Abdulrazak Gurnah: 'Larger prosperity in the world has opened up possibilities but also hostilities'

Published on April 17, 2025. In an exclusive interview for Frontline Conversations, the Tanzanian-British author Abdulrazak Gurnah talks to Aditya Mani Jha about his latest novel Theft, his first book since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2021. He also discusses the themes such as class differences and migration throughout his body of work, why he spoke out against the practice of publishers using glossaries, his support for the anti-Israel BDS movement, among other things. Context: Abdulrazak Gurnah is the author of ten acclaimed novels, including the Booker-shortlisted Paradise (1994), the Booker-longlisted By the Sea (2001), and Afterlives (2020), which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Fiction. A former English professor at the University of Kent and Booker Prize judge in 2016, he lives in Canterbury (UK). Gurnah's latest novel Theft is set in 1990s Zanzibar, where three young people—Badar, an uneducated servant, Karim, and Fauzia—dream of a better future. Badar finds friendship and belonging with Karim, but a false accusation disrupts their bond. As they navigate love and life, betrayal tests their friendship and changes their lives forever. Highlights: Abdulrazak Gurnah on the themes in his latest book Theft Gurnah on the themes across his entire body of work Why Gurnah was one of the first writers in the UK to speak out against use of glossaries Why Gurnah supported the anti-Israeli, pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement The multifaceted changes in post colonial societies People interested in fiction Readers of books set in Africa Readers of fiction with themes of class differences Readers who like novels with migration as a theme Those interested in books by Abdulrazak Gurnah Those who like listening to interviews with Nobel Prize winning authors Perfect for: People interested in fiction Readers of books set in Africa Readers of fiction with themes of class differences Readers who like novels with migration as a theme Those interested in books by Abdulrazak Gurnah Those who like listening to interviews with Nobel Prize winning authors Subscribe and support Frontline Conversations for such insightful and informative documentaries. Credits: Interview: Aditya Mani Jha Editing: Sumiesh S. Producer: Abhinav Chakraborty Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295