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The Palace Thief

by Ethan Canin

3.84 · rating details · 618 ratings · 67 reviews

“Extraordinary for its craft and emotional effect . . . [Ethan Canin is] a writer of enormous talent and charm.”
–The Washington Post

“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 be...more

Paperback, 224 pages

Published August 8th 2006 by Random House Trade Paperbacks

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May 27, 2008

Mike rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: education, character-education, fiction

Mr. William Hundert, the protagonist and narrator of Ethan Canin’s novella “The Palace Thief,” is a classics teacher almost as obsessed with issues of character and the character development of his students as he is with the history of ancient Greece and Rome. As a scholar of classical antiquity, Hundert must certainly be familiar with the etymological derivation of the word “character” from its Greek origin as “engraved mark.” (”character.” Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian...moreMr. William Hundert, the protagonist and narrator of Ethan Canin’s novella “The Palace Thief,” is a classics teacher almost as obsessed with issues of character and the character development of his students as he is with the history of ancient Greece and Rome. As a scholar of classical antiquity, Hundert must certainly be familiar with the etymological derivation of the word “character” from its Greek origin as “engraved mark.” (”character.” Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 13 Jan. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/character>.) As the word has evolved into English, it is often also associated with the notion of a “distinctive mark or imprint on a person’s soul.”

Whether consciously or not, Mr. Hundert seems determined to leave his own distinctive mark on his students. Describing his vocation at St. Benedict’s, for instance, he explains that “I gave service there to the minds of three generations of boys and always left upon them, if I was successful, the delicate imprint of their culture” (p. 155, emphasis added). In a pivotal exchange with Sedgewick Bell’s father, the senator, Hundert states his goal even more explicitly: “It’s my job, sir, to mold your son’s character” (p. 163). As the dedicated teacher declares in the story’s movie version: “However much we stumble, it is a teacher’s burden always to hope that, with learning, a boy’s character might be changed, and so the destiny of a man.”

For Hundert, the stakes involved in his character-molding efforts are extremely high. As an avowed disciple of Heraclitus, Hundert clearly agrees with the Greek philosopher that a “man’s character is his fate”—or destiny (p. 193). Sadly for Mr. Hundert, however, Senator Bell disagrees that Sedgwick’s teacher’s responsibility transcends strictly academic training. “I’m sorry, young man,” he condescends to Hundert, “but you will not mold him. I will mold him. You will merely teach him” (pp. 163-164). In the movie version of Ethan Canin’s novella, the senator continues: “Teach him his times tables. Teach him that the world is round. But (only) I will mold his character.”

In both The Emperor’s Club (movie) and the story on which it is based, Hundert’s efforts to shape young Sedgewick’s character—and thus his fate or destiny—all come to naught. Whether due to his father’s poor example or pernicious influence on his son—or something engraved on his nature from birth, what Hundert describes as “the corruption in [Sedgewick’s] character” (p. 195) dooms his teacher’s most conscientious efforts to alter his wayward student’s fate. As a result, Hundert finally concludes that he has “failed” Sedgewick by not succeeding in reshaping his character via their interactions both in high school and thereafter.

Perhaps Mr. Hundert draws some ironic consolation from the conceit that he has failed to reshape Sedgewick Bell’s personal character. But I believe he also overestimates the influence his character-building tutelage might have on students like his. (Hundert’s presumption that he might alter “a boy’s character…, and so the destiny of a man,” in other words, smacks of the mortal flaw of hubris!) All of our life’s experiences influence the person we become and the kind of character we develop. Our parents naturally have an enormous impact on this process—as do our teachers, coaches, religious mentors, other role models, etc. But aren’t we also just as responsible and accountable ourselves for our own character development as are the external influences on each of us?

