Palace Thief (Canin)

The Palace Thief: Stories
Ethan Canin, 1994
Random House
224 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780812976175

Summary
"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. (From the publisher.)

The title story, "The Palace Thief" was made into the 2002 film, The Emperor's Club with Kevin Kline.