Author Megha Majumdar explores the intricate themes of morality and survival in her latest novel, A Guardian and a Thief. Set in a not-so-distant future where the climate crisis has escalated to extreme levels, the story follows two characters facing dire circumstances in the city of Kolkata.
Ma, a mother, grapples with the harsh realities of scarcity as she prepares to flee Kolkata with her toddler to join her husband in America. Meanwhile, Boomba, who has escaped rural India, is attempting to forge a new life amidst the challenges of urban living. The novel portrays both characters as guardians and thieves, navigating a world where basic necessities have become precious commodities.
Majumdar’s previous work, A Burning, received critical acclaim, and her new novel, nominated for the National Book Award, tackles even more pressing issues. The narrative vividly illustrates the impact of climate change, where even shade is a luxury and food becomes a source of moral conflict. The author draws parallels to real-world events, including recent reports of heatwave-related fatalities in India and the added burdens faced by women trying to protect their families.
Over the course of a single week, Ma’s plans are disrupted, and Boomba finds himself at a crossroads as he seeks redemption for past mistakes. Their paths are on a collision course, raising questions about sacrifice, morality, and the human spirit in the face of crisis.
Exploring Humanity in Crisis
During a recent conversation from her home in Brooklyn, Majumdar elaborated on the themes woven throughout her narrative. She reflected on the profound moral dilemmas faced by her characters, particularly the emotional toll of deciding whether to share limited resources or prioritize their own family’s survival.
“Is it an erosion of who you are? Is it an exposure toward who you are? Those are the really murky questions that I was interested in,” she noted, emphasizing the moral struggles inherent in survival situations.
Majumdar also highlighted that her novel does not merely focus on individual tragedies. Instead, she examines the broader implications of global crises such as climate change and economic inequality. “What is free will for a person when they are living in a network which is much bigger than them?” she asked, stressing that the narrative encourages readers to confront the realities of living within systemic constraints.
Character Development and Precision in Writing
When discussing her character development process, Majumdar expressed a desire for authenticity. “I wonder how people will behave when such a crisis is upon us,” she said, recognizing that human nature can manifest both generosity and selfishness under pressure.
Majumdar’s writing style is marked by precision and compression. She aims for each scene to serve a purpose, ensuring that readers engage with every page. “Precision is a kind of beauty in fiction, and that’s the kind of beauty that I’m aiming for,” she stated, acknowledging that her concise writing is both an inclination and a product of careful editing.
The novel also features moments of levity amidst the tension, illustrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, life persists. “I wanted to show that it is a city where so much life is going on. There is still a place for delight and humor,” Majumdar explained, underscoring the resilience of the human spirit.
As a new parent, she found it challenging to write about children enduring suffering and loss. “Conjuring characters is a work of both putting emotional truth into a character and imagining pressure placed upon them,” she shared, revealing her commitment to exploring difficult subjects while maintaining a connection to the emotional truths of her characters.
With A Guardian and a Thief, Majumdar invites readers to reflect on the complexities of morality and survival in a world increasingly affected by climate change. The novel serves as a powerful commentary on the choices individuals must make when faced with dire circumstances, ultimately challenging readers to confront their own values and humanity.