According to one important excerpt from her famous Diary, Anne Frank emphasizes a similar point: “How true Daddy’s words were when he said: ‘All children must look after their own upbringing.’ Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” (sic) I wonder what Mr. Hundert might think of Anne Frank’s observation. I wonder whether he could draw any solace from how it would apply to his sense of profound disillusionment over the fate of his former student, Sedgewick Bell.(less)

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Apr 15, 2008

Steven rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: short-stories

“City of Broken Hearts” humbled me. Interestingly it was the only one of the four not to have been previously published. I didn’t quite believe the characterization of the son, but it was so well done that I accepted it. The characterization of the father, and the description of his life, is just brilliantly done. I loved the tussle in the parking lot with his ex-wife’s lover. “The Accountant” and “The Palace Thief” both reminded me of the kind of stories that Stefan Zweig wrote: interesting rea...more

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Jan 27, 2012

Roger DeBlanck rated it

· review of another edition

Whereas it might take several pages or more for a writer to hook an audience, with Canin’s work it’s the first sentence that indelibly pulls readers in and keeps them engrossed. Ethan Canin’s background in medicine allows for serious and fascinating exploration into the psychology and complexity of human character. His knowledge is vast about many fields of study. The combination of his erudition with that of his illuminating prose makes for a writer to cherish. In The Palace Thief, his immense ...more

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May 01, 2011

Jessica rated it

The Palace Thief is a collection of four stories, each almost exactly 50 pages in length, and each centering on a male protagonist looking somewhat wide-eyed at the world, largely unawares that those around them are laughing gently behind their backs. In one story, an aging accountant wonders how, of all possibilities open to him, he'd ended up with the life he'd lived; in another, a young boy puzzles over a cryptic older brother; in the next, a divorced man's son tries to help him find happines...more

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Sep 02, 2010

John rated it

Short stories are generally not my favorite. Raymond Carver aside, I usually avoid them. This book, however, had me captivated. Canin writes just four stories here, and while they run the risk of being overlong, he wraps them up at just the right moment.

If you only have time for one, read the first, "The Accountant." The narrator is delightfully neurotic. One of the story's themes, crudely put, is "Keeping up with the Joneses." In other words, the narrator ...more

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Aug 01, 2010

Jen rated it

Revisited, I gave considerable attention to the first story titled “Accountant.” A piece that masterfully plays with structure and narration. This story, told from a first person perspective, follows Abba Roth, a forty-nine-year old accountant with a wife and three children.

The story moves back in time, for seventeen pages, to reveal Abba’s formative years with a close friend and schoolmate, Eugene Peters, who Abba perceives as a kind of rival. Abba goes on to college, to become...more

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Aug 11, 2011

Mark Stevens rated it

I have rarely felt that I was being pulled, inexorably and respectfully, into a story. It's magic when it happens and Canin manages the feat in all four stories here. They are each memorable in their own way. The reading experience is exquisite. Canin's stories are so bold and so clear that you have the feeling that you are being told just the right details and key moments in a life. No strokes are wasted. In each of these stories, there is that "gulp" moment. In "Accountant,"...moreI have rarely felt that I was being pulled, inexorably and respectfully, into a story. It's magic when it happens and Canin manages the feat in all four stories here. They are each memorable in their own way. The reading experience is exquisite. Canin's stories are so bold and so clear that you have the feeling that you are being told just the right details and key moments in a life. No strokes are wasted. In each of these stories, there is that "gulp" moment. In "Accountant," I suppose I should have seen it coming. The opening line is killer: "I am an accountant, that calling of exactitude and scruple, and my crime was small." The way Canin works with time in "Accountant" is brilliant, showing us how childhood buddies drift apart and then come back together with powerful consequences. When the "gulp" moment comes, Canin draws it out with delicious power and we squirm and fidget and sweat. In "Batorsag and Szerelem," I found Canin's dialogue and rhythms perfect, especially using the made-up language and words among young teenagers who live very much in their own world of secrets and knowledge. "The City of Broken Hearts" got to me in part because I've lived in Boston and I'm a Red Sox fan and this story starts with a reference to Carl Yazstremski, who "was still making his name in the majors, a bird-legged lefty with a funny swing." The father-son strains here are captured perfectly--and then twisted around. As he does in "Batorsag..." Canin also plays with changing generations, new lifestyles, new ways of thinking about sexuality and relationships. The way Canin paces the revelations in "The City of Broken Hearts" are brilliant. And, finally, "The Palace Thief." Again, Canin arcs a story over decades but doesn't waste our time. I love a good story set in the stuffy, arrogant halls of academe and this is as good as it gets. It's a bit preposterous but deliciously enjoyable, too. The narrator believes "this is a story without surprises." Hardly. "The Palace Thief" is a wonderful tale about conviction, standards, privilege, morals and politics. The situations are terrific but I'd recommend Canin for his style as much as anything else--a great combination of casual story-telling and forceful, highly-charged moments that become key emblems of these lives. (less)

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Apr 05, 2010

Powerock rated it

The book consists of four longer stories. I have read three of them and find myself holding my breath as I anticipate the endings -- which cannot always be anticipated. I classify these as true lit -- which I cannot really define.

