The Thief Who Couldn't Sleep Summary
Lawrence Block

The Thief Who Couldn't Sleep Summary

A major theme is that of the wanderer, of the hero with the ability to travel through the world and be at home. Allied with this wandering is the idea of freedom. The Irish girl Nora tells Tanner that she has only dreamed of taking the bus to Dublin from the village outside Limerick where she keeps house for her father and brother.

Tanner's mobility attests to his freedom, as does his lack of ties to a humdrum, workaday world. He can go and do as he pleases with few hostages to fortune.

Later, themes of friendship and family seem to emerge with Tanner going on his travels to rescue friends: a virgin sold into white slavery and a woman musician who disappeared on a Far East tour. Tanner's trip to Latvia is originally to bring out his American friend's fiancee, a journey for...

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