When reading countless novels I look for those that stand out and show not only strong growth in character but also a more realistic way for “normal” people to develop. “Normal” referring to all us Muggles who don’t live in a world of fantasy. I hold nothing against fantasy novels but a novel where reality is a considered factor and imagination can still come still come into play and show great character development is, to me, a good read.
One novel the falls into this category is I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. The novel follows the story of Ed Kennedy as he is thrust, against his will, into the role of one of many messenger as part of a grand plan of an individual. The nature of having immense responsibility cast upon him starts of Ed’s roller coaster ride into deep characterization. From having to pretend to be a husband long lost to showing the meaning of brotherhood through pain Ed’s struggles not only exemplify his character changing but as the story progresses, the hidden capability of a mediocre person, a capability that resides in us all is revealed. The reader gains an appreciation of, what is a seemingly disappearing quality: humanity… caring for others though you barely know them… Taking a chance to save something precious that somebody has. The forcibly placed mission that Ed later finds to be noble and follows for the betterment of his community greatly emphasize a theme of a hidden capability of extreme humanity that resides within us all and can make us better people once it sees the light. Zusak’s style of setting up the missions from low to high intensity draws the reader in, the sense of “what will Ed be forced to face next” draws the reader in and they can not help to follow Ed on his quests. Zusak’s style of writing itself amplifies the “normalness” that surrounds Ed, making him a character that is more identifiable to the reader.
The combination of theme as well as character development and their effortless, perfect nature of complimenting with each other is one among many reasons I would recommend Markus Zuasak’s I am the Messenger to every reader out there.
I thought it was a bit depressing, actually. He's normal in that he's not a wizard, maybe, but he's not too normal as a human: he's a lowlife. It's been a while since I read the book, but his pessimism really bothered me. I do agree that the character development in the book was really well done.
I thought the pessimism helped strengthen his entire character change. In the beginning he started out as viewing his life as bleak and not leading him anywhere, this was emphasized when he compared and contrasted himself to his brother. However the cards give him meaning and his view on himself changes as he progresses and he comes to realize that he make a great impact despite being a , as you said, lowlife. "I'm not the messenger at all. I'm the message.(357)" His pessimism changing emphasized his change in my view. I'm glad you agree with me on the character development though. :).