Interesting point: the author, at time of publishing, was doing his medical residency. Another multi-talented author.

Justg read the last story - The Palace Thief. It is the best I have read all year based on the fact that there are so many th...more

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Dec 16, 2008

Sarah rated it

This guy looked like a schmarmy doctor from his press photo, and according to his bio, that's exactly what he is. So I was expecting dicky doctor arrogant prose, and was pleasantly surprised. I like the stories -- and there aren't very many of them, they're long -- for their brooding quality. I was reminded though, when I lent out this book to my coworker Ted, that many people do not appreciate books where absolutely nothing active happens, dark and brooding and pretty or not. Ted's response was...more

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Sep 09, 2011

Katie Pesznecker rated it

· review of another edition

I especially enjoyed "City of Broken Hearts." Bleak, empathetic, modern.

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Nov 19, 2011

LK Hunsaker rated it

I absolutely loved America, America and so had to pick this up when I found it. It's a nice read, with much to consider, and realistic characters and plots. Realistic plots, for the most part, that is. There was one I had a little trouble buying, since it seemed to pull in the "shock value" technique that threw the story and made me rather unsympathetic to the character, which then made the end less important.

My favorite line: "It is a largely unexplored element of history, of cou

...more

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May 09, 2010

Christina rated it

· review of another edition

What a wonderful collection of 4 short stories! I read them all in one day. There is a similar thread through all the stories as they are all told through the eyes of someone living a highly routine/disciplined/doing what's expected of you life while there is another character who they are observing who is living a much more care free existence and that contrast fascinates & confounds the main character. The settings and circumstances and ages of the two are different in each, but the exploratio...more

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Jan 07, 2010

Linda Hart rated it

This novella has 2 main characters (aclassical Greek professor, and a bright, popular student) who are pitted against each other. One is concerned with the nature of leading an examined life and the other is concerned with the quickest way to worldly success. The compromising of ethical principles is a theme in the story, i.e. "romantic" politics vs. "real" politics. The reader learns that Values = Actions; The end depends upon the beginning. This would be a great book to ...more

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Jun 21, 2010

Nicholas Armstrong rated it

I didn't like this collection nearly as much as the other I read, although Batorsag and Szerelem might be the best story of either book.

I find with this book more than the other that Canin was still working his way around a story. I'll admit that some of the tendencies are still there, and he probably still writes in much the same way, but the sheer volume of exposition in these stories was staggering. I'm okay with exposition in doses, or in a stylistic approach, but it was the fact...more

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Nov 25, 2010

James rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, kurzgeschichte

Having recently read Ethan Canin's recent novel America America, I decided to turn to some of the short stories on which his literary fame is based. I was not disappointed with the collection entitled The Palace Thief. The stories each are beautifully written and tightly constructed. I was especially impressed with the title story, a miniature about the academic life of a history teacher, reminiscent of James Hilton's "Mr. Chips" or perhaps even closer to the world of R. F. Delderfield...more

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Sep 16, 2009

bookczuk rated it

Shelves: stanford-book-salon

I will say from the start that I am not a huge short story fan. I read this as part of a book salon I am involved with on line. I think I prefer a more expanded version of writing, where I can live with a character for a bit longer, where things are not so abrupt. I've never exactly been able to nail down why I am not fond of short stories or novellas, but that is certainly part of it.

The characters in all of these stories were well enough developed that I was able to get a sense of...more

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May 14, 2009

Len rated it

When I first read Ethan Canin's new novel America America I was blown away by his style and eloquence. The novel is exactly my kind of read, and even had a journalist protagonist. Now I've read another of his novels and loved it, and finally this incredible collection of four stories.

The Palace Thief officially places Ethan Canin on my short list of favorite authors. He is so very reminiscent of some of my other favorites like John Updike, Richard Russo, and Richard Ford. The four st...more

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Jun 14, 2011

Mark Hiser rated it

My taste in literature moves toward novels rather than short stories. Be that as it may, this book of long short stoies was enjoyable. In fact, I liked all the selections in the book.

Ethan Canin's stories often seem rather quiet, but show how people handle unexpected life events. In fact, none of the stories revels in plot, but all are character-driven. Reading each of the stories I felt as though I came to know the protagonist and his "interior" side.

