Novel Synthesis: Narrator Connection

It is quite common for Zusak’s novels to consist of a narrator that conversates with the readers by addressing them with you. In the short excerpt of I Am Messenger, the reader is not acquainted with the narrator yet. The narrator is anonymous. However, in the 48th paragraph, the narrator introduces himself and talks to the reader. “My full name’s Ed Kennedy. I’m nineteen. I’m an underage cabdriver…nice to meet you.” The narrator, now known as Ed, talks to the reader and says, “Nice to meet you.” It is as if he is actually conversating with the reader, face to face. Zusak also uses this strategy in his other novel, The Book Thief on page 15. “If you feel like it, come with me. I will tell you a story. I’ll show you something.” The narrator in this novel being death speaks to his readers, his listeners. He addresses them as if he were talking with them face to face. Just like in I Am Messenger. The Narrator, in both of the pieces, describes the surrounding and what is going on quite vividly. They give clear snapshots of what is around and what is liable to happen. The narrators use “you” to make the reader realize that they are talking directly to them. Using such a simple word, “you” can catch the reader’s attention and make the reader want to read more.