be safe from Nazi persecution. The Johansens’ role in the escape, though secret, is critical to the success of the mission.
The Aftermath and Reflections:
The novel ends with a reflection on the courage and sacrifice of the Danish people during World War II. Annemarie’s life has been forever changed by her experiences, and she has matured from a naïve young girl into a brave and resourceful individual. She comes to understand the true cost of the war and the importance of standing up against injustice, even when it means putting oneself in harm’s way.
Themes:
Courage in the Face of Adversity: A central theme of Number the Stars is the courage shown by ordinary people in times of extreme danger. Annemarie, though initially frightened by the threat of Nazi soldiers, rises to the occasion when it matters most. The novel explores how courage doesn’t always come in grand gestures, but in the quiet, steady actions of individuals who do what is right, even when it is difficult and dangerous.
The Importance of Friendship and Loyalty: Annemarie’s friendship with Ellen Rosen is one of the emotional cores of the novel. Despite the danger posed by their different backgrounds, Annemarie is willing to risk everything to protect her friend. The theme of loyalty extends to Annemarie’s family as well, with the Johansens’ commitment to helping the Rosens, even at great personal cost, serving as a testament to the strength of familial bonds.
Resistance and the Fight Against Oppression: The novel highlights the role of resistance movements in Nazi-occupied territories, particularly focusing on Denmark’s efforts to protect its Jewish citizens. The theme of resistance is portrayed through the Johansen family’s actions, the underground escape networks, and the courageous individuals who risked their lives to oppose the Nazis.
Sacrifice and Selflessness: Throughout the novel, characters make sacrifices for the greater good, whether it is Annemarie’s willingness to lie to protect Ellen or her uncle Henrik’s efforts to hide Jewish families. The novel emphasizes that selflessness can be a powerful force in times of great crisis, and that even small acts of kindness and courage can make a difference.
Conclusion:
Number the Stars is a powerful and moving story of courage, friendship, and resistance during one of the darkest times in history. Through the eyes of young Annemarie, Lois Lowry portrays the impact of the Holocaust on ordinary people and the moral choices they had to make in order to protect their loved ones. The novel showcases the importance of standing up against injustice, even when it is dangerous to do so, and highlights the strength that can be found in community, family, and friendship. Annemarie’s journey from innocence to maturity is a poignant reminder of the power of ordinary people to change the world, and the legacy of human decency in the face of oppression.