I recomme...more

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Nov 19, 2009

Hillery rated it

A book of four excellent short stories about 'people struggling to understand themselves and the unexpected turns their lives have taken'. The author captures the voice of each of the four very different protagonists---an accountant, a teenage boy in 1973, a divorced father of a college-age son, and a history teacher at a boarding school. The writing is eloquent and the stories continue to float through my thoughts. I wish each had been its own novel. Highly recommended.

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Apr 23, 2010

Willow rated it

Shelves: shortstories

I liked the last story the best and thank god Canin spared us his love for baseball with the Palace thief. What Canin described in his last story is something, I think, we all go through in life one way or the other. We all are victims and witnesses of iniquity because there are times in our lives when our voices fade over the deafening cries of ignorance. I hope I never forget the last story.

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Oct 30, 2010

Kate rated it

This was a pretty good collection of short stories. I know that "The Palace Thief" is probably the most famous of this collection, and though I did like it, my favorite story was "The City of Broken Hearts." I liked the relationships between everyone and the story was very touching. I'm glad I finally read this book. Plus, Ethan Canin is on the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop staff, and since I go to the University of Iowa and am an English major, the book was all the mo...more

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Aug 06, 2011

Tucker added it

Shelves: finished

Beautifully crafted short stories. Some of the narrative voices made me uncomfortable, as they were intended to. The last story, "The Palace Thief," will probably stick with me the longest. It's about a dishonest, privileged prep school student and his Roman history teacher who doesn't know how to deal with his transgressions.

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Jun 02, 2010

Mary Lou rated it

· review of another edition

Named for the last of the 4 short stories, this couldn’t help but interest me, with one focusing on an accountant & another on a teacher. I have a peripheral understanding of Boston Red Sox fans’ avid support without having the least interest in a play-by-play. Male feelings & behavior are explored.

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Aug 24, 2009

Pamela rated it

This is one of the many titles on my son's suggested book list for summer reading. I decided to read a few from the list myself - this was definitely a favorite. I thoroughly enjoyed the quality of the writing in this collection of 4 stories .. I look forward to reading more of Ethan Canin's work.

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Jun 13, 2009

Tom rated it

Excellent collection of short stories. In my opinion, Mr. Canin ranks with the best short story writers of this generation. I especially liked the eponymous short story, which was made into a movie starring (I think) Kevin Kline.

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May 28, 2009

Adeeti rated it

Four short stories on everyday relationships and life covering emotions from jealousy to the desire to succeed (fear of failure?). Wasn't loving the first two, but enjoyed the last two more. Overall the book was well written with good character development but didn't leave me with a lasting impression. Nevertheless, a good read and I could see how these stories could leave a stronger impact on other readers.

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Dec 29, 2011

Michael Jenkins rated it

· review of another edition

Four fictional stories of life greatest moments, painful pasts and tragedy. The first story- "In accountant"- A man that always played by the rules, becomes obsessed with his childhood friend. "Batorsag and Szerlem"- tells a story about boy`s fascination with rebellion and the mystical life of his brother and the complicated language he uses. "City of Broken Hearts- A divorced father that tries to understand the concept of a typical relationship, while he bonds with his...more

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Apr 12, 2011

Doug rated it

This book was recommended to me years ago, and I'm sure that I have read it at least twice, maybe even three times. In other words, not particularly memorable.

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Feb 09, 2011

Jan rated it

Shelves: own-copy

I finished The Palace Thief: Stories by Ethan Canin which earned a solid 4 stars (if only GR allowed half stars) which would have been a 5 star read had I liked the third story better. Canin's writing is beautiful and the stories are very thought provoking. The short story "The Palace Thief" was the basis for the movie "The Emperor's Club" with Kevin Kline (which I didn't know nor have I seen the movie) and was my favorite of the group.

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Feb 17, 2010

Rindy Beridon rated it

Recommends it for: no one

I tried to like this, but it was a no go even with the first story. So I just put it down and walked away.

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About Ethan Canin

Ethan Canin was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He received early encouragement for his writing from a teacher at his prep school, the bestselling author Danielle Steel. A graduate of Stanford University, he received a master's in fine arts from the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop before shifting gears to enroll in Harvard Medical School. Canin continued to work as a physician as he wrote and publ...more

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