'The Book Thief' - In Conversation with Markus Zusak

I was quite pleased to get out of the house Wednesday night. I left my dear husband with a toddler who thought repeated high pitch squeeling was hilarious, and a five year old who never stops asking questions, but currently fails to pay attention when you answer him. A response of, 'What did you say?', after you answer each question, wears decidedly thin after awhile. So I escaped and surrounded myself with adults who share a common love of 'The Book Thief' instead. Bliss I tell you.

I'm so very glad my sister forwarded me an email in December from Riverbend books regarding a book signing, film viewing and 'In Conversation' with the author. I immediately brought myself a ticket and announced to my husband that my Christmas gift was sorted. Not only did I attend a champagne reception for the author (this pregnant lady drank apple juice) and receive a beautiful hard back copy of the book, I also had the chance to join a joyful crowd of women, and two or three men, to get my book signed by Markus Zusak. When it was my turn I joked with him about the predominately female turn out and he quipped back that had he known he'd meet so many women though writing he'd have started sooner.

I love meeting people whose work I admire, but whom I know nothing of personally. It's always an interesting surprise. In Markus's case I couldn't help but think he is a publicists dream come true - not only is he an extremely talented writer, he's also handsome, well spoken, generous, down to earth and amusing in that quick witted, Aussie way. 

After the signing we found a seat amidst the packed Balmoral theater and watched the film adaption of the book. If you have read the book, rush to you nearest cinema now. If you haven't, pick up a copy and a cuppa, settle in for a wonderful read. Then go straight to the cinema. Really. 

We've all heard the saying that 'the film is never as good as the book', but it really isn't a fair comparison. A book has time, pages and pages of time, to develop subtly. A film hasn't the same luxury. But what this film does have is great beauty and great heart. During the conversation with Markus after the film, questions were asked and answered. One thing he said that really stood out to me was that he wrote the book, but not the film, but what he hoped was that it had the same 'heart' as the book. And I do believe they have accomplished just that. Not to mention a perfect selection of cast members.

I took notes during the talk, and there are so many interesting facts I'd like to share with you. For instance, Markus mentioned that questions like, "What is the book about?" are the kind that give him nightmares. To him, this book is about stories - the stories we tell, the stories we know and the stores we write. It's also about words, which is emphasised in the film - words of propaganda and a girl stealing the words back to make something beautiful. 

One of his favourite moments in the film was when Rosa gives the school teacher one final hard 'look.' It's a perfect moment. If you've seen the film I'm quite sure you're nodding now. If you haven't, you can't miss it. When asked about writing, Markus explained that his parents taught him how to write by telling their life's stories around the kitchen table. His father was a house painter in Germany, and his mother a house cleaner. Several of the characters from the book are based on real people from his parents stories. He writes chronologically, and has a routine in which he writes everyday. He wrote and re-wrote the first part of the book 150 - 200 times before getting it right. As a result the first half of the book took him two and a half years to write, while the second half took him a month. Partly joking he said the speed of the second half was achieved because his publisher was due to go on maternity leave.

So, pick up the book, or see the film and support a talented Australian writer. Because I do believe this time the film has just as much merit as the book. And you won't be disappointed.

Have you seen the film? 

What did you think?

Why, hello there

Hello dear readers. How are you? It's been a quiet week on the blog, but my creativity has continued to flow. I have been working on several new masters for a Mother's Day collection, planning my Winter release and working on a custom made design that involves photo etching on copper. It's been an enjoyable challenge, not having etched since my university days. I certainly see etching being incorporated in a future collection. I've been sharing some sneak peeks on instagram, and can't wait to share more with you soon.

I picked up the above books from a lovely little book shop in Stones Corner, being momentarily book-less for the first time in a long time. I was attracted to a collection of yellow spined Australian classics, as I realised I really don't read enough Australian literature. While tonight I am going to a champagne reception with Markus Zusak, which includes a viewing of the new film, 'The Book Thief,' and a book signing. I'm more than a little excited! Have you read 'The Book Thief'? If you could ask the author something, what would it be?

I'll be back again soon with a nursery art DIY, my first Project Life pages and a giveaway.

Yarn Along

Since last weeks Yarn Along I have managed to knit my first heel flap, turn the heel and work the heel gusset. I felt quite pleased once I managed it. Though I have struggled a little with this pattern. The directions do not always seem clear to me. I'm not sure if it is the way it is written or my inexperience. (If you have Moda Vera 'Noir' sock yarn and intend to knit the pattern on the band, my Ravelry notes might help.)

I have only a couple of chapters left of 'The Book Thief,' and I shall be sorry to finish it. Though the book sits beside our bed, I have been listening to the audio version. It makes for wonderful multi-tasking. This week I have been folding the laundry on the bed, while Emerson kicks her chubby legs and we listen to Allan Corduner read. His expressiveness and pronunciation of the German words are not without value either.

I have downloaded my next audio book and wonder how it shall compare.

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

Once I cast off the Raglan and Lace jacket I was working on last week, I cast on for my first pair of socks. My first pair of socks. Socks! Words could not adequately express my excitement to my husband. He smiled his sweet (slightly baffled) smile and nodded, before inquiring about the golf vest he requested prior to Winter. But socks! Socks have been the epitome of knitting for me. The pinnacle. My knitting aspiration. Since first picking up the sticks in earnest last February, my aim was to one day knit a pair of socks. They seemed like such an incredibly difficult endeavor. They looked difficult. The language sounded difficult. And double pointed needles? They were too scary to comprehend. 

I have been slowly working my way up to knitting socks. Ravelry has been charting my progress. Socks are my twentieth knitting project. There have been vests and jackets, cardigans and cushions, kerchiefs and a hot water bottle cozy. There were cables, ribs, lace and the introduction of double pointed needles. And now there will be socks. 

Then perhaps lace socks, cabled socks, stripey socks...

There has also been reading and the discovery of audio books. Crafters in the know need read no further. But, the revelation that is audio books! 'Reading' and knitting at the same time. Two birds, one stone! I have been knitting round and round while listening to the wonderful narration of the equally wonderful 'The Book Thief.' 

So much to knit and read, so little time.

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.