Megha Majumdar Says “A Guardian and a Thief” Came from Feelings of ‘Heartbreak’ Over Climate Change

Megha Majumdar’s acclaimed novel, *A Guardian and a Thief*, has garnered significant attention after being selected for Oprah’s Book Club in 2025. The book, which has achieved bestseller status, reflects the author’s personal experiences and observations related to her hometown of Kolkata, particularly the toll of climate change on the region.

During a recent panel discussion at the PEN World Voices Festival on May 1, Majumdar shared insights into the inspirations behind her writing. The event featured a conversation titled “Dystopia Gets Personal” with fellow novelist Laila Lalami and was moderated by Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf. Both authors have set their narratives in the near future, allowing them to explore contemporary issues through a speculative lens.

Majumdar’s book unfurls over a week in the life of a family engulfed in crisis. Their dreams of immigrating to the United States from India come crashing down when their documents are stolen. Central to this narrative is the character of Ma, who embodies the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by those in desperate situations, alongside the character of Boomba, the thief.

Having grown up in Kolkata, Majumdar is intimately familiar with the city’s rich tapestry and the challenges it currently faces. In her reflections, she noted the increasing heat and the forecast of more frequent storms in the area. “It has grown hotter and it is predicted to endure more storms,” she remarked, expressing her sorrow over the potential future of a city she holds dear, where her parents and extended family still reside.

The personal experience of becoming a parent has significantly influenced Majumdar’s writing process. She explained, “I started thinking about the concerns of a mother who was facing a shortage of food in her city.” This perspective adds depth to her character development, making the moral questions surrounding parenthood and survival even more poignant.

In her portrayal of Ma, Majumdar delves into complex ethical dilemmas. The character does not conform to typical notions of nobility or virtue, which allows for a more nuanced exploration of motherhood and moral compromise. “She is a woman who is morally quite murky,” Majumdar asserted, reflecting her desire to create characters that resonate with the complexity of real-life challenges.

The novel raises critical questions about the nature of morality in crisis situations. Majumdar invites readers to contemplate how individuals navigate their moral compass when confronted with choices that extend beyond their family or immediate concerns. “What kind of moral centre do we hold onto and what of our moral self do we surrender?” she asks, prompting a reflection on the responsibilities we owe to others in times of distress.

Majumdar’s approach to fiction is anchored in her desire to break away from oversimplified narratives. “I think that is always the most energising thing for me in fiction, is how can we push past what is simplistic,” she explained. Her ambition to capture the difficult realities of human experiences adds depth to *A Guardian and a Thief*, encouraging readers to engage with the complexities of human nature.

The novel has not only received acclaim from readers but has also earned prestigious accolades, including the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence. Furthermore, it was shortlisted for the National Book Award for Fiction, solidifying Majumdar’s position as a significant voice in contemporary literature. As the author continues to explore pressing societal themes through her work, her contributions resonate with a growing audience seeking meaningful narratives in today’s world.