"Spence is lost--the brief optimism of his early retirement and bold move from Vancouver to Montréal has devolved to a lonely round of French classes, winter cycling and watering his absent daughter's house plants. Distraction arrives in the form of a casual roommate, a mouse who moves into Spence 's apartment uninvited. Thierry is a petty thief with strong opinions and a foul mouth whose friendship helps Spence come to terms with the complex nature of his Catholic faith and memories of a troubled childhood. Spence and Thierry become partners in crime on a journey that is both moving et amusant, sacred et sacré bleu. An off-beat story about learning French and starting over."--Provided by publisher.