The Messenger - Markus Zusak

Last year we read Markus Zusak "The Book Thief" in our book club and I loved it. The Messenger is a very different book in style and subject matter. It is meant for teenages 16+ and I am nearly seventy so therefore approached the book with a certain reservation. However after a couple of pages I was hooked. The language style is sparse and strangely poetic and just pulls you into the action. The main character Ed Kennedy, is likable yet his life lacks any direction. And then things start mysteriously to change. He receives in the mail a playing card with a message - three addresses of people needing help. The message of the book is, that by helping others and becoming involved in their lives, one can change one's own life too. The messenger becomes the message - if a no-hoper like Ed can change and find a meaning in his life, anybody can. The only problem I had with this book was the ending. I was of course curious who was behind the messages Ed was following all through the book. The conclusion was rather confusing, rewriting some of the previous story. This however didnt spoil my enjoyment of "The Messenger" and I could imagine that lots of teenagers (and seventy year olds!) will find inspiration in this wonderful book. Cheers Tanya

Tanya - Friday Girls

Markus Zusak is rapidly becoming my favourite author. Can't wait until "Bridge of Clay" which is due to be released September 2010. Really can recommend listening to the audio of "The Messenger" if you have teenages and are going on a road trip. Tony, Huon and my four hour trip in the car wasnt long enough for us to listen to the whole book but it sure was a pleasant way of spending the time. Hope you love it as well .

Lee Croucher