The celebrated talk show host shines a spotlight on an Indian author’s gripping new novel about justice, identity, and resilience
Oprah Winfrey has unveiled her latest book club selection, and this time, she’s chosen A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar, the acclaimed author of A Burning. The announcement, made on Tuesday through Winfrey’s official social media and Apple Books partnership, marks yet another moment of recognition for Majumdar, whose writing has captivated readers around the world for its raw emotional power and social depth.
A Story Rooted in Courage and Morality
“A Guardian and a Thief” delves into the intertwined lives of two characters — a small-town police officer and a young activist — whose paths collide after a mysterious disappearance in contemporary India. The novel explores themes of power, justice, loyalty, and personal transformation, all set against the backdrop of a changing political and cultural landscape.
Oprah described the book as “a masterful examination of what it means to do the right thing when every choice has a cost.” She added, “Megha’s storytelling is lyrical and fearless. This novel invites us to think deeply about integrity, empathy, and what we owe to one another as human beings.”
A Global Voice with Local Roots
Megha Majumdar, born and raised in Kolkata, India, first gained international fame with her debut novel A Burning (2020), which became a New York Times bestseller and was shortlisted for multiple literary awards, including the National Book Award. Her latest work continues her focus on social realities and moral complexities within modern India, while reaching global readers through its universal questions about truth and courage.
In a statement responding to Oprah’s selection, Majumdar expressed her gratitude:
“To have A Guardian and a Thief chosen by Oprah’s Book Club is a dream come true. This book is very close to my heart — it’s about ordinary people navigating extraordinary moral challenges. I hope readers around the world will see parts of themselves in this story.”
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Why Oprah Chose It
Winfrey’s book club, launched in 1996, remains one of the most influential literary platforms in the world. Over the years, her selections have propelled dozens of authors to international fame — from Toni Morrison and Isabel Wilkerson to Ta-Nehisi Coates and Ann Patchett.
Discussing her choice, Winfrey said that A Guardian and a Thief stood out for its “emotional honesty and deep compassion.” She noted that the story encourages readers to think critically about social responsibility and moral courage in times of uncertainty — a theme that feels especially timely today.
Readers React with Enthusiasm
Within hours of the announcement, social media was buzzing with excitement. Fans of Majumdar celebrated the recognition of South Asian voices in mainstream American literature, while members of Oprah’s Book Club praised the selection for its thought-provoking themes.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote: “Megha Majumdar does it again! This selection will open so many eyes to stories beyond the Western lens.”
With Oprah’s endorsement, A Guardian and a Thief is expected to soar to the top of bestseller lists and spark discussions in book clubs worldwide.