Intelligence Squared
Markus Zusak: From The Book Thief to Three Wild Dogs
Jan 31, 2025
Join Markus Zusak, the internationally bestselling author of The Book Thief, as he candidly discusses his new memoir, Three Wild Dogs (and the truth). He shares humorous and poignant stories about his loyal pets, particularly a dog named Frosty, and reflects on the chaos and joys of pet ownership. Hear about his writing routine, influenced by morning walks with his dog, and the balance between creative processes and daily life. Markus also delves into the emotional depth of nonfiction storytelling and how our pets shape our identities.
47:10
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Quick takeaways
- Markus Zusak's memoir, 'Three Wild Dogs,' is a heartfelt exploration of the impact pets have on family dynamics and personal growth.
- The connection between pet ownership and the creative writing process reveals how both pursuits involve embracing uncertainty and vulnerability.
Deep dives
The Journey to Writing 'Three Wild Dogs'
The motivation behind Marcus Zusak's memoir, 'Three Wild Dogs and the Truth,' stems from personal experiences and the urging of loved ones, especially his wife. Following the loss of their first dog, the inspiration to encapsulate his dogs' lives and their impact on his family grew stronger, culminating in a decade-long journey to complete the book. Zusak emphasizes the importance of documenting moments that might otherwise be forgotten, noting that storytelling can serve as a means to preserve cherished memories. This desire for remembrance propelled him through various attempts at writing until the arrival of their third dog reignited his passion to find the right voice for the memoir.
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