A Guardian and a Thief

A Guardian and a Thief unfolds over one stressful week in a near-future, climate-changed Kolkata. Two families on a collision course—one mother desperate to protect her child and leave for the U.S. is robbed, and a thief, who wants to help his family, spirals as desperation closes in. He steals her purse not knowing her U.S. passports to a new life are in the bag. This becomes both ironic and terrifying as the author describes the panic that ensues. She has zero empathy for the thief and that is part of the moral debate. This Oprah Book Club pick had big themes—climate change, immigration, family, ethics, and morality under pressure. While I was curious and admired the importance of so many relevant topics, the characters felt a little off—and the emotional connection never landed. I turned the pages waiting for it to end. ⭐⭐⭐