Theft

An unusual and moving story set in the art world, and narrated in alternating chapters by the Brothers Boone. Michael ‘Butcher' Boone is the artist, recovering from an acrimonious divorce and prison (for stealing back his paintings from his ex-wife) and attempting to re-establish himself in the artistic community. Hugh Boone, his mildly autistic brother, is a gentle giant, addicted to his chair and having the unfortunate habit of breaking the little fingers of those who seriously annoy him. Acting as caretaker for one of his major collectors, the brothers set up home in northern New South Wales, and here Butcher rescues Marlene Leibowitz from a flood and sets in motion a complex tale of fraud and deception, ranging from Australia to New York and Tokyo.

There are three interlocking and interweaving strands - the artistic fraud and chase, Butcher and Marlene's relationship, and the bond between the brothers. The alternating narrative, giving both brothers' view of the same events, is very clever.

There is much to admire - Peter Carey's depictions of the environments are vivid, Hugh's comments are both moving and funny, and Butcher's inability to cope and sometimes unwilling bond with his brother are engaging. One gets to care about the final outcome. Even the minor characters, such as the art hating detective, are full bodied.

An original and enlightening read - comparable in the autistic element to that brilliant book "The curious incident of the dog in the night-time".

Highly recommended.