Book Review: Dear Thief, by Samantha Harvey



This is not your usual kind of novel. There is no plot, no theme, no rising action, no climax.  Instead the book is one long letter written by an unnamed woman to her best friend, Butterfly, whom she grew up with and who later betrays her.  They are no longer in contact, and perhaps the letter is never meant to be sent because there is no address to send it.  The letter serves as a catharsis, a device the author uses to revisit her relationship with Butterfly, reflect on the moment of betrayal (a kind of death), and to examine what her life has been like since her friend left to never return.

The writer lacks energy, is frozen in time, and seems quite content to watch life pass her by as she goes through the motions of living.  The tone -- and tone is a central element of this story -- is one of reflection and regret, and it becomes obvious the deeper and deeper we get into the letter that the writer misses her friend and loves her.

The book (letter) is written in beautiful prose and is peppered throughout with delightful insights.  It is a thoughtful read, a read in which the journey is the point rather than the destination.  Read this alone with the lights set low to match the tone.  This is not a book share -- it's too intimate for that.

 This is not a beer book.  The drink of choice is a good wine, perhaps a cabernet sauvignon.  Sip it to savor the flavors while you savor the flavors of every line and every insight in the marvelous book.




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