The Messenger – Markus Zusak

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Synopsis

protect the diamonds
survive the clubs
dig deep through the spades
feel the hearts

Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He’s pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.

That’s when the first ace arrives in the mail.

That’s when Ed becomes the messenger.

Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who’s behind Ed’s mission?

My review

Markus Zusak narrates like no other author. His writing is intriguing to say the least. This novel is humorous, thought provoking and mysterious. Ed is an ordinary guy, a cab driver and unlucky in love (possibly due to his lack of sexual confidence that he mentions on occasion).

As Ed is faced with each new message, he takes his time to truly realise how he can help to make the situation right. He not only helps others, but helps himself along the way. Ed grows as a character and person. He realises the power of his actions, stating ‘I’m the priveleged one.’ The characterisation was interesting and although the protagonist is an ordinary person, I enjoyed reading about his extraordinary mission. There were times throughout the novel where I wanted to know more about some of the characters introduced, which although it frustrated me at the time, I soon came to realise it added to the intrigue.

This is the type of book that I couldn’t write a review for straight away. There was a lot to ponder once I finished the novel. ‘I didn’t know words could be so heavy. This isnt about words. It’s about small things that are big.’ is one of my favourite quotes from The Messenger. Markus Zusak again shows me more than simply a good novel, he provides life lessons that stick.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5