Here the book reinforces the parallel between the peculiar children and Jewish people escaping the Nazi regime. Aside from any real magic that Abe might have possessed, there was also “magic” in being able to escape, find other people like him, form a community, and protect each other given their differences.Additionally, Jacob’s reiteration that his life is “safe and unextraordinary” again suggests Jacob’s lack of confidence and his dissatisfaction with his life, suggesting that he doesn’t feel like he’s had much agency in it—at least until he’s 15.