The novel revolves around Nazi Germany, when Hitler was leader, in a Munich suburb by the name of Mochling on Himmel Street. Some history about Munich is that it is the capital of Bavaria, Germany. It was founded in 1158 by the Duke of Saxony and of Bavaria, otherwise known as Henry the Lion. Today, it is the economic center of Bavarian and Southern Germany. Liesel was affected by Hitler's invasion right from the start of the book. Molching was preparing for the invasion by using rations and going to Hitler Youth, because in Germany everybody was required to go to Hitler Youth.