Who's Who
Isabel's grandfather, who sacrifices much in order to give his family a chance for a better life.
Who is Lito?
"Jewish rats."
Who is Schiendick?
The member of the Hitler Youth demonstrated that he still had some compassion for other people by doing this.
What is letting Josef go?
Lito whispers this word over and over again, and remembers saying the same thing to a ship full of Jewish refugees when he was a young policeman.
What is "manana"?
This ruthless Syrian leader was responsible for the violence and destruction in the city of Aleppo.
Who is Bashar al-Assad?
A child who shows little emotion, after having been subjected to much trauma in his young life.
Who is Waleed?
"I wouldn't live in this awful country even if it was made of gold!"
Who is Mahmoud's father?
Captain Schroeder did not allow this powerful symbol of conflict to be draped over a deceased Jewish man who was to be buried at sea.
What is a Nazi flag?
The plot of Isabel's journey moves quickly ahead when a riot suddenly occurs on this bustling street that curves along the seawall on Havana Harbor.
What is the Malencon?
After suffering violence at the hands of Hungarian guards and having his spirit broken, Mahmoud's father no longer does this.
What is to tell jokes?
He asked for Josef's help in starting a mutiny aboard the M.S. St. Louis.
Who is Pozner?
"Well, she couldn't choose. How could she? So my brother chose for her."
Who is Ruthie?
After mourning her husband for days, Josef's mother puts on her favorite party dress and decides to make the most out of every day by doing this.
What is dancing?
Policemen shoot a hole in Isabel's boat when these two officers, who are now considered deserters, come aboard.
Who are Luis and Amara?
"The air ...scratched and tore at his throat..."
What is an example of personification?
He came on board the M.S. St. Louis to bring his daughters, Renata and Evelyne, to safety in Cuba.
Who is Dr. Aber?
"...but my little brother was born here. He's an American. And soon I will be too."
Who is Isabel?
In order to help his father be strong for the medical examination, Josef takes this violent action, which snaps Aaron Landau out of his memories of Dachau.
What is slapping his father across the face?
The compassionate tourists that Isabel's family encounters in the Bahamas show kindness and generosity by giving them these supplies.
What are water, food, and medicine?
"...but Mahmoud had never tasted anything so sweet."
What is an example of hyperbole?
Luis' girlfriend, who helped Isabel toss the motor overboard.
Who is Amara?
"I'm so sorry I made you give Hana away."
Who is Mahmoud?
Josef and his family are finally caught by the Nazis while hiding out in this building, in the French village of Vornay.
What is a tiny schoolhouse?
When the 3rd person narrator (the author) reveals that Lito is actually Officer Padron, the reader understands the connection between Isabel's story and this character's story.
Who is Josef?
Mahmoud demonstrates bravery when he takes this action, inspiring Waleed and others to follow him on a 12-hour walk to Austria.
What is the act of walking out of the immigration detention center?