Theft is my second read from Abdulrazak Gurnah, the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature winner. My first was Paradise, which I enjoyed, especially for its poetic language. I’ve come to learn that Gurnah’s writing is a slow burn. It’s for readers who don’t mind taking their time, knowing that the final pages will tie everything together in a way that makes the journey feel worthwhile.
Theft is no exception to his style. The book is divided into three parts, each taking the story to a new level. In my opinion, the real drama is in the third part, making the slower pace of the earlier sections feel intentional and, ultimately, rewarding. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely.
Before we get into the quotes, here’s a quick guide:
- You can read my Paradise review
- Watch the full Theft review
- And read the full review in The Citizen newspaper
Let’s get into some of my favourite quotes and the thoughts they stirred.
When we’re on the outside, looking at women experiencing abusive relationships, we often wonder why they don’t leave. This quote captures Raya’s internal dialogue as she experiences abuse from her husband:
She wondered, at times, if this was what life was like for most women, if they lived this way, in terror of their men. Why did they not speak? She did not know who she could speak to.
And then there’s this line that stings with its brutal honesty:
Men are like that when they wish to please themselves. They go away and give no thought to the misery they leave to the women
This, for me, is a reminder to women: choose yourself, again and again. We should learn from men. They love themselves. So should you.
He was gone, and it was as if she had known he would be. He was gone, and when he came back, if he came back, she would not be there.
Children are the most intelligent human beings. They notice everything: emotions, silence, tension, even when adults think they’re protecting them from it. They are also the most honest. I hope I never lose that childlike curiosity and the way children see life. Adults could learn a lot from that. That’s why the following quote resonated deeply with me:
Perhaps children understood things in different way, even when it seemed they understood nothing and needed us to explain everything to them.
The following quotes felt so true. Understated reflections, but they carry the weight of experience. Gurnah has a way of capturing life’s truths in such simple, haunting ways.
It is a big thing, isn’t, getting married?
Many things happened. That’s how it is in life. Many things happen.
It must be what living with someone is like, learning to cope with what you did not know about each other.
Sometimes, love is not enough. The following quote captures that truth with painful clarity:
That had been weeks ago now, and love should have healed some of those abrasions, but did not seem to have done so.
The following quote is a painful but important reminder, sometimes the best advice still centres on the man. But hidden in this moment is something powerful: Above all, look after yourself. That’s the part that stays with me.
Doctor Khalid had said it was post-partum depression, and it would pass. Look after yourself and your child, and try to make your husband happy if you can. Above all, look after yourself.
I hope these quotes spark your curiosity. There’s so much in this book about womanhood, trauma, silence, and especially parenthood. Gurnah doesn’t just write about being a parent; he writes about what it means to be a better one. Not just a parent for the sake of it, but a present, thoughtful, intentional one.
Happy reading. Until next time,
Jane 🙂
