An honest thief

An honest thief is an account written by Fyodor Dostoevsky and first published in 1848.

In this tale Dostoevsky tells the story of Emelyan Ilyich, a man without resources, living on the street, who has a serious problem with alcohol.

The story is told from the perspective of a man who takes Emelyan into his home and listens to his story full of remorse.

Through his confession, Emelyan reveals his inner struggle between his need and his conscience, and although several circumstances occur, it can be seen that Emelyan is a man with a good heart, so a close relationship is established between the two characters.

The story offers a deep and poignant insight into how alcohol can devastate a caring person and destroy his life.

"One morning, just as I was about to set off to my office, Agrafena, my cook, washerwoman and housekeeper, came in to me and, to my surprise, entered into conversation.
She had always been such a silent, simple creature that, except her daily inquiry about dinner, she had not uttered a word for the last six years. I, at least, had heard nothing else from her."