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Story perspectives

Climate Crisis Drives Mother to Steal for Survival

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Megha Majumdar’s novel A Guardian and a Thief follows Ma and Boomba in climate-ravaged Kolkata, where Ma faces food shortages.
To support her family, Ma steals food and plans to depart for the United States on climate visas.
The narrative uses a concise style that foregrounds moral stakes over suspense.
It highlights the Indian elite's fears of climate immigration while downplaying Western concerns.

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Story summary

Megha Majumdar’s novel A Guardian and a Thief follows Ma and Boomba in climate-ravaged Kolkata, where Ma faces food shortages.
To support her family, Ma steals food and plans to depart for the United States on climate visas.
The narrative uses a concise style that foregrounds moral stakes over suspense.
It highlights the Indian elite's fears of climate immigration while downplaying Western concerns.