There is no such thing as a perfect novel, but Megha Majumdar’s ‘A Guardian and a Thief’ comes pretty darn close. It is easily among my favourite books of the year so far, with its exquisite prose, its moving story and its invitation to deeper reflection on topics such as the climate crisis, identity and morality. It is a book that I haven’t stopped thinking about since finishing, and I have no doubt it will remain with me long after reading.

At less than 225 pages, it is a relatively short novel, and its plot is simple, yet it is packed with profound and thought-provoking moments, and it is never once predictable. Majumdar’s handling of pace and tension is masterful, too, with action balanced perfectly with reflection, and a taut momentum that constantly pulls the reader forward.

The characters are complex and human, with no one clearly good or bad, right or wrong, but instead a mix, their appearances ever-shifting with the angle of the light. They are relatable in a way that makes one able to root for all or any of them, and no matter what the ending had been, I would have felt that dual sense of inevitability and sorrow that hit me with the final word.

‘A Guardian and a Thief’ is a book that rewards reflection and discussion—perfect for book clubs or readers drawn to accessible literary fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Megha Majumdar and Simon and Schuster UK for the ARC. My review will be posted on Instagram, Amazon UK, Goodreads and The StoryGraph near or on the publication date.