To say the novel “The Soul Thief” by Charles Baxter is a psychological thriller is like saying Robert Frost wrote poems: Both statements are true but fail to illustrate the impact of the authors’ work. Charles Baxter uses a unique style of involving the reader in his writing—a style that bleeds throughout “The Soul Thief”. The novel takes its readers on a rollercoaster ride through the mind of Nathaniel, a college student who struggles with love, lust, and more importantly, a seemingly-obsessive new friend whom Nathaniel believes is attempting to steal his identity.

The story begins in the 70’s in Buffalo, New York, where Nathaniel meets Theresa (his physical attraction), for the first time and they walk to a party together. At the party, they meet Coolberg—a well-spoken, almost annoying character—and right off the bat, the author displays a strange feeling towards him. Coolberg speaks in highly intelligent vernacular throughout the novel; a characteristic that bothers Nathaniel from the start. After the three interact with each other (and some alcohol) at the party, Nathaniel drives the two home.

The novel then introduces Jamie, Nathanial’s soon-to-be love interest. She is a lesbian (a perfect impediment for our main character) that works at the same soup kitchen as he. Throughout the novel, Nathaniel splits his time with Theresa and Jamie; slowly growing further from Theresa and closer to Jamie, who, at first repels his feelings and eventually begins to feel the same. All the while, the novel centers on Coolberg’s obsession with Nathaniel and his constant (desperate) need to be around him. Coolberg then, in an attempt to get closer to Nathaniel, forms a bond with Theresa and persuades her to steal things from Nathaniel’s apartment (clothes, books, pictures). At this point, our main character’s life takes a downward spiral.

“The Soul Thief” is written in four parts and forty-six chapters; some of which stretch to twenty pages, some only one page. The novel is quite a well-written story and I loved Charles Baxter’s way of telling it. Part one of the story, which lasts for half the book, is told in the third-person tense and it ends with Nathaniel having a mental breakdown. Part two then switches to the first-person tense, through narration of a character who we later find out is Nathaniel, years after the breakdown. This tense remains throughout the rest of the novel.

Charles Baxter’s style is one of balance—he uses copious amounts of articulate detail as well as highly-relatable wit that engages the reader. Through his innate tendency to describe scenes (which sometimes last for pages and are vivid with imagery), Baxter inserts bits of humor and sarcasm. His style informs the reader and places the images in their head, yet keeps them connected with relatable, situational commentary.

I enjoyed “The Soul Thief” for many reasons; the most memorable being Charles Baxter’s ability to enter the mind of his main character. By thrusting the reader into his thoughts; insecurities, anxieties, and pleasures, Baxter involves the reader in a masterful way and makes turning the page effortless. I look forward to reading more of Charles Baxter’s work, and I truly believe that he stands as an important figure in creative writing.