Al, the protagonist, considers himself an “interloper” with a strict set of rules that have allowed him to occupy numerous vacant properties without detection. He believes he is successful in his endeavors, until a costly mistake threatens to expose his entire operation. This mistake? Breaking his own rule of always working alone. The location from which he recounts his story indicates the severity of the situation.
Al’s journey begins when he partners with three other “interlopers” – Jonny and sisters, Em and Elle – after they are convinced of the need to find the person responsible for their compromised position. They soon realize their situation is more perilous than they initially thought, facing potential danger from various sources, including a menacing figure they call Mr. Bowling Ball. Al, Jonny, Em, and Elle find themselves entangled in a world of financial schemes and international espionage. By the end of their adventure, you may unexpectedly find yourself knowledgeable about offshore trusts.
Jonny, the tech whiz, is constantly connected to his laptop, possesses a wardrobe full of T-shirts with quirky slogans, and has the ability to hide a microphone in the most inconspicuous locations. He is a fan-favorite character. Em and Elle are similar, yet both exhibit a healthy dose of chutzpah.
The story is narrated in a conversational style, with Al’s self-deprecating humor woven throughout the narrative. Al’s humor shines through memorable lines like, ‘The camera is going to ruin my life. I am literally Canon fodder.’ Memorable scenes include Em and Al’s audacious crashing of an ultra-hip boutique opening.
Al initially presents himself as confident, even cocky, and is capable of fabricating elaborate life stories. However, as the story unfolds, we see through his facade and understand that his “interloping” is not merely a lifestyle choice but a symptom of his rootless existence.
Beneath the surface, the story touches on a more serious issue. Al’s situation mirrors that of many young people struggling with homelessness, not necessarily sleeping on the streets, but couch-surfing or living with their parents due to the inability to afford housing. While Al’s couch-surfing is done without the owners’ knowledge, he is careful to leave no trace. The book also sheds light on the existence of “poor doors” and even “poor floors”. This reflects the financial struggles many face when trying to find affordable places to live.
Despite a less outrageous ending than expected, A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering remains an entertaining crime caper and genuinely fun read. It reminds us that even when fortune turns against us, a little bit of kindness can go a long way. The book is a great exploration of breaking and entering with wit, humor, and a dash of social commentary.
