{"product_id":"9780812976175","title":"The Palace Thief","description":"\u003cp\u003e“Extraordinary for its craft and emotional effect . . . [Ethan Canin is] a writer of enormous talent and charm.”\u003cbr\u003e–\u003ci\u003eThe Washington Post\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Character is destiny,” wrote Heraclitus–and in this collection of four unforgettable stories, we meet people struggling to understand themselves and the unexpected turns their lives have taken. In “Accountant,” a quintessential company man becomes obsessed with the phenomenal success of a reckless childhood friend. “Batorsag and Szerelem” tells the story of a boy’s fascination with the mysterious life and invented language of his brother, a math prodigy. In “City of Broken Hearts,” a divorced father tries to fathom the patterns of modern relationships. And in “The Palace Thief,” a history teacher at an exclusive boarding school reflects on the vicissitudes of a lifetime connection with a student scoundrel. A remarkable achievement by one of America’s finest writers, this brilliant volume reveals the moments of insight that illuminate everyday lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Captivating . . . a heartening tribute to the form . . . an exquisite performance.”\u003cbr\u003e–\u003ci\u003eThe Boston Sunday Globe\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A model of wit, wisdom, and empathy. Chekhov would have appreciated its frank renderings and quirky ironies.”\u003cbr\u003e–\u003ci\u003eChicago Tribune\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Random House Publishing Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47015259865328,"sku":"9780812976175","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780812976175_p0.jpg?v=1763749288","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780812976175","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}