A Thief in the House of Memory

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. A crisp clean first edition (as stated)no markings throughout, not an ex-li b: When Declan Steeple was 10 and his sister was just a baby, his mother, Lindy, disappeared, searching for something better than the dusty family estate with its generations of clutter and memory. Now the Steeples live in a modern split-level down the hill from the Big House, but the mansion is still there, filled with a past that hides secrets. When a local man is found dead in the house, memories of Lindy and her unhappiness living there suddenly become a pressing weight on Dec, compounded by the fact that he and his sister were the ones to discover the body. The teen feels lost and suspicious; his father seems to be hiding something and Dec realizes how much has never been discussed. This is a beautifully written novel, slim and surprising but ultimately satisfying. Declan's vivid memories and conversations with his father and his friend Ezra bring the pain of his abandonment, and the strength of his determination to move on, vividly to life. Declan's other friends, especially the creative and quirky Viv, appear only briefly but have enough character to bring them to life and to illuminate the protagonist. The dreams and memories that haunt Declan sometimes seem almost fantastic, but overall this is a realistic and moving story. Given that it focuses on an internal journey, this rich and rewarding novel will appeal most to thoughtful readers who appreciate a sad and bittersweet read.