Theft - Abdulrazak Gurnah

In Theft, Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah returns with a deeply affecting novel that examines the intersection of personal trauma and historical injustice. Set against the backdrop of colonial East Africa and the lingering effects of displacement, the story follows an orphaned boy taken in by a mysterious benefactor. As he grows into adulthood, questions of identity, belonging, and betrayal emerge—shaped by the invisible hand of empire and the complex dynamics of survival. Gurnah's prose is understated yet rich, quietly unraveling the hidden costs of colonialism and the emotional theft endured by the marginalized.

Main Themes of the Book

• Colonialism and Its Aftermath: The story reveals how personal lives are shaped by broader historical forces, especially the residue of empire.
• Displacement and Exile: Central characters grapple with feelings of uprootedness and the desire for home and meaning.
• Power and Silence: The novel meditates on how those in power shape narratives, leaving others voiceless.
• Family and Betrayal: Intimate bonds are tested by survival instincts, moral compromise, and external pressures.

Why you should read this manga 

• Written by Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah, a master of postcolonial literature.
• Explores relevant issues such as migration, inequality, and cultural memory.
• A compelling narrative that balances emotional depth with historical insight.
• Ideal for readers who appreciate literary fiction grounded in truth and nuance.
• A timely reminder of the lingering legacies of exploitation and resilience.

Theft is a quiet yet searing exploration of lives interrupted by history. Through evocative storytelling and nuanced characters, Abdulrazak Gurnah invites readers into a world where personal and political theft intersect—leaving behind a haunting echo. This novel is essential reading for those drawn to human stories shaped by injustice, longing, and the unrelenting quest for belonging.