The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ren cannot remember life outside the Catholic orphanage he has lived in for most of his life. Just like everyone else, he knows he was pushed through the trap door at the gate as a little child. The only thing that truly belongs to him from his past life is a piece of clothing with the letters R E N stitched into the collar. Ren, a thief yet deeply religious, also came to the orphanage without one of his hands; he knows there has to be a story about his missing hand. One day, Benjamin Nab appears at the orphanage claiming Ren as his brother. Ren really wants to believe, and loves to hear stories about his father and mother, but soon realizes that Benjamin’s art of storytelling lacks truth. Benjamin slowly reels Ren into his cons, and along with Benjamin’s associate Tom, takes Ren to the town of North Umbrage, a factory town that just may hold the key to Benjamin’s, and even Ren’s, past.

A truly remarkable book filled with rich storytelling, Tinti chronicles the seedy life of thieves, con artists and grave robbers in nineteenth century United States. Tinti’s novel is rich in characters that are ruthless and cunning and completely unforgettable. Despite his shortcomings, Ren is a very likeable character who has a very good heart underneath his bad deeds. In fact, most of the characters in the novel have a streak of goodness in their hearts, showing that even the toughest deviants can have a soft spot.

Full of adventure and excitement, I feel this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or adventure fiction.

Reviewed by Jessica