The Palace Thief - Softcover

Canin, Ethan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0812976177 ISBN 13: 9780812976175

Publisher: Random House Trade, 2006

Synopsis

"Extraordinary for its craft and emotional effect . . . [Ethan Canin is] a writer of enormous talent and charm."
-The Washington Post

"Character 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 boy's 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 America's 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 Globe

"A model of wit, wisdom, and empathy. Chekhov would have appreciated its frank renderings and quirky ironies."
-Chicago Tribune

About this title

Review

"Marvelous...Each plot is dramatic, its characters highly engaging, the suspense sustained and irresistible...A commanding performance."-"The New York Times
"Extraordinary for its craft and emotional effect...a writer of enormous talent and charm." -"The Washington Post
"These four long stories are not only splendid reading material; they are stunning art, the kind if art that, blessed with an adamant yet unadorned intelligence, capers at the edge of life's deepest mysteries." -"The Dallas Morning News
"Superb."-"Time
"Masterful...[Canin is] a keen and compassionate talent. His writing is cut of whole cloth; it is beautiful and it wears well." --"New York Daily News

Book Description

From the critically acclaimed author of 'America, America' and the new novel out in the UK this August, 'A Doubter's Almanac'

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Trade
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0812976177
• ISBN 13: 9780812976175
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224