A Good Old Fashioned Adventure Tale

With touches of Robert Louis Stevenson and a hint of Oliver Twist, The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti is an orphan’s adventure into the dark underworld of Colonial New England. Ren is twelve years old and remembers nothing of life before being abandoned at the orphanage at St. Anthony’s. He also can’t remember how he lost his left hand.

Nearing an age where he’s bound for involuntary army service if he isn’t adopted, Ren suddenly finds himself swept away by a man claiming to be his brother. He soon finds that this conniving con man is not his brother, but he may have a connection to where Ren comes from. Meeting all sorts of shady characters along the way, Ren learns to be a grifter himself. But, as the title suggests, he has a hard time letting go of being good.

This is a terrifically bleak adventure full of great characters and unexpected situations. It’s pretty gross too, but that only adds to the story! For anyone who loves a good old fashioned tale of adventure this is a great read!

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Reviewed by Lori M.