Abdulrazak Gurnah's "Theft" explores East African teen challenges

Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Nobel Prize-winning author, has released a new novel titled "Theft." This is his first work since he won the award in 2021. The story is set in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and it beautifully weaves together the lives of three East African teenagers, exploring their journey into adulthood. The novel begins with the character Karim, who faces challenges in his family life. He has a stepbrother who encourages him to pursue his education. Alongside him is Badar, a younger boy who comes from an orphaned background and is brought into Karim’s wealthy household. Their relationship is complex, fueled by jealousy and suspicion, connected to past family disputes hinted at in the book’s title. As the story unfolds, it follows the boys from their teenage years into adulthood, against the backdrop of historical events from the 1990s to the 2000s. Their experiences of parental neglect bind them together, even as they navigate their different realities. The narrative also includes Fauzia, a schoolgirl dealing with her own family's concerns about her future due to her epilepsy. Gurnah’s storytelling captivates with its quick pacing and rich character development. He explores themes of loss, family, and the impact of history on individual lives. The characters often reveal surprising information, creating tension and keeping readers engaged. The conclusion offers a mix of suspense and emotional resolution, leaving readers contemplating the characters' futures. Overall, "Theft" showcases Gurnah's skill in merging personal and historical narratives, providing readers a profound look at life shaped by the past.