Reader’s Guide for Megha Majumdar’s “A Guardian and a Thief”

Discussion Questions

1. The Weight of Secrets: The novel is steeped in secrets—both those actively hidden and those passively withheld. How do these secrets shape the characters’ actions and relationships? Consider the secrets surrounding Jamini’s past, Priya’s financial situation, and even Bhaskar’s motivations.

2. Class and Privilege: Explore the stark contrasts in class and privilege depicted in the novel. How do these disparities influence the characters’ opportunities, vulnerabilities, and perceptions of the world? Discuss the role of money and social status in shaping their fates.

3. The City as Character: Kolkata is more than just a setting; it’s a vibrant, complex character in its own right. How does the city’s atmosphere, its chaos, and its history contribute to the narrative? What does Kolkata represent to the different characters?

4. Guardianship and Responsibility: The title itself points to themes of guardianship and responsibility. In what ways do the characters act as guardians—or fail to be—for one another? Consider the different forms of guardianship presented in the novel: familial, professional, and even accidental.

5. Moral Ambiguity: Majumdar’s characters are rarely purely good or evil. They operate in shades of gray, making difficult choices with complex consequences. Discuss the moral ambiguities of the characters’ actions. Do you find yourself sympathizing with characters who make questionable decisions?

6. The Power of Storytelling: Stories—both true and fabricated—play a crucial role in the novel. How do the characters use storytelling to shape their identities, manipulate others, or cope with trauma? What does the novel suggest about the power and limitations of narrative?

7. Loss and Grief: Loss and grief are pervasive themes throughout the novel. How do the characters grapple with loss, and how does it affect their relationships and their sense of self? Consider the different forms of loss depicted: loss of loved ones, loss of innocence, and loss of security.

8. The Role of Women: Examine the portrayal of women in the novel. What challenges do they face, and how do they navigate a society that often limits their agency? Discuss the complexities of Jamini and Priya’s characters, and their respective struggles.

9. Fate vs. Free Will: To what extent do the characters’ lives feel predetermined, and to what extent do they have agency over their own destinies? Discuss the role of fate, chance, and individual choices in shaping the narrative.

10. The Ending: The novel concludes with a sense of ambiguity and unresolved questions. What is your interpretation of the ending? What does it suggest about the characters’ futures and the enduring power of the past?

Further Exploration

• Kolkata’s History: Research the history of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and its social and political landscape. How does understanding the city’s past enrich your reading of the novel?
• Indian Literature: Explore other works of contemporary Indian literature that address similar themes of class, identity, and social change.
• The Author’s Style: Discuss Majumdar’s distinctive writing style, characterized by its fragmented narrative, vivid imagery, and psychological depth.

Suggested Reading

• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
• A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
• The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga