For third quarter (OMG ITS THRID QUARTER) I chose to read "The Good Theif" by Hannah Tinti. So far the book is to my liking; very vivid description but not overdone. The beginning 10 pages are mostly backround as one might think a book should start. The story begins in an orphanage. The place is run by catholics who own an old but profitable vineyard. The orphanage is classic; dirty and discusting, harsh punishment, and discusting crap for meals. Only boys take their places here. "About every month nurses from the hospital a long ways away come and take the girls" (4). The children get left in terrible ways. They're all, obviously, complete rejects, "the second was left in a bucket by the well, the third was left in a basket by the outhouse" (6). Adopters come once in a while. A man shows up at the orphanage. He sets his elegant horse and leaves the boys in wonder. His face is hidden thus far. The ritual takes place and the boys line up in front of the Saint Anthony statue in the middle of the yard. The man then walks up and down the line of boys and choses his pick.
Already the book has surprised me a number of times. In the book, when twins are born, the second is drowned because it is unlucky. I'm wondering what time period this is exactly because that is pretty cruel punishment for any day even close to now. Also, the main character Ren has only one hand. For being the main character, thats quite the set back. Ren ends up unadopted by the first man who shows up. What of the unadopted boys? "What happens to the ones who stay? They get conscripted into the army. Not an easy life. We do not question the will of god." The man readies to leave, "I do..." Riding off I can't help but wonder what this is foreshadowing. Surely something will happen with that man.
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6 comments:
This was one of the two books I wanted to read, so I may have to borrow it from you when you're finished. This reminds me a lot of Oliver Twist, just the whole orphanage thing. That is a little cruel to drown the other twin, but I think it makes it more interesting to read. So read on Justin!
This story has a lot of surprises and I think that makes it an enjoyable book. The fact that the main character only has one hand brings up some questions. Some of which are how he lost it and if it holds him back. The location or time period this orphanage is in seems to be much different from ours and it will be interesting to see the different perceptions of the characters.
I am reading the same book, and I totally agree with you in that this orphanage is a classic 19th century orphanage, right out of a dickens book. It is also very interesting that in almost every novel that has a main character who is a kid, they either are an orphan or only have one remaining parent. This is a bit annoying because once you start to notice it, almost every book adheres to this formula. I don't know if it is so you can feel sorry for them and extra happy if they succeed, but overall I am sick of it.
I agree with Carolyn's thought that by your description it does sound like Oliver Twist. So far it sounds like the beginning is introducing you to the characters and showing what a hard life they have. Obviously something out of the ordinary is going to happen like in most novels. I hope this book turns out to be a good one.
Your book really does sound like an interesting read. It certainly has a good set-up. It starts out all horrible and depressing, but you pointed out a foreshadowing that something significant is going to happen. Sounds intriguing!
I remember reading the description of this book off the list...and then skipping over it. Now i wish i would have stuck with it! The quotes you chose to use are so vivid and really give a good sense of the conditions of that particular orphanage. Nice job!
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