Review: "A Guardian and a Thief"

By Nilima Sindha, Library Committee

​A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar was a good read. It read almost like a thriller. Set over the course of one week, in the not-too-far-future, the novel is the story of Ma, Mishti and Dadu (Grandpa) who are about to leave climate-ravaged Kolkata, India, for Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Baba (Dad) is a scientist and has secured “climate visas” for his family. Ma’s story intersects ​with that of Boomba’s, who lives in the shelter that Ma manages.

Boomba’s family consists of his parents and his younger brother Robi. Boomba is helping his family move to Kolkata because, despite the food shortage and the stifling heat, the city is still a safer home than their flooded village. Both Ma and Boomba are driven by their love for the children in their care, Mishti and Robi, and are forced by their circumstances to thievery so they can be good guardians. Despite some minor 

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drawbacks, the novel is a masterful illustration of the ferocity of love, morality, survival and hope in the middle of a disaster.

The book was published in October 2025. It was longlisted for the National Book Award and was Oprah’s Book Club pick. I enjoyed the writing style, and I do believe that Majumdar is becoming a stronger writer.

I found this book more engaging than A Burning, her debut.

Neither of Majumdar’s books are in the Coffman library. However, both books are
available in print, digital and audio formats at the Roseville library.