Theft is a fascinating novel by Australian-born Booker Prize winning novelist Peter Carey. It's the story of the protagonist, artist Michael (Butcher) Boone, a modern artist with working class roots who rose from the family butcher shop in small-town Australia to the international art world ( although on a downward spiral as the novel begins). The plot revolves around the theft of a piece of art from the home of Michael's neighbor in north NSW. Michael was accused of the theft but along the way (before and after) connects with the mysterious Marlene Lebowitz, who is married to Oliver, the son of Jacque Lebowitz, who happened to have painted the missing painting. Oliver also happens to be the authenticator of Lebowitz's art. An added complication is that Michael is guardian and babysitter to his mentally deficient younger brother, Hugh, who seems to have a kind of autistic condition. The story is narrated alternately by Michael and Hugh, who give rather different insights into the meaning of the plot. The dual narration adds dimension and interest. Although the plot is complex, the focus on the three main characters and their relationship provides an emotional anchor.
For a review of the book from The Guardian, click here: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2006/may/27/hayfestival2006.hayfestival
For a review of the book from The Guardian, click here: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2006/may/27/hayfestival2006.hayfestival
