This is another one of those books that I can read over and over and never get tired of, even though it’s aimed at twelve year olds. See, I’m not an age-ist, so I’m not ashamed to admit that Cornelia Funke’s “The Thief Lord” is one of my favorite books of all time. I’m also not ashamed to admit that it is one of the treasured seven books to change my life.
The Thief Lord is another adventure book. For someone so stationary, it makes sense for me to enjoy this genre. It was also the first of several books I’ve enjoyed regarding vagabonds and thieves. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but thievery is kind of romantic, in a weird way.
This book was about more than a gang of kids stealing to survive on the streets of Venice, though. It dealt a lot with aging, and the different ways people view it. Some characters went to great, dangerous lengths to reverse their age, and some went in the opposite direction. And it brings up some interesting questions.
If you were given the chance, would you change your age? Would you go back to the “glory days” or fast forward to a more “respected” number?
I don’t think I would do either, because isn’t the point of life the experiences? And every age has its unique experiences. Maybe some ages have more fun than others, but I don’t think that’s a reason to re-live them, or skip past the years you predict won’t be as fun. You need to be able to accept the rewards and consequences from different ages, and understand that each one shapes you in its own way. I hated middle and high school, but I wouldn’t wish to skip over them, because they’re experiences that I had to live through in order to appreciate the good things ahead.
I wouldn’t do either. I don’t want to fast forward to 21 or anything, and I also don’t think I ever want to be this age again. It’s the same reason I wouldn’t want infinite life. I mean, eventually, everyone around you that you care about would be dead, and you’re always afraid to make friends because they’ll die eventually. That would suck. It’s like Doctor Who; he can potentially live indefinitely, but he’s always falling in love with mortal human women. Eventually, they get old and die, leaving him alone yet again. And I think that’s kind of horrible.
Being able to relive or skip ahead in life would be an awfully lonely existence, and I’m kind of done being lonely. I think I’ve had enough for one lifetime.
I loved this book, too. Your review of it is great, the only thing I didn’t like about this book is the ending. It was disappointing. It’s like, here’s this epic book, greatly written…then…a carousel.
I’ll have to re read it this summer, because I remember enjoying it quite a bit and I haven’t read it in a while.
I also agree with you when you say that a book written for a twelve year old changed your life…many books are like that and some of the best i’ve ever read, with the deepest meanings are meant for younger audiences.
You should read The Warrior Heir. It might be something you like 🙂