A total nobody stops a bank robbery one day, and his life is forever changed. That day, the first card arrives in the mail. A series of playing cards are sent to him, each with a mission attached. Suddenly, this nobody has a purpose, but who’s behind the cards?
I picked this up solely because I had just finished The Book Thief and it had changed my life. I was desperate for more of Zusak’s work, and this was the first other I tried. I did really love it. It has a distinct human flavor, following a regular unassuming guy as he notices other people for the first time. Following where the cards go, he witnesses life up close and gets to help with it. I will say it wasn’t nearly as impactful as The Book Thief, but still a pleasant read. Of Zusak’s novels, because I did later go on to read the rest, this might be my least favorite, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. I still whole heartedly enjoyed it, especially certain stories regarding human nature and the layout of the book consisting of the suits of cards. Initially it reminded me somewhat of Alice in Borderland with the cards, but otherwise pretty dissimilar. A fun read regarding human nature and what one person can do to change the lives of others.