Markus Zusak

MARKUS ZUSAK

Markus Zusak is the international bestselling author of six novels, with his most popular book being the 2006 novel The Book Thief. His works have been translated into more than forty languages and have been acclaimed for their thought-provoking, intense, and captivating messages.

Born in Sydney, Australia in 1975, Markus Zusak grew up surrounded by literature and storytelling, evidence of his passion for writing from a young age. He was reading children's books from age five, and from age eight, his parents encouraged him to read anything he could find.

In high school, though he initially wanted to be an actor, he eventually set his sights on the world of books, reading novels, writing stories, and getting his first creative writing classes. After graduating school, he began his university studies in creative writing, but it was not until several years later that he actually became a published novelist.

His debut novel, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, was released in 1999 and followed the story of two Australian brothers and the power of brotherly love. The novel achieved critical and commercial success, being shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year in 2000.

Next came The Messenger, a novel following the story of a messenger who delivers a letter to a girl with disastrous consequences. This novel also achieved widespread success, winning the Phoenix Award in 2004.

His most well-known work, The Book Thief, was released in 2006, largely overriding any success he had achieved previously. Following the story of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany, the novel explores human resilience, courage, and kindness in the face of overwhelming darkness. The Book Thief was an immediate international bestseller, winning several awards and being loved by readers of all ages. This novel was later made into a film in 2013.

Markus Zusak's latest novel, Bridge of Clay, was released in 2018. This book follows five brothers and tells the story of how one of them is tasked with building the bridge that will reunite the family. This book achieved critical acclaim, with Publishers Weekly calling it “an ambitious, often moving novel.”

Overall, Markus Zusak is an internationally renowned author with a powerful and compelling ability to tap into the emotions and complexities of life. His unique and gripping storytelling is sure to capture the hearts of readers and keep them coming back for more.