The good thief

"The Good Thief" is Dickensian in the names and strangeness of characters, the use of pathetic but still resourceful orphans and the inclusion of the gross and gritty details of being a grave robber. So, if you like Dickens, you are all set.

If you are not particularly a Dickens fan, fear not. The story centers around Ren, a smart, plucky and unfortunate one-handed orphan. Ren strikes the perfect balance of maintaining hope in all situations and yet remaining realistic. He's a great character whose resilience and compassion keep him interesting and lovable.

However, Ren is surrounded by people less hopeful, less resourceful and less compassionate than he. Some of his entourage are also plagued with murderous blackouts, drinking problems and, well, being a dwarf.

The story follows Ren as he leaves his orphanage with a suspicious character and wends his way through illicit - and disgusting - activities, and becomes deeply entangled in the search for his origins and identity.

The setting is stark and cruel New England, where life is desperate and often sad, but it's Ren's discovery of his inner kindness and that of the people he meets that keep the story light enough to enjoy