Indian author Megha Majumdar’s latest novel, A Guardian and a Thief, has been shortlisted for the 2025 National Book Award in the Fiction category. Set in a near-future Kolkata grappling with climate change and food insecurity, the novel explores themes of justice, survival, and moral complexity. This recognition follows her debut novel, A Burning, which was longlisted for the National Book Award in 2020.
The National Book Awards, established in 1950, honor the best in American literature across five categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature. The winners will be announced on November 19, 2025, during a ceremony in New York City.
Majumdar’s inclusion in this prestigious list underscores the growing influence of Indian authors in the global literary scene. Her work continues to resonate with readers and critics alike, offering poignant insights into contemporary issues through compelling storytelling.
