By
Cornelia Funke
Cover
illustration by Christian Birmingham
cover image retrieved from
on September 16, 2012
Bibliography
Funke,
Cornelia Caroline, and Oliver Latsch. The Thief
Lord. [Frome, Somerset]: Chicken House, 2002.
ISBN-13: 9780545227704
Summary
Scipio, the title character who has dubbed himself The Thief Lord, uses
his connections to provide a safe haven for runaways in the mystical city of
Venice. Two of those runaways are brothers who are sought by their aunt, with
the intention of adopting the youngest brother. Each of the runaways has an
interest in staying hidden, which is complicated by detective Victor Getz, who
has been retained by Aunt Esther to track down young Bo. An irresistible
proposal to steal a treasured artifact places this motley gang in precarious
situations, where they must use their wits to remain together, and free of
meddlesome adults.
Critical Analysis
Oliver Latsch translates this story, originally written in German by
Cornelia Funke, with fluidity and purpose. Set in Venice, Latsch holds on to
many Italian words and phrases in translating the story. The authentic language
adds depth for the reader, always grounding the story in its setting. The names
of the characters are quite unique, most with an Italian flavor, even if some
of them are not actually Italian names. The focal runaway brothers, Bo and
Prosper, and their compadres Hornet, Riccio, and Mosca adequately relate the
subculture of unwanted, runaway children. Italian locations, titles, and
specialty vocabulary pepper the writing, building a rich connection to this
foreign locale.
Scipio, the Thief Lord himself, comes from a vastly different world, one
of privilege. Initially unaware of Scipio’s real life, the runaways trust him
to be their provider. He leads the runaways to believe that the items he brings
to them to be sold to Redbeard, a merchant of questionable scruples, are the
spoils of his thievery. In fact, the booty is from his own opulent home. As
Scipio’s dishonesty unravels, the contrast between the subcultures of wealth
and poverty are revealed. In the end, all the children band together, ignoring
their differences, to get themselves to a settled state of being.
This is tale of survival on many levels, cognizant of the culture in
which it is set, yet universal in its appeal. I recommend this book to anyone
who is looking for an adventure or who enjoys twists and turns in a story set
in a foreign land. The Thief Lord delivers excitement, cultural authenticity,
and a story of solid moral standards as a guiding factor in living, regardless of
socioeconomic status.
Reviews
Elizabeth Bush (The Bulletin of the Center for
Children's Books, November 2002 (Vol. 56, No. 3))
Orphaned brothers Prosper and Bo have ditched their guardian aunt (who’s
only willing to adopt the charming, younger Bo) and have fled to Venice, where
they come under the dubious protection of a teen who carries off daring thefts
by night and herds a small band of street gamins by day. This comparatively
lightweight (in content, not ounces) romp has its moments, and the social joys
of joining what promises to be a heavily hyped Reading Event may well carry the
day.
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2002 (Vol.
70, No. 15))
The magical city of Venice, with its moonlit waters, maze of canals, and
magnificent palaces, is an excellent setting for the plot twists and turns in
this fantasy/mystery/adventure, all rolled into one spellbinding story. A
bestselling author in Germany, who has reached the US for the first time, Funke
delights readers in the feelings of childhood, what it feels like to be
innocent, afraid, curious, and safe; need friends and love; and want
independence yet also to be cared for.
Claire Rosser (KLIATT Review, September 2002
(Vol. 36, No. 5))
This novel about runaways in Venice, Italy, has been a best seller in
Germany and has won literary prizes there and in Austria and Switzerland. It
isn't really a YA novel, but is instead a sometimes demanding children's book,
filled with adventure and a bit of magic. It's demanding because it's rather
long and filled with details about Venice, which may be hard for many middle
school students. Still, I'm sure there will be students in 5th through 8th
grade who will appreciate the European nature of the story. The vocabulary is
somewhat demanding, with Italian words thrown in for atmosphere, but some YAs
will certainly enjoy this challenge.
Connections
Social Studies:
·
Students will locate Venice on a map or globe.
Learn more about this unique city by visiting the city’s webpage at http://www.comune.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/EN/IDPagina/1
. There students will view city maps, St. Mark’s Square, and images of
gondoliers guiding their vaporettos through the narrow canals of the city. This
site can be viewed in four languages (Italian, English, Romanian, and
Ukrainian) for an interesting vocabulary comparison.
·
Students will create a map of a city of their own
creation, with at least one landform that plays a big part of the city
arrangement, such as the canals of Venice. Map must have important locations
marked, include a map legend, and have a title (original name.)
Science:
·
Students will learn more about the greatest
threat to modern Venice- it is sinking! Visit and discuss information at http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2012/04/the-sinking-city/
·
Students will predict what might happen if the
ocean levels around Venice continue to rise. Students will brainstorm possible
solutions for this dilemma.
·
Students will explore the gates around Venice,
designed to control rising water, at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/venice/ Students will design a diagram that
details how such a barrier system works.
Reading:
·
Students will read other books about or set in
Venice. (see list of suggestions below) Students will write a paragraph
summarizing each book they have read, and a persuasive paragraph convincing readers
of which book was the best.
Olivia Goes to Venice by Ian Falconer
Zoe Sophia’s Scrapbook: an Adventure in
Venice by Claudia
Mauner and Elisa Smalley
Vendela in Venice by Christina Bjork
There’s a Dolphin in the Canal! by John Bemelmans
Marciano
·
Students will create a graphic organizer that
displays similarities and differences between Venice and their own city.
Writing:
·
Students will write a new chapter for The Thief Lord, detailing another
adventure involving at least three of the characters from the book.
·
Students will write a letter to Aunt Esther,
persuading her to adopt both Bo and Prosper.
Other Books by
Cornelia Funke
Novels:
▪
Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost
(1993)
▪
When Santa Fell To Earth (1994)
▪
Ghosthunters and the Gruesome Invincible
Lightning Ghost! (1994)
▪
Ghosthunters and the Totally Moldy Baroness!
(1995)
▪
Dragon Rider (1997)
▪
Igraine the Brave (1998)
▪
Ghosthunters and the Muddy Monster of Doom!
(2001)
▪
Inkheart (2003)
▪
Inkspell (2005)
▪
Inkdeath (2007)
▪
Reckless (2010)
Picture Books:
•
Pirate Girl
(1993)
•
Princess
Pigsty (1997)
•
Princess
Knight, the (2001)
•
Wildest
Brother, the (2004)
Series:
•
Inkheart
Trilogy
•
Ghosthunters
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