Michael Boone - or Butcher Bones - is an artist out of his prime. Ravaged financially by his recently exed wife and the full-time carer of his disabled brother, he's being kept out of prison by an old fan and living in a pool house. When American art-connoisseur, Marlene, stumbles into his path during a tropical storm, Michael finds his life changed for good.
I read Peter Carey's first novel, Bliss, back at university as a part of an Australian literature course, and, nine books later, Theft: A Love Story is simultaneously in tune with that story and a total deviation. It's certainly funnier at least, with less nasty taboos explored (I mean, there's no incest for one). It's charming, heartbreaking, and stars another down-on-his-luck antihero that seems to have taken over storytelling in the last ten years. The biggest point of difference though is that the voice is split between Michael and his simple brother, Hugh. The latter adds a really compelling dimension to the narrative and to the general tone of the novel, elevating it above other narrative tools.
Three out of five stolen paintings.
Sounds like a lovely read. I don't like books with nasty taboo themes in it. Too disturbing, and when I read I want to escape to a nice place. Wishing you a lovely day!
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