Dishonesty seems to be a key component of what makes the genre of magical realism so unique. In studying: the novel “The Book Thief” and contrasting it to another work, (which we defined in class was a work of magical realism), 2012 film “Life Of Pi”, A apparent similarity can be found that is: the narrator’s word is not reliable.

The idea that the author may not be as reliable is unsettling as we are not used to it in most literature. From a young age, we develop our ability to practice “suspension of disbelief”. We learn to go into art with a fresh mind and allow ourselves to be immersed in a world different from our own.

By lying to us Zusak helps the reader realise not everything is as it seems.