They eagerly anticipate his daily reports that suggest WWII may soon be over. Eventually the Nazis set out to cleanse the ghetto and, in the process, find the radio they've been told exists. Think of Jakob the Liar as Schindler's List Lite . Despite some humorous moments, this is ultimately a tragic tale true to the horror of the Holocaust. Many characters die, either from Nazi guns or at their own desperate hands.
Characters face moral dilemmas bravely.
A few even put themselves in danger in order to rescue or give hope to others. While initially reluctant to unofficially adopt Lina, Jakob loves and cares for her as he would his own daughter. A few Jews find hope in the God of their forefathers. However, it is disappointing to hear so many of them questioning God's goodness and provision. Elsewhere, he assesses their plight and indicates that he thinks God did a poor job of leading his people out of bondage if it was only to land them in concentration camps.