We follow three curious characters over the course of different years.
This is a quick and enjoyable read. I fell in love with Gurnah’s writing. Does not pretend to be anything else than it is supposed to.
Also, as a culturally important book, it strikes a good balance between relevant themes, characters and various identities.
Badar was a particularly good addition to the fictional universes.

Theft is the latest novel from the Nobel Laureate, Abdulrazak Gurnah, and his first since he was awarded the Nobel. Therefore expectations are high for this, perhaps too high for me, as following his award I read his back catalogue and fell in love with his writing. Theft contains much of what made his previous works sing - the writing is again exquisite, and his sense of characterisation is spot on. There is much to admire here. Unfortunately that is mostly what I was left with - admiration, but no true sense of having been gripped. I really wanted to love this novel, and it is a very fine novel indeed. Perhaps if it had been a debut or a second novel I may have been less critical and damning whilst reading it and much more positive, but because it is Gurnah and a Nobel Laureate, I have judged more harshly.

If you have loved Gurnah's other novels then you will find things to love here too. If it's your first Gurnah, perhaps start with Paradise or After Lives, but do come to this one as well, because despite the weight of expectations upon it, Theft does stand a chance of stealing your heart too.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

A story told through many of years, following love, hardship and betrayal. We get a close insight into the lives of the characters, watching them grow and become the adults they end up as.

We view their life decisions as the play out, searching within ourselves on what each decision means to ourselves. Each character is vividly brought to life, the most charming of all is Badar. The challenges he faces, makes you sympathetic and root for him from the start.

Gurnah’s story is very much enjoyable, highlighting worldwide themes, in this small space. From the daily life in East Africa, the countries relationship with others, and the compassion we should all share.

3.5/5 stars. I did enjoy, however there felt something missing. The story didn’t pull me in as much as I had hoped.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.