Answer
"The Thief Lord," Funke's acclaimed debut novel, is a tale of adventure and friendship set in Venice. It chronicles the journey of Prosper, a young boy who flees an oppressive orphanage and finds refuge with a group of street children led by the charismatic Scipio. The novel's thrilling escapade is woven with themes of belonging and freedom that resonated with readers, propelling Funke's rise to literary stardom.