In her new novel, ‘A Guardian And A Thief,’ Megha Majumdar explores the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a climate crisis in a near-future Kolkata.
Megha Majumdar’s latest novel, ‘A Guardian And A Thief,’ transports readers to a near-future Kolkata, where the characters grapple with both external climate crises and internal moral dilemmas. The narrative intricately weaves the lives of individuals who oscillate between being guardians and thieves, reflecting the profound struggles of humanity in challenging times.
Majumdar’s work has garnered significant recognition, earning her a spot as a finalist for both the National Book Award for fiction and the Kirkus Prize. Her debut novel, ‘A Burning,’ released in 2020, was a Whiting Award winner and received a longlisting for the National Book Award, setting a high bar for her subsequent works.
Born and raised in Kolkata, Majumdar pursued her education in anthropology at Harvard and Johns Hopkins. Currently residing in New York, she teaches creative writing at Hunter College. The journey of writing ‘A Guardian And A Thief’ spanned six years, during which Majumdar became a mother, a life change that she credits with helping her discover the book’s emotional core.
In an interview with India Currents, Majumdar expressed her excitement and surprise at being recognized for her work. “It feels remarkable that a book set in Kolkata is up for this kind of honor in the US. That feels really moving to me,” she stated.
Reflecting on the pressure of following up her successful debut, Majumdar noted that the attention her first book received was more of a boost than a burden. “It never really felt like pressure or stress to me. If anything, it was the opposite; it was a kind of assurance that I would get to write another book and publish it,” she explained. She emphasized her desire to create a work that was stronger and more complex than her first, aiming for a narrative that would resonate deeply with readers.
Majumdar also discussed the evolution of her writing process. She acknowledged that while her first novel felt intuitive, the experience of writing ‘A Guardian And A Thief’ made her more conscious of her craft. “I felt very aware of how I could improve my craft. How does plot work? How does a narrative move?” she said, highlighting her focus on creating a thought-provoking and engaging story.
When asked about the political dimensions of her writing, Majumdar clarified that her latest novel is not less political but rather engages with different questions. “I think I was paying attention to a question that emerged while thinking about my hometown, Kolkata, and how profoundly it has already been affected by climate change,” she remarked. The novel addresses urgent issues such as class disparities and resource scarcity, asking who gets to escape crises and who does not.
Majumdar believes that fiction serves a broader purpose beyond mere entertainment. “Fiction gives us a place to think about the big questions. What do I care about? What has meaning for me?” she said. She appreciates the diverse forms fiction can take, from contemporary narratives to escapist tales, each offering unique insights and emotional experiences.
A significant theme in ‘A Guardian And A Thief’ is the longing of its characters to leave their imperfect lives in India for a better future in America. Majumdar drew on her own immigration experience, having moved from Kolkata at the age of 19. “There is such a wound that you always carry because you left behind your family, your childhood friends,” she reflected, acknowledging the duality of joy and sorrow that accompanies such a transition.
In discussing her literary influences, Majumdar shared her passion for reading widely across genres. She mentioned recent favorites, including ‘The Way You Want to Be Loved’ by Aruni Kashyap and ‘Loot’ by Tania James. To stay creatively nourished, she engages with various forms of art, from literature to theater, finding inspiration in diverse artistic expressions.
As Majumdar continues to explore the complexities of human experience through her writing, ‘A Guardian And A Thief’ stands as a testament to her growth as an author and her commitment to addressing pressing global issues through the lens of fiction.
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