This book report consists of the basic details of the novel, as well as a summary of the plot, character descriptions and summaries of the main characters, personal experience whilst engaging with the novel, subjective opinions of the novel, reader recommendations and an evaluation of the themes, m...
Marv .................................................................................................................................................... 2
, Novel Details
Title: I Am The Messenger
Author: Markus Zusak ISBN: 978 1 909 53136 9
Genre: Novel, Fiction Edition: Definitions
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Pages: 460
Publication Date: 10 January 2002 Special features: N/A
Plot
The plot follows Ed Kennedy as he tries to escape his self-proclaimed mediocracy. It is
marked by an incident where he accidentally stops a bank robbery. This is followed by an
unexpected gift – the ace of diamonds, containing three addresses. The card symbolizes the
beginning of his quest to become the messenger. He continues to receive playing cards as
the last are fulfilled. Mystery accumulated throughout the novel is satisfied when it is
revealed that it is Mark Zusak himself who orchestrates the plot and unfolds that Ed is the
message himself.
Characters
Ed Kennedy
Ed Kennedy is the main driver of the plot, as the novel follows his journey to self-discovery.
He experiences adversity with every card he is given, yet he fails to give up. This gives him
the opportunity to grow with every message delivered, until ultimately he receives his own,
“I’m not the messenger at all. I’m the message.” He is a very credible character, as he proves
that anyone can be a hero.
The Doorman
The Doorman is Ed’s smelly, seventeen-year-old, Rottweiler-German shepherd. He acts as a
pillar in Ed’s life, as he offers stability and consistency. He is also Ed’s best friend. He holds
sentimental value (since he belonged to Ed’s late father), as well as comfort in a world
where Ed feels alone. “He smiles at me. ‘I love you, too,’ I say.”
Audrey
Audrey is Ed’s failed love interest. She acts as a symbol of Ed’s failure in life and
relationships – as no matter how hard he tries she will never reciprocate the romantic
feelings Ed has for her. However, Audrey is not merely ‘the girl next door’. She has a life and
challenges of her own. Her biggest challenge being her inability to love. She deals with this
by sleeping with various men. This changes for a brief moment, when her and Ed dance
together. She finally opens up her heart to Ed for the duration of the song, and in that
moment she feels free.
Marv
Marv challenges Ed. This can be seen in their constant banter – mainly centered around
Marv’s beaten-up Falcon. Marv’s greatest obstacle, however, is deeper than his trivial
disputes with Ed. His adversity lies with “the girl who disappeared,” Suzanne Boyd. Marv
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