Megha Majumdar's new novel, "A Guardian and a Thief," explores themes of hope, the complexities of human nature, and urgent questions surrounding climate change and societal collapse. Set in a near-future Kolkata, India, the novel depicts a city ravaged by the effects of climate change, particularly a severe food shortage. In this crisis, two families, each striving to protect their children, find themselves in conflict.
Majumdar's inspiration for the book stemmed from reading about the profound impact of climate change on Kolkata, her hometown. The rising temperatures and increasingly severe storms filled her with sorrow, prompting her to contemplate the lived experiences of individuals in such a crisis. She wondered what hope and love would look like in this new reality.
"A Guardian and a Thief" follows two central characters: Ma, a mother preparing to leave Kolkata with her two-year-old daughter and elderly father to join her husband in Michigan, and Boomba, a young man desperate to provide for his family. Just days before their flight, Ma's purse, containing their treasured immigration documents, is stolen. The story unfolds over a week, interweaving Ma's frantic search for the thief with Boomba's escalating crimes driven by desperation.
The novel delves into the moral complexities faced by individuals in times of crisis. As resources become scarce, people are forced to make difficult choices, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Majumdar explores the idea that hope can manifest in unexpected and even unsettling ways. As one of her characters observes, "Hope wasn't soft or tender. It was mean. It snarled, it fought, it deceived".
Through her characters, Majumdar examines the different facets of identity and how they are shaped by circumstances. One character reflects, "There are two selves who occupy this body. There is who I am to strangers, and there is who I am to the people who saw me grow up". The novel suggests that individuals may act differently under pressure, revealing hidden aspects of their character.
Majumdar employs a polyphonic narrative style, incorporating the perspectives of various characters to create a sense of collective city consciousness. This approach highlights the interconnectedness of individuals and the shared challenges they face. The inclusion of Bengali words and cadences further enhances the authenticity and realism of the story.
"A Guardian and a Thief" is Majumdar's second novel, following her acclaimed debut, "A Burning," which was released in 2020 and was nominated for the National Book Award. Majumdar, who was born and raised in Kolkata, draws upon her personal experiences and observations to create a vivid and thought-provoking portrayal of a city grappling with the harsh realities of climate change. Through her nuanced characters and compelling narrative, she invites readers to contemplate the meaning of hope, the complexities of human relationships, and the urgent questions facing our world.
