Hay festival: Markus Zusak on The Book Thief

Summary

In this interview, Marcus Zusak discusses his book 'The Book Thief,' a unique perspective on Nazi Germany told through the eyes of a young girl who steals books. He shares the personal connection to his parents' experiences and the challenge of telling their story amidst a well-explored historical period. Zusak also reveals his writing process, the choice of Death as the narrator, and his current reading list, including 'The Great Gatsby' and works by WP Kinsella.

Takeaways

• 📖 The speaker, Marcus, discusses his book *The Book Thief*, which is about a girl growing up in Nazi Germany and stealing books.
• 📝 The main theme involves the girl 'stealing back words' and creating her own story in a dark, destructive world.
• ⚔️ Writing about World War II and Nazi Germany was challenging for Marcus because it's a well-covered topic, but he focused on a personal story inspired by his parents' experiences.
• ❤️ Marcus felt a responsibility to tell his parents' story authentically, focusing on their individual narrative rather than the larger historical context.
• 💀 He chose Death as the narrator of the book, reflecting on the constant presence of death during wartime and how death can highlight human kindness.
• 🕰️ Marcus imagines Death observing the girl and seeing humanity's worth through her actions, even in horrific times.
• 🖋️ Marcus describes his writing process as starting early in the morning, working from around 7 am to noon, taking breaks, and writing both in a notebook and on a computer.
• 📚 He recently read *The Great Gatsby* for the first time in preparation for attending a seven-hour play adaptation.
• 📖 He is currently reading short stories by W.P. Kinsella, a writer he admired as a teenager.
• 📚 His favorite author is Michael Chabon, particularly enjoying *The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay* and *Wonder Boys*.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Marcus Zusak's book 'The Book Thief'?

The main theme of 'The Book Thief' is a girl growing up in Nazi Germany who steals books, symbolizing the act of reclaiming words and writing her own story amidst the ugliness of war.

Why did Marcus Zusak choose to write 'The Book Thief'?

Marcus Zusak wrote 'The Book Thief' as a personal endeavor to tell the story of his parents growing up during that era, focusing on a personal level rather than the broader historical context.

Why did Zusak choose Death as the narrator of 'The Book Thief'?

Zusak chose Death as the narrator because war and death are often seen as inseparable, and he wanted to have a character omnipresent during wartime who could observe the protagonist's actions and reflect on humanity's worth.

How does Marcus Zusak approach writing?

Zusak approaches writing by working early in the day, from around seven until midday, then taking a break and doing more work in the afternoon. He starts by writing in a notebook and later transfers it to a computer.

What is Zusak's opinion on the challenge of writing a book set in World War 2 or Nazi Germany?

Zusak finds it challenging to write a book set in World War 2 or Nazi Germany because the setting has been extensively covered, but he believes in focusing on personal stories to find a unique perspective.

What does Marcus Zusak think about his publisher's view of his working process?

Zusak humorously suggests that if his publisher saw his working process, they might take away the money they've given him, implying that he sometimes feels unproductive despite working effectively.

What book did Marcus Zusak recently read for the first time?

Marcus Zusak recently read 'The Great Gatsby' for the first time, in preparation for a seven-hour production of the play based on the book.

Who are some of the authors that Marcus Zusak enjoys reading?

Zusak mentions enjoying the works of W.P. Kinsella, particularly loved as a teenager, and currently favors Michael Chabon, author of 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay' and 'Wonder Boys'.

What is Marcus Zusak's experience at the Hay Festival?

Zusak finds the Hay Festival to be great, appreciating the generous spirit of the attendees who come with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the authors.

What is the significance of the books the girl steals in 'The Book Thief'?

The books the girl steals in 'The Book Thief' symbolize the power of words and stories to provide hope and humanity in the face of the horrors of war.

How does 'The Book Thief' reflect on the nature of humanity according to Marcus Zusak?

Through the acts of the protagonist stealing books and the narration by Death, 'The Book Thief' reflects on the capacity for kindness and worth in humans even amidst the atrocities of war.