The Thief (Arrow, 2006) is another in the series of Quick Reads. This one is by the well known crime fiction writer, Ruth Rendell. The thief is a fascinating character study of a young woman called Polly. Since this is not a Christian book I was surprised to find Christian truths running through the story. It could have easily been titled, “Beware your sins will find you out.” However the most profound lesson of the book is people’s inability to change their behaviour even when the stakes are high. We need our attitudes and motivations to be changed in our hearts and minds, before we are able to change our outwardly behaviour.
Poor Polly did not understand the need for forgiveness. Despite her determination she was not able to stop herself from taking revenge thus ruining her chances of future happiness. A sad story but one containing deep truths.