“This story begins on one of those days in midsummer when for the first time of the year you walk barefoot on the grass and you get stung by a bee.” This is what became a sign for the hero that it was time to set out on a search. He is looking for a woman whom he calls a fruit thief. Following her, he, and therefore we, go to Vexen. Having rushed through Paris by train, along rivers and plains, along roadsides, meeting random and non-random people, learning new things, we discover the main character from different sides. Handke knows how to turn any ordinary action - a word, a thought, an observation - into a truly grandiose epic. “The Fruit Thief” is another unique masterpiece of his contemplative genius. The author was awarded the Nobel Prize, and his books are rightfully considered modern classics.