The Thief Lord

Funke, Cornelia. 2002. THE THIEF LORD. Trans. Oliver Latsch. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.ISBN 0439404371

*Plot Summary

Prosper and Bo, along with a band of children, seek to make a home for themselves in modern-day Venice. With the help of the mysterious Thief Lord, they solve mysteries and find magic which bring them all closer to happiness.

*Critical Analysis

Cornelia Funke’s BatchelderAward winning novel is full of interesting, distinctive characters. Because each character is portrayed so differently through action, narration, and dialogue; the characters though numerous, do not overwhelm the story. For example, Scipio is a mysterious, larger than life boy whose personality and actions seemed largely defined by his relationship with his father. Hornet is a practical, kind girl who whose past is quite mysterious also. The two main characters, brother Bo and Prosper, are quite different. One is younger and “carefree” and the other is a “tall, serious boy.” Readers will be drawn into the story by the interesting characters who not only contribute to the plot of the novel, but also seem to have stories of their own. Cultural markers among the characters include their names (Ernesto, Riccio, Mosca)and physical descriptions (“Mosca’s skin was beautifully black”).

The plot of THE THIEF LORD is packed with mystery and bits of magic as the children “work” to provide for themselves on the streets on Venice, Italy. Action also moves quickly as detective Victor Getz tracks Bo and Prosper. Additionally, the children become interested in solving a few mysteries of their own. All of this action works together to keep readers interested. Although the plot is quite involved, the resolution is satisfactory and fitting to the rest of the story.

The city of Venice itself acts a large part of the plot. Funke’s effective description of this unique city make it both intriguing and accessible. Much of the mystery – hiding, tracking, traveling – takes place in the alleys of Venice. Also, readers are treated to descriptions of the canals, churches, and homes; “…the whole city was one huge invitation to play hide-and-seek.” The plot and setting include several cultural markers. As the characters move through the Venice, readers learn of actual locations and descriptions of the canals, alleys, and people. The language used by the characters to address and greet one another also adds to the authenticity of the book. Funke also includes a map, small sketches to begin each chapter, and a glossary of Italian terms used in the book.

Themes of THE THIEF LORD include magic, good versus evil, family, and cooperation. Funke’s style of writing combines successfully magic, mystery, and adventure. Her narration is easy to follow yet detailed and rich. She creates a believable setting and characters.

*Response

Having never traveled to Italy, I really enjoyed the experience of reading THE THIEF LORD. Funke does an excellent job of setting the scene and creating interesting characters, so I felt compelled to keep reading. I look forward to recommending this book to students in the library, especially those who may not have seen or heard about the movie. I always love informing students about the movie after they’ve read the book!

*Review Excerpts

“A bestselling author in Germany, who has reached the US for the first time, Funke delights readers in the feelings of childhood, what it feels like to be innocent, afraid, curious, and safe; need friends and love; and want independence yet also to be cared for. Although the core of this tale is heartwarming, the merry-go-round, like Ray Bradbury's carousel in Something Wicked This Way Comes, hints at darkness, leaving its riders and the novel's readers changed forever.”
Kirkus *Starred Review*

“Funke delineates her characters and the changing textures of their relationships with masterful subtlety, as well as sometimes-puckish humor. It's a compelling tale, rich in ingenious twists, with a setting and cast that will linger in readers' memories.”
School Library Journal

“This story is captivating and easy to follow. Though there are many characters and plot twists, it is extremely well written.”
Library Media Connection

*Connections

-Perform research on the city of Venice, Italy and locations mentioned in the novel.
-Create a visual art representation of one of the scenes or settings from the novel. Explain the significance of the action or setting to the plot.
-Write a journal response to the presence of stealing in the novel. Is stealing ever justified? Share responses with the class or small groups.
-Write an additional chapter that follows the actions of one character or set of characters.
-Read another Cornelia Funke novel and compare/contrast the use of magic in that book with the use of magic in THE THIEF LORD. How does magic affect the overall feeling of the book?