The Palace Thief: Stories

ISBN: 0812976177

Author: Canin, Ethan

Condition: New

Extraordinary for its craft and emotional effect . . . [Ethan Canin is] a writer of enormous talent and charm.-The Washington PostCharacter is destiny, wrote Heraclitus-and in this collection of four unforgettable stories, we meet people struggling to understand themselves and the unexpected turns their lives have taken. In Accountant, a quintessential company man becomes obsessed with the phenomenal success of a reckless childhood friend. Batorsag and Szerelem tells the story of a boys fascination with the mysterious life and invented language of his brother, a math prodigy. In City of Broken Hearts, a divorced father tries to fathom the patterns of modern relationships. And in The Palace Thief, a history teacher at an exclusive boarding school reflects on the vicissitudes of a lifetime connection with a student scoundrel. A remarkable achievement by one of Americas finest writers, this brilliant volume reveals the moments of insight that illuminate everyday lives.Captivating . . . a heartening tribute to the form . . . an exquisite performance.-The Boston Sunday GlobeA model of wit, wisdom, and empathy. Chekhov would have appreciated its frank renderings and quirky ironies.-Chicago Tribune