As Zusak says “books are one of the final frontiers – they ask patience of people. But if you hang in, you’ll be richly rewarded.” Bridge of Clay is written as if it were a combination of memories, exactly as it was intended. Everything is exactly as I wanted it to be. One of the things Zusak loves about writing fiction is even though you know it’s not real, 'you believe it when you’re in it.'Īsked if he had anything to say to any readers who might find his new book challenging he says, “I don’t make any apologies for anything in the book. Markus Zusak is the international bestselling author of six novels, including The Book Thief and most recently, Bridge of Clay. On writing Bridge of Clay he adds was like a 'world championship of myself,' and one which entirely immerses him. But then he told me I just didn’t win by enough, you’ve got to win by enough that no-one can dispute it.

After the race I complained to my dad who said he was sure I’d won too. 'When I was a kid I lost a race that I was sure I’d won. Previously, he says he 'had written four books that meant something, but the fifth book meant everything.' In other words, Zusak does not believe in half-measures, which explains the many discarded copies that have gone into writing Bridge of Clay. Although, in other ways, it has been a blessing to Zusak. 'It played more of a part than I thought,” he says. 13 years in the making, the novel follows the story of five brothers, their tumultuous relationship and their absent father.īest known for 2005's The Book Thief, the success of that title has naturally put pressure on the author. Bridge of Clay is the long-awaited new release by Sydney author Markus Zusak.

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