Book Review: I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Synopsis from gooodreads

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?

Review (no spoilers)

I have mentioned this a thousand times already but let me just say it again; I absolutely loved The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. That will always remain one of my favorite books. I found I am the Messenger at the library and immediately picked it just based on the author.

I am the messenger is a beautiful book. It’s a lovely story about 19 year old Ed Kennedy and the messages that he has to deliver. Each message brings some change in other people’s lives. The stories are endearing and so are all the characters. Due to the number of messages, there are a couple of short stories within the main story.

The Writing….

This book is very easy to get into. The story has such an easy flow and as usual, Markus Zusak writes really beautifully. He has a way with words. I especially like how well he manages to use personification in his writing. For instance; In The Book Thief, death was the character, he was actually the narrator. In I am the Messenger, everything has a personality. For instance, the breeze is caught staring and looks away shyly. The dog is one of the main characters and he has conversations with Ed and they drink coffee together all the time. I just really love how Markus uses that particular stylistic device. I also liked they element of mystery. Each message presented a challenge and it was interesting trying to find out whether Ed would succeed or not. The idea that readers also don’t get to know who gives Ed the messages is also intriguing.

The Quotes…

There were also a number of quotes that I liked. Some of my favorite quotes include;

“Believe it or not–it takes a lot of love to hate you like this.”
― Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger

“If a guy like you can stand up and do what you did, then maybe everyone can. Maybe everyone can live beyond what they’re capable of. ”
― Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger

“Maybe one morning I’ll wake up and step outside of myself to look back at the old me lying dead among the sheets.”
― Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger

The Characters…

The characters are wonderful. Ed who is the main character is brave, considerate and funny. I loved his relationship with his group of friends, Audrey, Marv and Ritchie. They way they would hang out playing cards, Christmas dinner and all their wonderful experiences together. They guys were so funny. I kept laughing throughout the book due to the antics of these four friends. I simply adored the relationship between Ed and his dog, The Doorman. They were such an interesting pair.

My only issue with the book….

I am not really a fan of happily ever-after narratives so my only issue with this book is the ending. I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it but let me just say that I don’t like when everything is wrapped up neatly at the end. It is a bit cliché like those movies that end with a kiss and the perfect soundtrack…ugh

Finally…

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak is a nice read. I think that fans of YA will appreciate it more although it is one of those feel-good stories that anyone can enjoy.