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Annemarie didn't tell Ellen the truth about Aunt Birte because it was a dangerous secret that could put Ellen's life at risk. The less Ellen knew about the situation, the safer she would be. Annemarie was trying to protect Ellen from the dangers of the Nazi occupation.
Annemarie decided to tell Ellen the truth about Aunt Birte to protect her from potential danger. She wanted Ellen to know about the dangers of the situation so that she could be prepared and stay safe. It was a difficult decision, but Annemarie believed honesty was important in protecting her friend.
great aunt birte is not real
She was the fake great-aunt of Annemarie.
Annemarie accuses Uncle Henrik of lying to her about Great Aunt Birte because she never accepted the idea that the family's elderly relative had emigrated to the U.S. Instead, Annemarie learned the truth about what happened to Great Aunt Birte during the war when she visited Uncle Henrik and his family at their seaside home.
Annemarie was confused because Great Aunt Bertie was actually alive; Uncle Henrik was using her death as a cover story to help Jewish refugees escape to safety in Sweden.
because of what uncle Henrik told her in the barn its better to know little
In chapter 7 of "Number the Stars," Annemarie hides Ellen's Star of David necklace in a handkerchief and tucks it into the coffin of Great-aunt Birte. She does this in order to keep the necklace safe and hidden from the Nazis.
Annemarie was shocked that they had kept the death of Great-aunt Birte a secret from her. She was also surprised by her mother's emotional reaction to the news and the realization of the dangers faced by their Jewish friends.
Ellen unexpectedly inherits her great-aunt Birte's old house and all its contents at the funeral. This surprise bequeathment sets off a chain of events that leads Ellen on a journey of discovery about her family's past.
your mother
The surprise Ellen receives during the funersl of Great-Aunt Birte is the arrival of Ellen's parents and the arrival of Peter. Ellen is rejoiced to finally see her parents again.